The demand for our single car is getting daft, and my wife has suggested that, for some reason, she isn’t happy with me buggering off with it to go riding every time the sun comes out and leaving her trapped in the house with a collection of angry cats and children.

Could a six-month van lease ever make financial sense – take it for the warmer months and hand it back with a smile in October? Buying a junker is the other option, but they inevitably blow up just when they’re needed.

Or will I get bent over for some aspect of wear and tear at the end of the term?