(Cars 2… not the film)
There are those for whom the purchase of a new car would be pleasure and delight. I suspect it will surprise no-one, that I am not such a person.
I do not like car sales, or sales persons (and not just for cars).
Everyone has the right to earn a living (except solicitors), but if I could just wander around, in peace, then take a car through the self-checkout…
However, needs must.
I do not go unarmed. I already know what car, what age, what transmission. I have the registration of both models they have in stock. I have my old car, and the entire army of paperwork, I am fully prepared to drive home in a new vehicle, although with little hope it will work out so simply. I am braced, to, speak to people.
It appears I arrive on a day of delivery (“Sorry mate they’ve moved about a ‘undred cars here from the Hilington Branch… just abandon (your car) anywhere you can find a space.”
In the tight maze of vehicles it takes a while to find my two targets, conveniently together. I am pleasantly not approached by, anyone. Let’s call them “Nissan Juke 1 and 2”.
They tick a lot of key boxes; size, economy, transmission, age, price, and they are local.
To be honest, there is very little to choose between these twins, one has a marginally lower mileage, but not enough to really matter. Either would do fine. They pass all external inspection. I can put this off no longer, I will actually need to talk to someone.
I approach “William”, but he is in fact “with” some customers, and suggests “Jamie” who is on the phone, will be free shortly. I can wait.
and wait…and wait…
After 25 minutes, I am done waiting, I don’t really want to do this bit anyway, it doesn’t seem like the cars are going anywhere, plus, there’s two of them. Mildly relieved, but also exasperated, I extricate my old ticking time bomb, and go home. I’ll come back later, maybe Jamie will be off the phone.
Normally my tales end here with another reflection on questionable customer service, however: I didn’t get back later, nor the next day, and in that time, my research continues.
What Car “10 most reliable small cars of ’24”.
This makes interesting reading, although everything on the list is sadly outside my price range (in some cases, at any age of car). But the really interesting information is the bonus special at the end… “and one to avoid!”
They (owners consulted in the survey) did not have one, single, good, thing to say about the Nissan Juke.
Perhaps that’s not a particularly fair or unbiased survey, but it was enough for me to be grateful for Jamie’s 25 minute call.
I bought a SEAT. Not in anyone’s top 10 (maybe dullest small car), but not in any bottom 5
Bullet dodged? I don’t want to tempt fate, but it feels like it.
Next week on IaDL… next, the roof.
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 