Neil has your RR been in contact with my Ford?

[Kansas kymco]

My  mechanic told me my old reliable Ford needs a new manual transmission.  I bought the truck used and have put 100k on it for a total of 250k miles. It came from a ranch in Texas so had a rough early life pulling livestock trailers.  Stopped at the dealer to inquire about a new truck for the low low price of 57k for a plain Jane model. 

[Neil955i]

Nope, never been out of the UK KK!  And aren't the prices just ridiculous?  The wife's currently looking for a 5-year old* (ish) replacement bus and I'm just thinking "I could buy 3 new Burgs for that money!"  Ho hum.  I'd suggest we just get it repaired and carry on with it, but I know what answer I'd get...

*New out of the question, a like for like would be £73,500.  Yikes.

[Kansas kymco]

Nope, never been out of the UK KK!  And aren't the prices just ridiculous?  The wife's currently looking for a 5-year old* (ish) replacement bus and I'm just thinking "I could buy 3 new Burgs for that money!"  Ho hum.  I'd suggest we just get it repaired and carry on with it, but I know what answer I'd get...

*New out of the question, a like for like would be £73,500.  Yikes.

I know what you mean on prices. Since I purchased some property up North this year a new truck is out of the question. I'm extremely fortunate I have a independent mechanic that will put in a new manual transmission and clutch assembly for less then the sales tax on a new truck (about 5k).  Not to mention personal property taxes and higher insurance for a new truck.  Good luck with your quest. 

[Ruffus]

@Neil, since you / wife needs most probably a RH car, I would also consider a re-import from France or your independent islands.
Was years ago lucky with my VOLVO V70 (LH). Couple of years old, low kilometers and saved around 50% compared, bought here in Italy

[Neil955i]

Good advice there Ruffus and there are a lot of low mileage RH ex rentals from places like Jersey, but 98% are small hatchbacks not damn great 4x4s which we need to load up with dogs, luggage & grandchildren!  OK we only have one car between us, but it has to be a big ‘un. Now you got me thinking,  a Volvo might be worth a look...

[Ruffus]

@Neil, maybe you think it over whether you really need a 4x4, had for years as a service car a Landrover Discovery tdi5 aut, but to be honest I used the four wheeldrive only once in 5 years just to try how it works on a steep. Was to switch on at front hubs. All the other time I drove rear-propelled.

[Neil955i]

Ah, but you live in sunny and predominantly dry Italy!  At a guess we use the 4x4 capability on at least half a dozen times a year.  The one year my wife had a RWD Mercedes, she had numerous days when she couldn't get into work.

[Ruffus]

Yes you're right, haven't been in cold areas since ages. Can see snow only with binoculars at Dolomiti Mountains on a clear day, appr. 150 km away.

[Kansas kymco]

Ah, but you live in sunny and predominantly dry Italy!  At a guess we use the 4x4 capability on at least half a dozen times a year.  The one year my wife had a RWD Mercedes, she had numerous days when she couldn't get into work.

I would think that would have been a  positive

[Neil955i]

I would think that would have been a  positive

Oh it is! I’m jealous.

 The tank is still in the garage waiting repair 🙁. Good job I have the scooter as daughter’s keeping a limpet-like grip on her car key!