After experiencing weeks of frustration trying to buy a new car locally, I reluctantly concluded that some car salesmen at various dealers and marques simply do not want to sell cars. Unreturned phone messages, unrealistic prices and deliberate disinformation were all there to be seen. Tentatively, as it was new ground for me, I had a look at drivethedeal's website, as you have long advocated their services in your column. The prices looked attractive and so I placed an order.

The staff were promptly in touch and very much focussed on the job in hand. My first choice of colour was a 20-week wait, well into the increased VAT period, but my second choice was available now and quite acceptable to me, so the order for a Honda Civic was firmed up. A couple of days later, the supplying dealer rang and whilst very professional was most pleasant to deal with, very quick and keen to please. We discussed options and extras in a civilised manner without the usual hard-sell techniques. He provided answers to all the questions I posed including the cost of various delivery options and gave me advice and stationery to transfer my personalised number plate that I plan to transfer to my new car shortly. The car was delivered to my driveway 2 weeks later as arranged and the whole process was stress-free.

The moral to this story for me is that competitive prices do not have to mean poor service. For me, quite the reverse was true.