The bad stuff tends to begin when a man in oily overalls touches his chin and moves his head slowly from side to side while surveying the damage inflicted when fence post met panel.
It invariably ends when he hands over an estimate which knocks the wind out of your sails more sharply than going through childbirth{hellip} Scientology style.
But, thankfully, modern motoring also brings some good surprises too.
I especially like the surprise news that there was actually no film in the speed camera which I bobbed past at 31mph.
And then there was the really terrible news this week that a fire in a store cupboard had rendered Manchester's parking wardens out of service for the day.
Phoenix-like from the flames rose the prospect of a free day at the kerbside.
Realisation
Another particular favourite of mine is the realisation that I hadn't really lost that rare CD - I'd simply forgotten that I'd placed it in slot six of the shuffler.
And that's sort of similar to the feeling I got when I discovered that Citroen's C3 VTR wasn't quite the ridiculous concept I'd first thought it would be.
But weigh up the facts for yourself and you'll see why I was left wondering.
On the face of it, you have a neat and functional little French runaround which is absolutely perfect for Dorothy and the girls to go about their charitable errands.
But imagine their surprise when they discover that the VTR badge on the side doesn't signify membership of the Volunteer Tea-trolley Runners (closely affiliated to the Cake Makers' Guild and Scarf Knitters' Union), but that the inoffensive little run-around has had its pace-maker replaced with an atomic power-plant.
The VTR tested here is new to the C3 line-up for this year and is driven by the energetic 110bhp 1.6HDi diesel engine which I've previously praised in a number of Peugeots. (A 1.6litre petrol engine is also available.)
It combines frugal fuel efficiency with a turn of pace which might allow Dorothy to finish her good deeds plenty early enough to catch Des Lynam on Countdown. In fact, the only conundrum might be how to pay for a car which is still pretty expensive for a budget buy.
VTR
Completing the sporty new look alongside the VTR badge is a set of 16in Cheetah alloy wheels and a "sports pack" boasting body-coloured wheel arch extensions, side rubbing strips and a two tone front grille. Admittedly, the materials used on the C3 VTR have that familiar bring 'n' buy feel about them.
But as ever, you do benefit from Citroen's quirky, yet fun and funky design - including the digital speedo which Dorothy will remember from the run-arounds of her youth.
The model tested here also has the optional glass roof - affording the feeling of getting even closer to God than a Sunday sermon might provide. There's also a nice, upright driving position and plenty of space for four passengers and any number of fairy cakes.
Trouble is, most of the hundreds and thousands would wind up on the floor of the boot if the VTR was put to its proper purpose.
For while it might have a sit up and beg style, it's actually quite an agile little beast.
Most importantly, by sticking a wheel in each corner - in a classic Mini-style - the engineers behind the C3 created a car which is an entertainingly chuckable piece of kit.
And coupled with the sprightly engine we see here, that makes the C3 VTR a surprisingly fun place to be. Which might just come as a pleasant surprise.
TECH SPEC
Model: Citroen C3 VTR 1.6HDi 110
Price: £13,295
0 to 60mph: 9.5 secs
Top speed: 118mph
Insurance group: 5E
Consumption: 62.8mpg combined
Emmissions: 120g/km
On the stereo: Surprise Surprise, Cilla Black.
