Thinking of making the journey to my Stilo's homeland in order to pick up a few parts/accessories for it and 'show off' to my fellow Italians, not that they will care, but what I want to know is, has anyone done a journey like this previously, and what are car parts/accessories like in Italy, are they reasonably priced etc. All thoughts welcome.

When we drove to Italy in 1999 or 2000, my dad decided to book his car in to a Fiat garage over there to replace the rear supension and a few other bits. It came to £300 in total, we had a few quotes from back home at just over a £1k. As it was so cheap we got some share parts (wing mirrors etc). The best part was the garage give us a Multipla to use while our car was getting work do. When my parents drove over last year there said the prices from the Fiat garages where still lot cheaper then over here.

A colleague of mine usually takes his Punto JTD to Italy for servicing. Mainly helped by the fact he's Italian and visits his family, plus his father used to work inspecting Fiat garages to check they're up to scratch. He says that as a result, one mention of his surname grabs attention at dealerships and he recieves very good customer service.

Yep done the trip and brought back some rare parts for older cars. One thing i noticed around Northern Italy, is the abundance of Fiat garages and the fact Diesel is like half price compared to here!!!!! I did the trip in a Tipo TD and it ate the mileage up no problems.
The views going to Mount Blanc via Chamanaix are gorgous, and as you come out of the tunnel, the road is on stilts and you are right up with the Snowy mountains. Then when you hit Genoa, the road through tunnels is fast and dangerous with average speeds over 80mph with blind 90 degree turns!!!!!
Lancia Thema Estates were everywhere!!

Andy.