MJG said:

I take it you never drove a classic Mini......I swear I pushed them more than I drove them......

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First car was a Hillman Imp, pile of faeces, aluminium cylinder head warped so many times it was unbelievable. Easy fix mind you!
That was the only car I had prior to my shed load of Fiats that gave me any real grief. Many VW cars, mainly Mk2 Volkswagen Gti models, and any problem was an easy roadside fix with the aid of my ever expanding toolbox in the boot. Only cars that have ever left me stranded have been my recent Fiats, and an early 127 Palio (pile of excrement).

wellfan said:

First car was a Hillman Imp, pile of faeces, aluminium cylinder head warped so many times it was unbelievable. Easy fix mind you!
That was the only car I had prior to my shed load of Fiats that gave me any real grief. Many VW cars, mainly Mk2 Volkswagen Gti models, and any problem was an easy roadside fix with the aid of my ever expanding toolbox in the boot. Only cars that have ever left me stranded have been my recent Fiats, and an early 127 Palio (pile of excrement).

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The thing is that you are just describing how unreliable old cars were compared to modern cars.

I honestly can't recall the last time I have broken down at the roadside in the last twenty odd years.

It's possible, of course it is but it's much rarer I would wager.

MJG said:

The thing is that you are just describing how unreliable old cars were compared to modern cars.

I honestly can't recall the last time I have broken down at the roadside in the last twenty odd years.

It's possible, of course it is but it's much rarer I would wager.

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I probably have not explained very well what I meant. All of my cars from 30 odd years ago, other then the 127 and Imp, were very reliable. Maybe the odd tweak here and there but they never left me stranded. My last three Fiats have been a nightmare, and left me, and my family stranded on numerous occasions.
Edit. This is not a Fiat bashing post. Just stating the case for breakdown cover as a necessity for me, and as shown last night saved my son from being stranded some 200 miles from home, in the middle of nowhere. My Fiat ownership experience is unique to me, but have to say I have found the recent models quite unreliable, further compounded by shocking after sales service from franchised dealer network.

wellfan said:

I probably have not explained very well what I meant. All of my cars from 30 odd years ago, other then the 127 and Imp, were very reliable. Maybe the odd tweak here and there but they never left me stranded. My last three Fiats have been a nightmare, and left me, and my family stranded on numerous occasions.

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Not good.....

.we are only into our fourth year of FIAT ownership, no road side breakdown probs. so far.

I swapped over to Green Flag back in August; very competitive prices online for the first year.

Have read a few reviews saying that renewals can be a bit on the steep side, but will wait and see what happens.

Haven't tried their service yet but so far I can't complain. Another option anyway.

Super Uwe said:

I swapped over to Green Flag back in August; very competitive prices online for the first year.

Have read a few reviews saying that renewals can be a bit on the steep side, but will wait and see what happens.

Haven't tried their service yet but so far I can't complain. Another option anyway.

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IIRC green flag are part of the direct line mob theses days, notorious for hiking renewal premiums unless you contact them at renewal time pointing out how much cheaper other companies are offering the same or similar cover for. It's surprising how the cost can drop when you do this, always worth a go at least.

wellfan said:

I probably have not explained very well what I meant. All of my cars from 30 odd years ago, other then the 127 and Imp, were very reliable. Maybe the odd tweak here and there but they never left me stranded. My last three Fiats have been a nightmare, and left me, and my family stranded on numerous occasions.
Edit. This is not a Fiat bashing post. Just stating the case for breakdown cover as a necessity for me, and as shown last night saved my son from being stranded some 200 miles from home, in the middle of nowhere. My Fiat ownership experience is unique to me, but have to say I have found the recent models quite unreliable, further compounded by shocking after sales service from franchised dealer network.

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i have needed recovery service 4 times in 4 years of my fiat ownership = )

I'm with Start Rescue. For about £30 a year I get:
- Max of 6 call outs (same as I had with the AA)
- Relay/onward travel (same as AA)
- Emergency overnight accommodation (same as AA)
- Homestart (same as AA)
- Prompt, efficient and polite service (unlike the AA)

Granted it's car cover and not personal. But the personal cover was about £65. The policy is in Dad's name with both our cars listed and me down as an authorised user (not strictly necessary as the policy covers any driver with permission to drive. But it does mean they're happy to talk to me at renewal time). It's in Dad's name as he had a policy with them before me - wasn't likely to need recovery at sea lol - and got a 10% renewal discount. Despite 3 callouts the renewal (pre - discount) was the same as the original policy

Super Uwe said:

I swapped over to Green Flag back in August; very competitive prices online for the first year.

Have read a few reviews saying that renewals can be a bit on the steep side, but will wait and see what happens.

Haven't tried their service yet but so far I can't complain. Another option anyway.

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Interestingly, the garage the RAC subcontracted the work to when my son had a breakdown the other day suggested that Green Flag were the best.