Now that everything is sorted it's time to come out of the closet, and admit I'm the proud new owner of a Plus
. Rog's Plus as it happens. Well Silma's, but advertised by Rog!
I picked the car up from Rog's and (luckily as it turns out) got caught in a traffic jam on the M25. having spent some 20-30 mins covering next to no ground I was somewhat dismayed to see a plume of smoke engulfing the Merc behind me
.
A quick call to Rog confirmed that it was the turbo on the way out, despite the fact that it was a recently fitted item. No problems, took the car back and Rog sorted it, replacing the turbo FoC
.
As is always the way, things didn't go smoothly, as the new turbo hadn't been delivered on the day despite a 100% guarantee it would be. No problem for Power Italia, Silma drove half way round the M25 to meet the delivery driver, who appears to have spent most of the morning heading for the wrong meeting place!
I spent an interesting day interrupting Rog and Reuben's work and generally showing all the interest of the uninitiated with nothing else to do! Watching them work made up for the delay in sorting my car and served as a reminder why you should use a specialist. It was also interesting hearing about other Forum members who are in reality just a name to me.
As for the Plus what do I think? It's a nicer car than my old 20VT, the mechanics are sorted, it handles a
LOT better and the 6 speed box is a real improvement. As for the seats
It's proof of the pudding that a 120k car can be in better nick than a 64k car. Personally I'm not so sure about the instruments, I find them difficult to read in twilight, though that may be a specs issue! Additionally I'm not sure how it can be a Plus minus a sunroof! I can see now why it is universally agreed that the Plus is the best of the Coupés
So in conclusion, I'm happy with the new motor. Rog proved to be totally fair having taken the car off the market based on an expression of keen interest to buy, but refused to take a deposit until I'd actually seen it. This was done over the phone, as I've never used or met him before.
To paraphrase Tim Nice But Dim what a thoroughly nice pair of chaps (and a chapess) Power Italia are.
I've given my 20VT to Ms RK's little girl who is understandably over the moon (it is a Sprinty after all!!). It's already been to PI for a cambelt, she checks the oil far more than I ever did. Such is the power of FCCUK paranoia secondhand. She doesn't intend coming on here due to:
a It's for a bunch of saddoes who live their life on the internet and she's got Facebook for that
b I've warned her about the people on here
Final bit of advice for all Coopsters. Get Rog's manual fan switch conversion fitted. It makes a big difference in a traffic jam!
I'd like to finish with a big thank you to Rog, Reuben and Silma. Unfortunately, I'll be back!
