Travelling On

edwink

Hope your day out and the paddle were enjoyable KC.  You picked a lovely day for it.

Edwink x

apple_muncher

How was the paddle? Nearest I'll get is our paddling pool!

Karmacat

Hiya!  The paddle was absolutely briliant, thank you all - long stretches of sand are very rare in this part of the world, so it was extra nice.  Bit of a sinking sand thing going on, it was kind of slimy - I think it was decomposing seaweed, delightfully, made it difficult to stand up.  It was a *really* long day - we explored a new bit of the beach, with an innovative method of arresting erosion, and then we wanted to look for a piece of sunken Mulberry harbour, but we couldn't see it - more research needed.

So shattered after that, and with the heat, all I've been able to do is keep clean, and keep on spraying for the ants - I think that when I spray at the base of the outside wall, they rush inside to try to get away from it, I think that's whats happening.  But I haven't had the energy to empty the cupboard floor out, its just too hot.

Interesting times though - my youngest nephew is getting a new car, as they have a baby on the way (which is great in itself!) and the car is a beauty - Fiesta, 12 years old, I think, only done 33k miles.  Failed its MOT for the sake of a wonky headlight.  I'm talking to my brother tomorrow morning, he's the family petrolhead, and unless he flags up anything nightmarish, I'm getting this one - it will need a service and a valet, and getting it to me will take a while, but the independence would be wonderful.

If anyone has any tips or ideas for newbie car purchasers of a certain age, feel free to post!

Back tomorrow to catch up everywhere.  Nighty night  

rtandon27

Fabulous news on the day out & possible new-to-you car!

Very impressed that you were out and about in the sun! We stayed in the shade and still felt like we were melting!

Our only 'of a certain age' suggestion is to get an annual break-down cover with home start (A A or some such like) - we have found it invaluable both when out and about and at home.

Staffordia

Hi KC, how exciting about the car, it will give you so much independence. I don't know how long it has been since you last drove, but would suggest that you start with short trips and don't over stretch yourself. 

We discussed going to one car when I finished work but in the end I liked the freedom we both had to go out separately.

Cheery_Daff

Ooh, exciting about the car! 

I'd second the AA/RAC recommendation (and home start - I've broken down at home more than anywhere else!) I've been with cheaper providers and for me they've never matched the calm reassurance and complete lack of judgement of AA/RAC. I do know others rate them though. I've just joined the AA after my recent car saga and they now have an app so they can find your exact location when you've broken down (helpful for me even when it's on my own drive! 😂)

You might be able to get a good age-related insurance deal so worth checking the age specific ones as well as the comparison sites, but I'm sure Martin has an article about that. 

Happy adventures!

apple_muncher

I think Autoaid also do homestart now. Martin always recommends them, so worth checking out.

Re driving etc, I'd suggest going out with a friend (preferably one who will keep quiet) and practice reverse parallel parking, reversing in and out of (supermarket) car park spaces. Check how to open the fuel cap. And which fuel it takes! Find the bonnet release thingy.

Driving schools might do refresher lessons?

Will you still get a leccy bike now?

Whatever happens, have loads of fun!!!!

greent

I use rescuemycar - my car is 12 yo in Sept. Have used them once for a burst tyre (clipped a kerb going up a school driveway)- had to wait almost an hour (was early on a warm summer's evening and I was in a safe area with people around so in no way was I a priority) - costs about 35 pa. You do get better service with bigger names, I feel- but you pay a lot more. 

Ooh - Greenflag- a bigger name which is cheaper than the big 2, from memory . Have used them years ago and they were good  

DH has Saga car insce and found their service when making a claim (his fault, too) to be excellent

Suffolk_lass

We use Brittania Rescue, going back to when I was in CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association) and was insured with LV (Frizzell's). I am insured for breakdown for any vehicle I am in (including motorcycle and motorhome) and same for DH. It also specifically covers DH's biggest bike and my car for European breakdown too. Very impressed on the rare occasions we have used it and the contractor garages are always local to where you are

Karmacat

Thank you so much, people!  That's really helpful.  No matter what sort of car I get, I'm going to be getting refresher driving lessons, not just from a friendly wotsit - it's just over 35 years since I passed my test, and I never drove regularly (split up from 2nd fiance just before the test, that was that for a while).  I *so* need lessons!  

Brother was very doubtful about this car - he's an utterly natural driver, 5 lessons age 17 were enough for him to pass his test, but nowadays when he rents cars for long journeys (his little runabout isn't reliable enough) he rents automatic, which I didn't know.  Given my arthritis issues in my feet, that'd be wise for me too, though I'd never thought of it.  Quick summary:
- automatic.
- don't rush into anything.
- it's got to be as easy as possible.
- keep-my-lane beepers.
- hybrid or electric.
- small!  As in, Kia Picanto or similar, not Ford Fiesta.
- talk to several local driving instructors before booking anything.

Apple - if I got a car, I wouldn't have an electric bike as well, no, that's too much.  I can only see me using it 2 or 3 times a week, in any case, and I don't even think I have the energy to use them both, or look after them both.  Which is another point in favour of an easier car.  Disappointing to turn down my nephew's kind offer, but it's not a good car for such a non-driver as me to start out with at my age ...