After 6 years and 80 000 miles, we've decided to change Vals Fiat 500L.

We got it at 5 years old and paid about £7k, after her Grande Punto had been in s bump.

It has been a brilliant tool, facing up to everyday usage, for shopping, school run, holidays, camping, removals and going to the tip.

It has had its issues, mainly clutch/gearbox and suspension.

The trade in value is not good, so we have given it to our daughter and her family.

We've chosen a brand new Dacia Sandero Stepway on a PCP.
It perfectly fits our lifestyle and being new, we hope that it will bring certainty when planning longer trips.

It's due at Christmas.

The reviews of them are pretty good, so we are hopeful.

It's the first new car that we've had since I retired. That means I have the time to ensure that salt and crud is cleaned off regularly.

Paul

I've been busy lately with derivatives of this car. My daughter has a Ford Ka mk 2 and my father has a Panda. I love the engineering - how they have been so careful to make it easy to service. Replaced a top mount today by undoing about 5 bolts total + 4 wheelnuts. The Ka has had a new gearbox and the clutch was a bit sticky so we've had similar issues. I love the way the Ka drives - light and supple.

We picked up the Stepway yesterday morning and we are really pleased with it.
We chose Fridge Door White, to save £650, and it does look great.

It's the first brand new car for several years and is really tight, compared with the coupe and 500L.

The salesman was really excited to tell us about the little automatic key pad thing. It saves having to use an old fashioned key !!
Sounds like bollocks to me.

We'll find out soon how it faces up to heavy family usage.

Paul

1000 miles in the first three weeks, so we are giving it a rest this week and using the coupe.
Dacia is brilliant, 51mpg and just what we need.
If grandchildren were 15yo rugby players, then it would be a little small, and the materials may not be robust enough.

On the whole, we are over the moon.

Paul

Afrer tomorrow we might be well on the way...

Due to Éowyn or Donald

Fridge door white - more space to stick magnets from Vegas and Torremelinos and your shopping list etc