... Or how I bought my mechanic a new boat.

My previous blog, imaginatively called "The Dog Van" was all about my efforts to convert a VW transporter into something more comfortable. It became quite inspired by off road / expedition vehicles so obviously these vehicles were at the back of my mind when I was looking for a new car.

But after 5 years in an old knackered van I wanted something a bit more comfortable. So scouring autotrader I found a Freelander for sale. A 3 door 2002 TD4 GS, not bad mileage (around 11700 miles). I set up a viewing the next day (which was Good Friday) and rushed around getting enough money out of cash machines to offer cash.

A small caveat before we get going - I should not buy cars. Or at least, I should not inspect them after working nights and getting just 2 hours sleep.

The viewing - well the old girl looked amazing, clean silver paintwork and plastic bumpers / arches soaking in back to black. Even had tyre dressing which I hate but at least that wears off quickly. Inside was a similar story, a few magic trees hanging which the seller put down to the previous owner having a German Shepherd Dog and apparently it smelled quite badly of dog (more on this later).

Engine was good too, clean (obviously the guy loves a spit and polish) and fluids looked good.

All the electrics seemed to work and it started up like a dream. Sounded good too.

Time for a test drive. The seller drove first, taking it through a few local roads before letting me drive. He forewarned me of an issue with the clutch, its heavy and the bite is low - possibly master cylinder. And sure enough, my left leg got a work out on the way back. But in all other respects it drove really well. He also said how the previous owner had fitted off road tyres to the rear, and they've caused a droning sound. True enough, there was a sound like off road tyres coming from the rear (my previous van had these tyres fitted and it did sound similar).

So standing next to it at the end, I was mulling it over. I wanted it but in my tired state working out the math on master cylinder repairs was proving difficult. It may have worked though as I offered £1500 and he took it (alarm bells should have rung).

So now I was a Freelander owner, and  on the drive back was really nice. So much more comfortable than the van, the silence was deafening and everything felt tight.

After getting it home I started reading more about Freelanders, and discovered a few faults that I really should have found on the inspection. My fault. Still, I've found they are fairly common to Freelanders so fixes are well documented.

The post title refers to years ago when I was ripped off by a garage. The incompetent Muppet couldn't diagnose a blocked radiator and with the money he conned me out of he bought a boat. Fortunately I'm a bit wiser these days and have found a decent garage to tackle the big jobs I can't manage at home.