I was gratified that some forum members were interested in, and motivated to post on, my threads about the car and my misadventures when it broke down in France last year. Pierre the pirate mechanic's misdiagnosis (injecteur, monsieur, €1500) - no, turbo pipe has come off - were funny viewed from a distance.

So, just an update. Car went in for MOT and service on Monday to my trusted indy. I was a little apprehensive - she's done 175,000+. Passed MOT no problem, same advisory as last year - there's some play on n/s/r trailing arm bush but not enough to worry about yet.

What was more encouraging was that I always ask him at service or interim oil/filter changes (I get them done at about 5,000 mile intervals) to give the car a thorough going over for potential problems, including those outside the MOT. Nothing of concern was found, and I took the opportunity to ask about the prospect of a trip to Andorra this year (2,500 miles). He could see no reason not to undertake the journey, and I trust his judgement.

The service and MOT cost £190 inc. VAT (he uses Forte flush and diesel clean) and interim oil and filter changes are about £50.

I bought the car, more or less sight unseen, for £2,700 five years ago at 132,000 miles. It has been, I think, one of my better purchases. I hope to run it it to 200,000 - if only to watch the odometer change.