Well, it was too good to be true. Just been to the dealer to see the car and attempt to buy it. Car was lovely, really liked it and having done all the usual checks, I asked if we could go for a drive and then do the deal. Just as he did when I viewed a car in the past at the same place, he was reluctant to let me drive and insisted we went through the paperwork first. I wanted to see the history anyway so agreed. Service book was stamped but gave no indication as to whether coolant or brake fluids had ever been changed. I mentioned writing down the reg number so I could speak with insurance co. and name of former keeper as I'd like to contact them to ask what other work had been done, in the absence of any receipts. That's when things went downhill. fast. His tone changed and I was told that I would not be allowed to contact the previous owner. I suggested that as I was looking to do the deal but would feel happier if I could have a 5 min chat with the last owner, and as doing your 'homework' is advised, I was starting to worry that maybe something was being hidden. I was told that there may be a reason why the last owner may bad mouth the car, or they may not, but frankly its irrelevant and 'too much information, that I didn't need' and that I needed to get this idea out of my head. I argued that it is entirely relevant to me and as I am the buyer, and if there is nothing to hide, then he was not helping things. After several minutes of rather frustrating going back and forth I walked out.
I memorised the last owners name and the area he lived (its not too far from me) and I've tracked his full address down now from google. I'm hugely put off the car but a intrigued to see if the car has a hidden past or not so may still attempt to make contact.
The search continues but it had better hurry as I've sold my BMW and doing the nursery drop off by pushbike with a baby seat on the back is no fun
