I'm fed up with looking at overpriced, overdescribed sheds that are
supposedly really well looked after cars. No, I'm not talking about the
Integrale but due to a few logistical issues I won't be able to pick
that up in time for the Swiss trip.

So it's time to bite the bullet and have another discussion with the
tame mechanic to address some of the issues on the 156. Since the
thermostat was replaced and I've started driving it like La Polizia was
after me, it's actually running rather well. Uses hardly any oil,
drinks petrol like it's Chianti and above that it just seems to work.
Driving another 156 - which unfortunately came right under the heading
above - showed that mine wasn't actually that bad. Brakes could and
should be better, though.

Nevertheless I have a nagging feeling that I should get breakdown cover
for it. Just in case, like.

Isn't it interesting how risk-averse you tend to get when you get
older/more experienced? Ten years ago I wouldn't have wasted a thought
on jumping in it and driving it to Switzerland, this time I'm somewhat
nervous but that's probably because ten years ago I would've made the
trip on my own.

--
'88 Porsche 911 Targa '02 Alfa 156 Sportwagon
'96 Elise S1

On 17 Oct, 21:18, "Timo Geusch" <tnewsSPAMME... (AT) unixconsult (DOT) co.uk>
wrote:

Yes I bloody hate it.

Timo Geusch <tnewsSPAMMENOT (AT) unixconsult (DOT) co.uk> wrote:

Errm, I drive to/through Switzerland several times a year. It's not much
of an adventure, six hours keeping within the legal limit it takes
longer than that to get to Newcastle-on-Tyne for me. The drive through
France is effortless, if a tad expensive. The drive via Belgium/Alsace
is cheaper but a tad tedious.

%steve%@malloc.co.uk (Steve Firth) writes:

Well yes, I know how to get to Switzerland. Having grown up on the
German/Swiss border I've managed to get there before.

My post wasn't entirely context free, but you might have to look at the
'Verdict on the Alfa' post I made a few days before this one to
understand the adventure part. Synopsis: Even a trip to Tescos can turn
into adventure in a suitably crappy car.

--
'88 Porsche 911 Targa '02 Alfa 156 Sportwagon
'96 Elise S1

In article <xn0ggir80nvsq6000 (AT) nermal (DOT) unix-consult.com>,
tnewsSPAMMENOT (AT) unixconsult (DOT) co.uk says...
anything I could see a rough track on, now I actually stop at the top,
look down, think about it, then probably walk it down and to see if
there is anything that might cause me problems.

It hurts as you get older.
--
Carl Robson
Get cashback on your purchases
Topcashback http://www.TopCashBack.co.uk/skraggy_uk/ref/index.htm
Greasypalm http://www.greasypalm.co.uk/r/?l=1006553