30th June 25. Freebie

I had been asked to give a price to collect a car personally for the manager of one of my customers sites. He needed a Volvo XC90 collected from Bournemouth area. A car his family had bought as a cheap runaround for a visiting family member.

I decided quickly, this was to be done free of charge for all the work they have given me since I started doing this. So this was a pleasure to help out with.

I was also asked, last minute, as it was month end, I expected it anyway. To deliver a car from Aylesbury to Watford to a retail customer. So I said as soon as I returned with the Volvo I would come and collect the BMW X3 and do it in the evening.

The train means a journey from Aylesbury to London and back out towards Bournemouth. Stopping at Pokesdown station Then a short walk to the customers home.

Aylesbury to Pokesdown station

The heat of the sun just after 10am this morning was incredible. But the walk was enjoyable and taking in the sun is always welcome.

I arrived at the address and the car was a 2009 Model Volvo XC90 with around 160k miles on the clock. In ok condition but old and worn out. Aren't we all?

I drove ok actually..if a little agricultural. No, very agricultural. Making me wonder what the attraction was for these back then?

It was a manual gearbox version and had a heavy clutch. But comfortable all the same.

I drove the 114 miles with very ineffective air conditioning but was pleasant enough with the windows open and it took around 3 hours with a few stops and summer traffic, to get back to Aylesbury.

Bournemouth to Aylesbury

I arrived back in Aylesbury and had a conversation with my wife and daughter who agreed to follow me later when I delivered the BMW to Watford and we could travel home together and maybe get something to eat on the way home.

I collected the BMW, which was ready to go around 4.30pm

I did my appraisal and went home so they could follow.

We found the address, although very difficult due to the house being a new build.

And delivered the car to the very friendly customer and his wife who were delighted to get it so quickly. Little did they know it's the end of the month so the desperation to get it out was the dealers not the customers.

BMW X3 Delivered!

The drive home, my daughter insisted on driving back. Which was ok considering my inability to be a passenger. She had brought my 1996 BMW 318i convertible. So we put the roof down and enjoyed the cross country route home. And decided, even in this baking heat. To stop for fish and chips and take them home. I hadn't eaten this for years.

Not a bad end of the day. Considering I didn't think it would all get done.

Another month finished.