Two weeks ago, we contacted them to indicate that we would like to buy a new Fiat Panda from their good selves. A discussion was had about options, and a deposit paid.

Having not heard anything back from them re the registration plate (required to get insurance), we chased them up last Saturday. Their paperwork states that we have to get the insurance cover note to them 24 hours before we can pick the car up, so they can arrange the road tax. At this point, the contract we signed says estimated delivery date of 29th January 13:30. Which is in roughly an hour from now.

Still no registration by Monday  26th – we ring and chase – and by Tuesday morning, we are starting to worry and ring again. The Perry’s salesman starts muttering about a free 7 day insurance from Norwich Union aka Aviva. Warning bells start going off. If I were cynical, I’d think the man is delaying the registration so that we are forced to use this 7-day insurance. I have had a quote from an insurer sitting around for at least a week, just awaiting this registration number. We decline his very kind offer, in no uncertain terms. He then mentions that actually, the 29th is his day off, and could we pick the car up on 31st, so that he gets his commission, otherwise he’d have to come in specially. We decline that offer also, as I will be out all day, and Friday 30th is settled on. We don’t appear to have much choice.

We get the registration number that afternoon (Tues 27th) and I immediately arrange the insurance. It’s now 29th and the cover note has not arrived. I phone the insurer who swears it has been posted yesterday, and they tell me actually the garage do not need the certificate, it can all be done over the phone. Which, for the sake of £35 I may just do, once I have all the documents, if they are even slightly difficult about it all.

We ring the garage. They need the certificate. Hopefully this will arrive tomorrow so that we can collect the car. I wonder what other things will go wrong in the meantime. If there is a black and white bear sitting there waiting for us, instead of a car, I will not be surprised.

I guess they haven’t heard that there’s a recession on, and that they should probably be grateful for custom, rather than fighting us off with a stick.