31 LESSONS LEARNT...

My attempt to buy an Abarth failed at the first hurdle, but it wasn't a waste of time; many positives came from that heroic failure. 

Firstly, and most importantly, Lisa is entirely on board with me buying an Abarth. Before yesterday, I was worried she would kick me up and down the M57 if I suddenly turned up with a little beast!

Secondly, I fixed my budget and checked online to see if I would be accepted - it all went through without a hitch, which is good to know. 

Thirdly, I entered all my details and found that my car insurance would be hysterically low, even with Lisa added to the policy and the extra cost of spreading the payments monthly. 

Fourthly, I know the procedure for getting the AA out to do an inspection, the questions to ask and, most importantly, the timescales involved. 

Finally, I learned to trust my gut and not be rushed. Alarm bells were ringing (the seller wanted part payment in cash and got defensive when I mentioned getting the AA in to do the inspection), but the car was perfect, which blinded me slightly. In hindsight, I may have dodged a bullet. 

Anyway, onwards and upwards. Let me fire up Auto Trader again…