Car-rying on again

'Mmm, new car!'

Just had a call from my local car dealer to remind me about collecting my new car this weekend. AS IF I'D FORGOTTEN!!!

Bit of background info for you: have had a Vauxhall Vectra for last two years (company car from previous job) - never drive one of these!! My Physio puts this metal monstrosity as the main cause of my 2 slipped discs and out of whack pelvis that I suffered from a couple of months ago (thats now starting to reappear again!).

Anyway, new job comes with a very good car allowance. Now, impulsive me wanted a flash, top of the range car. Front contenders were a BMW 3 series or Volvo s60. Sensible me wanted a smaller, cheaper car, more economical and more practical on space. Sensible me won.

So I am collecting my new Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6HDi 16v Exclusive, in Sahara Gold, this Saturday. Looks pretty damn fantastic, plenty of room, plush interior and very good on mileage. Pictures will be displayed as soon as I get it!

'How much????'

Back to the phone call and my reason for spouting all this off - the dealer needs my insurance documentation to register the car. Should arrive tomorrow, so not a problem. Having had company cars for the last 4 years, I didnt realise how expensive premiums are.

Spent a huge amount of time, ringing the usual suspects : Direct Line, Esure, etc. all of which were quoting in the region of £500!!! Lloyds TSB certainly didnt quote me happy - £960!!! In the end, found Elephant - with a premium of £340 - fantastic value and great customer service.

And to top it, Ive just realised that nobody is going to interested in reading this drivel!! I'm going to have to spice it up a bit I think.