OUR NEW CAR ADVENTURE: FROM FIAT TO THE FUTURE

elivering us to work, school, and taking us on holidays, the car is an undeniable cornerstone of modern life. For me, however, this functional role has always been the extent of its purpose. I've often lampooned those who lavish so much affection on these mechanical steel boxes, a habit born from observing our society's over-reliance on these four-wheeled chariots. It's a peculiar phenomenon to see people treat their cars with more devotion than they show to other people.

CAR DREAD & 8-BIT DREAMS

ust recently, a heavy cloud has hung over me, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down with a relentless force. As I mentioned before, the looming prospect of a significant car repair bill has felt like a constant threat. Well, this week that anxiety finally materialised.

THE FIVE-YEAR SHIFT

ive years. Five long years. That's how long we've endured a shift pattern designed not for efficiency, not for our well-being, and certainly not for the people we serve, but for one thing: cost-cutting. Remember the promises? The whispers of change? Well, after half a decade of empty air and hollow rumours, a new rota has finally landed on our desks.

And, as with most things in life, it's a mixed bag.

2412.03 LIGHT AT THE END OF THE BEGINNING

In my previous post I mentioned a few things about the last few months which have been a whirlwind of challenges, testing our resilience as a family. From unexpected family issues to car troubles and a broken television, life seemed to conspire against us.

2404.27 BABIES, CARS AND HOSPITALS

Considering just how much has been going on recently you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking that I had plenty of excuses for posting a blog. Unfortunately all I've had on my plate has been a tad overwhelming. But here we are, or at least here I am.

1810.06 LICENCE TO... DRIVE

Having kids is an ever changing adventure. Every year with every birthday there's something new. On Thursday it was my youngest daughter's 17th birthday.

1808.17 CAR TETRIS

Ultimately the most stressful part of the lead up to any holiday is the packing and preparation before setting off, at least it is for my good lady wife - Morticia. She panics about all aspects of the process, I guess I get it easy but I've always had the attitude that if it's not sorted then don't worry.

1806.29 YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL

Proms are a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, a product of the American influence of TV and films. Prior to 2000 you might be lucky to have a bit of a school disco to mark the end of your school life. I didn't get anything - I remember just walking out of school after my last exam, never to return.

Both my daughters have had the privilege of the prom experience.

1704.06 FUELLING THE ISSUE

There has been a lot said about diesel vehicles in the news lately and how owners are going to be hit by new charges and pollution taxes despite previous governments encouraging people to switch to the fuel citing environmental benefits.

1610.20 TAKING A TRIP

We have been planning a short break for the half term holiday for some time. I've kept tight lipped about it because there has always been a chance that it wouldn't happen but now it's all looking likely. I'm not going to reveal where I'm going just yet since I'm still not wanting to jinx it all.

All will be revealed next week when I'll post all about it. Of course if you can't wait until then my social media feeds will reveal everything 'as it happens'.

It's an early start in the morning so I'm hoping for an early night.

1606.02 NEW TOP GEAR

Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars, and the most widely watched factual television programme in the world. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine programme, but over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous and sometimes controversial style. [source: Wikipedia]

Ok, I admit it. Top Gear used to be a bit of a guilty pleasure. When the controversy ensued and the original trio were no longer going to be presenting I thought it was all done with. But no, the BBC pushed forward with an all new presenting team. Chris Evans was named the new front man with Matt LeBlanc and a number of other journalists assisting. The critics were against the new team before it even started. But they went ahead and made a new series, it aired on Sunday.

So today I decided to watch on iPlayer. I went into this with an open mind not listening to the critics. I wanted to like this, I was worried however.

Source: BBC

So the presenters? I like Chris Evans, I did feel the style was a little forced but this was the first show so I accept he needs to find his level. Matt LeBlanc seemed like fun, he handled the transition from acting to presenting. All in all the ingredients were there but what was wrong? The chemistry just wasn't there. I can't put my finger on it, maybe it'll find it's feet.

Overall the programme felt overlong even though it was the same length as previous episodes, I found myself distracted by anything and everything. I think the word I'm looking for is "boring".

Will I watch again? I may try episode 2 to see if it gets any better.

1602.05 COURTESY CAR

Our car has been back to the dealers today for some recall work to do with the engine management software. They told me when I phoned that it could take over 4 hours. I informed them that I wasn't able to wait that long and the dealership was to far from my house to get there and back easily. "No problem" they said, I could have a loan car. Well, I jumped at this. The opportunity to drive a different car was too much to miss.

I dropped our car in this morning at 9am. I told them that if the car wasn't ready by 12 midday I'd have to collect it the following morning (and keep the courtesy car overnight). That wasn't a problem, and I was presented with a 65 plate Fiat 500 to play with.

Now I've never driven the smaller cousin of our car (Fiat 500L) so this was my chance to compare. I have to say that it didn't feel as cramped as other small cars like the Ford Fiesta (we have some at work), the spec was basic compared with our car (but I guess it was the Base model). I don't think we could manage with a car like this long term but as a city runabout or second car (which I've never been in favour of) it would be ideal.

I got a message when our car was done around midday and went over and switched back. Morticia was disappointed since she wanted a proper go in it (I did let her drive it to her friend's on my way to take it back).

1601.04 NEW CAR

Not strictly true, I'll explain. The last time I bought a car was 0707.26 (July 2007), it was a Citreon Xsara Picasso which is still going strong in the hands of Morticia's father. For the last 4 years (for reasons I'm not going to go into) we have leased our car. For 3 years we had a Nissan Qashqui, which was a wonderful car. A year last December it was time to change. After some deliberation we chose a Fiat 500L which ticked all the boxes.

For reasons again I'm not going to elaborate on the lease was to come to a premature end. As this all came to light over the Christmas period it has been a rush to sort things out. I managed to negotiate to purchase our current vehicle and this morning I completed the transaction.

We now own our Fiat 500L, It's a great car with character, a glass roof, loads of boot space and is nice and economical. I'm happy, relieved and satisfied with how it's all turned out. 

Our new car (taken a year before we owned it)

1007.24 MOT TIME

The most stressful time for any car owner (and I am an owner but not really a driver since Morticia has the car most of the time) is the annual MOT. It's the waiting, the not knowing how much you're gonna have to spend to keep the car on the road for another year. Luckily for me my car passed this morning just wanting a headlight bulb which they fitted for free.