10th June 25

I missed a day!!

Sorry about that. So on this day the 10th June I was asked to collect a Kia Picanto from Group 1 used cars in Peterborough. So a train from Aylesbury to Marylebone and underground to Kings Cross, via my favourite underground station, Baker Street, got me to a train north to Peterborough. If you choose the right train. You can go non stop and it takes only 47 minutes to Peterborough.

A cheap and quick Uber to the dealer and I arrived at Group 1's used car site, which for some reason are allowed to be run by senior management who don't seem to have control on what is stocked.

Every one of these Group 1 "Assured" sites has one or two cars for sale, chosen only , because the manager fancies having it there. I have seen various marques by the door. But always in a prominent position as they are usually over keen to get them sold . Desperation kicks in.

So, Range Rovers, Range Rover Sports, Various BMW M cars, Maserati Levanti, and even a Quattroporte I saw at one site . But all cars that anyone with any knowledge or just common sense. Would be buying from a main dealer, with main dealer software updates and a main dealer warranty.

All the forums where, let's be honest, full of over ego'd blokes, post BS about the failing of various car makers such as Land Rover, (with common faults too many to mention) BMW (usually 3 series timing chain, or vanos valve issues) or Peugeot, Vauxhall, Citroen (1.2 petrol wet timing belt) Ford 1.0 Ecoboost ( again Wetbelt)

But gentlemen, let's have it right here.

Nearly all of these issues are due to poor maintenance. In the case of the Ford and Stellantis wet belt. The non main dealer servicing and use of incorrect oil. Sorry Land Rover I cannot defend some of your issues. Although I do know software updates were a major issue and non main dealer servicing can cause this.

But even you, (Land Rover) can't defend the 2017-18 2 litre diesel "Ingenium" engine "update" which should have been a proper recall for balance shaft bearing replacement. A nine hour job with the engine out and whole front end of the car off, to do so. An "update" which covered millions of these engines on used and new unregistered vehicles. Would you have bought a new £45,000 Discovery Sport, knowing your dealer had taken the front end off and engine out before you drove it as a new car??

Where was I? Sorry I do have a habit of getting away with myself.

I collected the Kia Picanto which was at the back of the forecourt, did my appraisal and headed south First on the A1 then round the M25 over the Dartford Bridge to the M20 and Maidstone.

The Kia Picanto is a great little car. But try not to be tempted by the automatic. It's probably ok for it's target market. I'm not going to stereotype. But let's just say that the headlining in these cars are usually blue stained from hair colour.

Don't buy one in automatic for your child. The gearbox is dangerously slow at times. Buy them a manual gearbox car and tell them not to be so lazy and pass their manual gearbox driving test instead.

I arrived at Kia Maidstone with the car in good time and found somewhere to park in this overcrowded area, containing several dealerships, where you have BMW , Toyota, Land Rover, Kia VW and Skoda. All vying for the same parking places outside their already packed dealership.

I finished the job and started the walk to Barming Station a good 15 minutes if you're quick, walk.

Barming Station Nr Aylsford Kent

It's a quiet station with no toilets, so plan well.

And the ticket machine is often inoperable. But you can buy on the train ok.

It's a long journey home to Aylesbury, via Victoria station in London and then underground, Victoria line north to Baker Street. Yes , back there again. The the Bakerloo line one stop to Marylebone and the train to Aylesbury.

Job done.

Not a great profitable day but a customer satisfied and in this beautiful weather we are enjoying. What's not to love about travelling by rail and road and getting paid for it.

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