15th January 26. Rain!

I had an awkward but short job today. I was taking a Ford Ranger from my Aylesbury customer for a rear shutter top repair to Eagle 4x4 in Alcester nr Birmingham.

This was a dealership customer issue apparently it was leaking water onto the rear of the truck. Collected at around 9 am and only an hour and a half drive it should have been an easy day. But there was no real nearby station. It looked like the best to get back was Leamington Spa. Which is an expensive Uber. Well for such a short job which won't pay invoice a lot.

I did a very careful appraisal as the truck was full of tools. So I carefully photographed everything to be safe.

Off to Birmingham

Setting off from home it wasn't raining. If course the minute it came time to get my phone to do the appraisal and photo's. It was torrential.

So off I went towards the A41 heading to Bicester and the M40 to Birmingham and off at junction 9 towards Stratford upon Avon.

I arrived at Eagle 4x4 around 11.30am.

Greeted by the staff there but asked why it wasn't there at 8am as booked

I explained that wasn't my remit. I was just leaving it there for a repair.

Eagle 4x4

The man at the desk seemed surprised and thought I was waiting for it.

A few phone calls later and an estimated time of repair I thought I would be ok to wait. The staff there were brilliant and understood the problem.

Guided me to a nearby Greggs for a coffee. So off I went for an hour or so and had a Greggs special drink and bacon bap (local term) for just over three quid.

Can't get a coffee in most places for £3 now.

After heading back I was given the option of leaving the truck or waiting. They estimated around 2.30pm finish time.

A quick call to the dealer and they were delighted for me to wait and bring it back, same day.

They had a waiting area. With TV, pinball machine and drinks. With sofas and plenty of power points to charge the phone.

I obviously waited and was able to charge for both ways.. result!!

When finished. The rain was torrential, making it difficult to do an appraisal as the screen was getting soaked.

I finished and left.

They had replaced the motor on the rear shutter and supplied two new key fobs. Not sure why there was no charge. I imagine it's under warranty.

The drive home was horrendous. The water on the M40 was like a river. The spray was limiting visibility. Even the sat nav screen though it was nightime and went dark.

I arrived home around 5pm . Just in time to drop off the truck and go and collect the car for tomorrow. Which is going to be a special day. A clue in the header photo. Money no object, tomorrow's car is the very car I'd have.

A big thank you to Eagle 4x4 in Alcester. Great service, very helpful and welcoming.

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