Ciao. As a new member I would like to introduce myself and my Croma. I am now retired from my previous transport mangement role. I have a had a number of Fiat cars the first being a 127 Sport bought in 1979 (nice little fast car but so undergeared, 4 speed gearbox as I recall because only about 14mph per 1000rpm.

Anyway, now to my wonderful Croma; year 2007, 2.2 petrol auto, Eleganza,18inch wheels, doom sun roof, full leather (grey not nice colour though), Xenon headlights which are fantastic but which understandably some oncoming motorists do not like. I bought the car in 2008 at a year old from a Fiat dealer who had bought it from a Fiat closed auction. The car new was £22K and i bought it for £9K -what a bargain. It has now done 63K miles and been absolutely perfect, in actual fact about the best cars I have had and a lot better than my other car a Porsche Cayman.

We have just returned from a journey to Bari in Puglia, a 3,000 round trip when it cruised like a Roller and achieved an average of 37.2 mpg fully loaded, it did struggle a bit however going up the Saint Gothard tunnell approach in Switzerland.
I would just realy like to say what fantastic value for money a Croma is, just look at the Autotrader web site for bargains and quality.

Anyway I would like some assistace on things I should be maintaining on the car, I have had front pads and discs but the rear are original albeit the discs had the lips removed. Have done oil and all filters at required intervals but sorry to say not had brake fluid change. My real concern however is the alternator etc drive belt. When should it be changed and is it a DIY repair (I was a mechanic in 60s and 70s) Also any difficulties with changing brake fluid. Also anything else I should be doing or looking for? I would be quite happy to pay someone to do if anybody can recommend a person/garage.

Anyway must close any replies will be welcome. Thanks Raimondo