Five gearboxes you say? In nearly 200 miles? Slightly outside the bell-curve there, finm, but only just.
I can't complain about my 156 really, it's a 2002 face-lift one model with 76000 on it. Has been very reliable after I did all the usual 156 things - full suspension overhaul, replace variator, belts, pulleys, water pump etc. But the rust will kill it in the end, had to have a fair bit of welding for last year's MOT. I still love driving it!
If they kept to a similar concept that was applied to the first generation Panda I can fully understand that it would be a good choice re:- reliability. I still prefer my old Panda (still got 4 rotting away) to my current shopping car for it's simplicity and overall driving enjoyment.
Why have cars got so huge. Put any hatchback car from say the 80's beside a new one, why are they getting so big. A mini isn't mini anymore, it's a family car.
simple, McDonald's. i guess we all want to walk out of a 60mph head on these day's, maybe the shape is more efficient too. maybe?