[Dibby]

It's a tough call, been through it with mine when I bought it - snapped cambelt, engine shutdowns, random errors and I was thinking how long do I keep chasing these faults (luckily it was all covered under warranty) and part of me wanted to say s0d it, and walk away but after 9 moths of chasing bugs and gremlins I've just had 9 months of reliable, economical, fun motoring out of it and I love it.

I was singing it's praises with the girlfirend in the car about how good it's been, it's not had to see the guys at the garage and how much I love the drive blah blah blah ... and parking up that day the handbrake cable snapped so Saturday morning I'll be on my back under the car again.

No doubt Alfas are foul tempered beasts that will test you but when they behave they are such a joy to drive and give you that feeling you just won't get in a Focus or a Golf. All the Italian car cliches come true when you own an Alfa.

Do I keep hold of it and face possibly more repair bills? If I get rid of it have I chased all the gremlins out and I'll be getting rid of a perfectly good car to buy something with the same problems all over again? Alfas, like women are sent to try us but the happy times more than outweigh the miserable times