I have to report that my little blue Fiat Cinquecento is running faultlessly so far. Indeed, so is the Renault Clio. Both these cars have a less than favourable reputation for longevity and reliability yet buy wisely, look after them and all being well you will avoid sudden problems like failing gearboxes.
I have checked the oil levels and tyre pressures of both the Clio and the Cinquecento and all is well. I keep an eye on the oil and water levels of both these cars for different reasons. The Cinquecento has a reputation for blowing head gaskets and that, combined with the oil covered engine and small leak somewhere, ensures I keep checking the levels. The Clio on the other hand I check simply because I don't like to rely totally on the electronic read outs; besides that, by the time they register a problem it is usually too late and the damage could have been done. Better safe than sorry so the old adage goes.
As you read this I should have collected an 'Alpine White' 1999 Land Rover Discovery Tdi. It's also probably the only time I will take a pair of rubber gloves with me to collect a car. Such is the amount of 'growth' on the steering wheel that it really is for the best. One of the first jobs to do here will be a full inside and out clean.
Before I collect it I will be checking the oil level and topping up as needed. I will also give a check over of the brake fluid level and the air filter for any blockages. Then after connecting the new battery and leaving it for a few minutes I will attempt to start it. With crossed fingers. I have been advised that it is likely the oil pressure/level warning light will stay on for longer than normal while the oil circulates around the engine and gets up to pressure. I am also expecting quite a bit of smoke on start-up and the initial pull away before loading it onto a trailer.
Once I get it back home I will check the water and brake fluid levels again before changing the oil, replacing the air and oil filters and checking the condition of the braking system. Providing nothing major shows up within these further inspections it will then just be a clean and tidy up project. However, I am expecting some trouble along the way, with a car like this that has stood this long it would be foolish for me to think all will go smoothly. But you never know... So far, I know it will need that service, it also needs a headlight replaced (it works but has a crack in the glass), the battery and no doubt a few other little jobs to do.
With the winter months upon us I am also going to let the Clio have a rest. It will also enable me to concentrate on getting the new addition to the fleet up to standard while I can still get around in the cheap and cheerful little Cinquecento.
While on the subject of the diminutive Fiat, I am going to concentrate on seeing just what sort of fuel economy I can squeeze out of this. One of the main reasons we buy cheap, small second cars like these is for the fuel economy and as such it is time I filled the tank up and see just what sort of range it can return.
With the new arrival to the fleet I have not got around to re-booking the NCT for the Fiat so that is also something that will be needing my attention before long and with Christmas just around the corner I might even put that off for a few weeks and just use the winter hack. As it is I will need to get a fresh NCT on that before it can be used and there is going to be quite a bit to do I think. Perhaps I should have invested in a car transporter rather than a Discovery...
It's a shame you cannot avail of discounts for multiple NCT bookings in the same month; that would be most useful and certainly more useful than a discount off hotel accommodation.