Husband was all set to buy an old (aka cheap) Ford as we had. We just needed to go for a drive of between 25 and 50 km, depending on which one. Then our neighbour’s car died on the way to the bakery (that’s why we haven’t rented one, we had the use of this one), also, it seems, needing a new motor. So all bets were off. Our b-i-l drove us to a car dealership two towns over, where he had spotted a one year old VW Golf kombi, and we bought the car without actually sitting in it! Now for German bureaucracy: waiting for the promised TÜV (technical inspection, not really necessary but a nice to have from the dealership, it also means: 2 years not having to have it inspected again), insurance, car license, etc. Oh, and of course, payment. We are expecting to have it in about 2 weeks time. Which is fine. We really only needed a car to buy one!!
Three years guarantee, reputable dealer, perfect history (for the first year, it’s only a baby), etc. My husband is confident. I’m just happy that it didn’t take much longer.
My bike mostly does anyway. And husband has busses and trams to get around. But occasionally we want to visit friends north of Frankfurt (with changing trains it takes us at least 2 hours one way) or collect our grandson (at least 2 hours one way).
When I was very small, my mother had to cycle 20 miles each way on an early 1950s bike with me on the back to get me to the childminder before going on to her teaching post. Not recommended!
She had a very tough life. And was the sole earner as my (Polish) father had no work at that point. But being an Early1950s Man, he couldn’t possibly look after me!
pictures imperfect blog 
Oh Elke, that is terrible. Does it cost much to rent cars or are you heading to the car yard all cashed up to drive a bargain
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Husband was all set to buy an old (aka cheap) Ford as we had. We just needed to go for a drive of between 25 and 50 km, depending on which one. Then our neighbour’s car died on the way to the bakery (that’s why we haven’t rented one, we had the use of this one), also, it seems, needing a new motor. So all bets were off. Our b-i-l drove us to a car dealership two towns over, where he had spotted a one year old VW Golf kombi, and we bought the car without actually sitting in it! Now for German bureaucracy: waiting for the promised TÜV (technical inspection, not really necessary but a nice to have from the dealership, it also means: 2 years not having to have it inspected again), insurance, car license, etc. Oh, and of course, payment. We are expecting to have it in about 2 weeks time. Which is fine. We really only needed a car to buy one!!
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That’s good. No test drive? Oh well then, a technical inspection report from the dealer a must or do you have some other sort of guarantee?
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Three years guarantee, reputable dealer, perfect history (for the first year, it’s only a baby), etc. My husband is confident. I’m just happy that it didn’t take much longer.
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I would have been as well. That would still have the manufactures warranty. Some cars here have crazy warranties like up 5 years on some vehicles
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It’s still one year warranty from VW with the option to prolong it for 1, 2 or 3 more years for very reasonable rates.
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What a complicated tale! Bikes rule this coming week then?
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My bike mostly does anyway. And husband has busses and trams to get around. But occasionally we want to visit friends north of Frankfurt (with changing trains it takes us at least 2 hours one way) or collect our grandson (at least 2 hours one way).
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When I was very small, my mother had to cycle 20 miles each way on an early 1950s bike with me on the back to get me to the childminder before going on to her teaching post. Not recommended!
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20 miles … hang on, that’s … 30km and a bit … wow. You’re mother must have been marvellously fit. AND tired in the evening.
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She had a very tough life. And was the sole earner as my (Polish) father had no work at that point. But being an Early1950s Man, he couldn’t possibly look after me!
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Very impressive.
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Oh yes, and if course in those days, female techers earned less than their male couterparts ….
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Of course. 🙄
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