Peter Edney, landlord of the Business Car Manager offices, was rather pleased with himself the other weekend.

Along with his son Simon, he found a really smart red Audi A4, with 1.8-litre engine.

Simon’s previous car fell victim to the recent snowy weather…so a replacement was needed.

After a bit of search they set off for an independent dealer in Northampton. “I couldn’t believe how polite he was,” commented Peter. “He even offered to pay our petrol for going up there if we didn’t buy. Mind you the best bit was when he said my car was worth £18k!”

The Audi they found is bright red – like the R-reg in the picture – but a 1997 model. It’s had two owners. And even the 80,000 mile cambelt change. And in that small world way, has actually lived most of its life just a few miles away.

“The best bit about it all, though,” enthused Peter, “was the dealer phoned up Simon two weeks later to see if the car was going ok!”

Customer service – that’s the way to really do it.

Smart P-reg Audi A4