41 DOUBLE A RATING...

I organised for the AA to inspect the car at the dealership in Dorset.  After a bit of messing around to find out when they would attend, it finally took place this morning.  I received a phone call from a jolly-sounding inspector confirming he had given the car the once-over and would be pinging the report over in the next day or so.  The headline is that the car, for its age, is really good!

He said there are a couple of age-appropriate marks on it but reckons it could be made good for a few hundred quid!  He said the engine pulled really well, and once the cam belt and water pump had been replaced, the car should be good for another 50,000 miles!  He actually said the car was so nice that if I didn’t buy it, he would be seriously interested!  Blimey!

He asked me if it was going to be a daily driver or a fun weekend car.  He said he was so jealous when I told him about the Bust Rallies trip to Monaco! 

He asked if we would be doing the Gotthard Pass, as he and a few mates were planning on doing it on their motorbikes.  I confirmed it was on our list, and he howled with jealousy!  

I asked him outright if he thought the car would make the journey.  Without hesitation, he said yes.  He said that as long as something he couldn’t test doesn’t let go, then the car is ready to go.  What a relief.

I immediately phoned Ed at the dealership, told him I was happy to proceed, and asked what the next steps were.  He said they have ordered the extra work parts and expect them sometime over the next couple of days.  He said it should be ready early next week, but I agreed we would probably collect it a week Friday.

I sent him my details, and he will draw up the contract for the deposit, and then we are good to go.  I’m excited and terrified in equal measure!  Looks like I’ve managed to buy my steed for the great Monte Carlo adventure!!!  <gulp>