In January of this year I began to look around for a replacement for my 1999 SEAT Toledo, which, although still in excellent condition, had 83000 miles on the clock. I must also confess to feeling a little envious at watching Susan drive off each morning in her gorgeous Passat. I had wondered about a Seat, either Leon or Ibiza, but they did not quite fit the bill. I then saw a 2007 VW Jetta TDI at the same dealership where we bought the Passat. The price was acceptable and I took it for a test drive. I did not find the diesel engine entirely to my liking and the colour was a rather uninspiring grey. I therefore reserved judgement on this car and went back to the internet for a further search.
My eye soon alighted on a much more exciting prospect, which was advertised at a Maidstone dealership, only about twenty minutes drive away. This was also a VW Jetta, but petrol-powered and finished in a fantastic Spice Red. I went to see this car and was given a short ride in it, whereupon I said I would discuss this with my wife and probably return the following day. When I told Susan about the car she told me that I should have another look at it and, knowing how blown-away I was by the colour, I should pretend it was a dull grey and see if it was still a good buy!
I phoned the dealership the next morning and was assured that it was still available, so I went back. This time I took a more serious interest and obtained more technical details. It is a 2006 VW Jetta TFSI Sport 2 litre turbo, producing 200 BHP, with DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission. This is the engine which powers the Golf GTI of that year. Peter, the salesman arranged for me to take it for a test drive and after a short introductory ’round-the-houses’ I ventured onto the nearby M20 motorway. Peter warned me that “this is fast” before I opened the throttle. Yes, he was right! We were very soon up to the legal limit of 70 mph and I had to throttle back. I drove back to the dealership and we set about the business of clinching a deal. I asked them to fit cruise control and reversing sensors in return for my paying them the asking price. We shook hands on this deal and I took delivery a few days later.
My son Lee came down two days after and drove off as the new owner of the Toledo. I know it will give him sterling service.
Below are two photographs of my new pride and joy.
