[Gordon Steadman]

There is a definite link between cars and mental health. Some can delight whilst others can drive you much faster round the bend than any car on earth.

We live in a fairly remote village and rely on a car just to eat, the nearest shop is 7 kilometres away and there are only so many rabbits, chickens and eggs that one can stand. We do, at least have plenty of fruit and veg.

However, our grand old Audi Estate finally shuffled off (ABS pump - there comes a point where spending to keep an old heap going is pointless). As we are stuck here, we thought we'd go for one of those nice companies that will deliver and take the car back - no questions asked - if you are not happy with it. They were great during the buying process apart from the fact that the RIB and BIC didn't agree and our bank refused to pay them. Sorted in the end and a nice shiny Peugeot arrived.

We took two short trips. Then off to get the croissants on a sunday morning. Click.....click......click etc. In the old days I would suspect either the starter motor or a flat battery. Charged it up. Started OK. Got and ate croissants. Tried to put the car into the garage........

Contacted the suppliers - after all, apart from the return clause there was also a year's guarantee - take it to one of our approved garages. How?

Get your insurers to arrange it. They will only take it to a local garage quite reasonably. The nearest approved garage is about 100 kilometres away and the insurance guy said he could do it for 400 euros. However, he did manage to jump the car and so we drove the 100 kilometres, being very careful not to stall it. Got to approved garage and it isn't! Hasn't been for some time.

Their showroom is about 15 minutes walk away fortunately and the guy there raised eyebrows to heaven, muttered things about "bloody head office" - in French of course, did the refund on the spot and took the car back. The taxi home cost us 200 euros! We are now buying a Renault Kangoo from a local dealer and a friend is ferrying us around until next weekend when we get the car.

The whole online model is based on numbers and turnover. If we had only looked at Trustpilot beforehand, the percentages were not encouraging.

I've always thought the idea of buying a car without a test drive is wierd but our circumstances rather suggested the possibility. As modern euroboxes are basically white goods now, it didn't seem too much of a risk - ha!

Best not to name the company here I guess but they operate quite widely on the continent. I'm fairly phlegmatic but Ronnie came close to exploding at their 'don't really care, we have your money' attitude. I would advise against it.

I'm looking forward to being mobile again and giving off peace and love vibes to all and sundry.

[Kevan]

Let's hope the Kangoo can go...

[Gordon Steadman]

We are getting the van version with a diesel motor that normally dies at half a million kilometres apparently! Space in the back means we can sell the trailer to recoup a little of the unexpected outlay.

[ARUP]

I enjoyed Lawrence's art and his VWs, too! Being the owner of two of the full scale critters I suppose I can't help myself. His humor is very much appreciated as is his knowledge of the cars.