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3 Attachment(s)
As it is today (2014-06-21).
Mileage over 98.000 km! Moved to a boring village so now driving over 500 km weekly.
Oil consumption 1 litre on 5.200 km. Seems to be normal and it is Italian, so just fill it up to avoid any trouble.
Four new tires, Pirelli Cinturato P7 in correct size 205/55/R16. From the beginning, I figured this car would need 'correct' Italian tires. But I also underestimated the difference in handling this would make. Car is somewhat less comfortable and I like it. Even more feeling in the steering wheel and each corner can be taken somewhat faster.
Suspension has been realligned. Has been done once before but without too much effect, although it seems. As I hit some curbs at slow speed while not paying attention, it was time for revenge. Looks like it was now done properly because in combination with the above, even further improved handling (maybe placebo effect, beats me).
Exhaust pot which can be seen clearly underneath the back of the car is quite disturbing.
As I am not planning purchase of any upgrades, the exhaust pot has now been refurbished with black paint which makes it much less visible. Same will now be done for the brake calipers for finishing touch.
New windshield as there was a dent and crack in it. The old one seemed to be put in place in a very inappropriate manner. A lot of kit seemed to be missing so the mechanic was wondering why I did not have any leakage so far. Anyhow, fixed.
Alfa Romeo badge on the front replaced because it was damaged and tend to lose its original colours (on older Alfa's completely faded).
Antenna foot replaced because rubber attached was worn out (actually meaning whole antenna will be replaced - but hey it is a hobby).
Sunshield (no idea if the term exists in proper English) on drivers side did not work because a plastic part was broken. Very annoying as the shield will eventually drop and limit your visibility. Yoo-hoo for Italian character ;-) Took months to find and order as factory did not have it anymore, found it at an Alfa specialist.
Small dent, I hate them. To be fixed.
Wheels slightly damaged and old, but normal people will not notice unless they are very close. Refurbishing is quite costly, not planning on buying new wheels. Maybe when I am rich and famous.
Assorted pic's, fun with foam and still a good looking car.
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time for the photoshoot then..
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I have never heard of people painting rear mufflers.
I too am guilty of replacing badges, wheel nuts, wiper arms etc. just because they look bad. But painting an exhaust pot?
This is where I draw the line.
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@ Henk ... I know, sometime when car is proper and I have the time. Thanks for the offer again ;-)
@ Revo. I got this idea from the dealership. I respect your opinion but I am crazy, a nutjob and it looks so much better so I don't care :-P
BTW totally forgotten to congratulate you on your beautiful Giulietta! Cheers
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Hey, there is no need to explain yourself. Obviously, you have a condition.;)
And thank you.:)
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LOL! You are welcome fellow Alfa owner. ;)
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Due to circumstances I am having a bit of a challenging year which affected my personal life as well my funds.
I have moved to no man's land temporarily and as a result this increased my travel expenses quite drastically with the old fashioned 2-litre engine.
Saving on maintenance costs also did not seam to be a good option for a part of precious Italian machinery.
Furthermore I had a remaining loan on this car and although I could afford all of the above it did not seem to be the best option to keep the car.
I advertised the car on the Internet and after being contacted by two vague persons outside The Netherlands, I got a call from the dealership where I originally bought the car.
Within two days, the car was sold. The price was reasonable although in the back of your head you realise you are always losing money.
A very sad moment as I loved this car, but on July 21st I returned it to the dealership were I bought it about 2,5 years ago.
This time I had to use my head and not my heart, but it was not easy (although I didn't shed a tear) ;)
Back to the basics, I now have a 15-year old Renault Twingo with a whopping 60 horse power. But it has metallic paint which is like concrete compared to the Alfa, it has leather seats, sunroof, ice cold airconditioning and a booming stereo to take away some of the pain.
The average fuel consumption is 1 litre on 16 kilometres and it is mine, the loan on the Alfa has been paid too by selling it so I basically got even. Now I can concentrate on more important things in life. My time for a more spectacular car will come again eventually :)
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A sad day indeed! I hope you get back to fun cars soon!
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Sad to read, but look at it this way, you got 2 and a half years of Alfa Romeo enjoyment. :)