Well, I've done it.

Last Friday, the real world caught up with me. I have traded in my S2000 for a Volvo V50 Diesel.

On the plus side, I now have a large, comfortable, economic, almost luxurious car, capable of wafting my wife, baby, all our kit and the in-laws' christmas presents oop north. On the down side, I no longer have a sports car that feels like a part of me.

In a way, I kinda feel like I am letting go a major part of my life, but in another way, I feel like it's time to move on. The car was absolutely right for me at the time, but of late it's been keeping me awake at nights, worrying about parking on the street outside my Bristol flat. That plus I had a niggling feeling that I was living on borrowed time. Don't know whether it was a mechanical thing, or me running out of nerve or what, but it was time to say goodbye.

Rather than slipping away quietly (apologies to the Bristol Massive, btw), I thought that I should post and thank you all for your advice, witty banter and camaraderie over the past two years. This community was what gave the car the edge over the Boxster or the Z4 to me, not just the obvious things.

Collectively, you have taught me about how to improve my driving, how to find the secret compartment and how to beat the dealers at their swindling on services.

Just one thing has slightly marred my experience and that is the needless bickering that can and does break out on this forum from time to time. I can see both sides of the argument on being nice to the noobs. I for one was a terrified lurker for a long time before starting to post.

I'd be flattering myself if I thought that I got it right anywhere near all of the time, but I hope that when I didn't, I acceded the point graciously.

I have seen this forum lose a large number of the very people who helped me out (for reasons various) and I have met a whole load of new people. Overall, I think that you're a smashing bunch, each with their own sense of humour and their own opininons and I wouldn't change that for the world.

If I could ask one thing though, it's to think before you post.

But most of all, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for everything that you've done.

And on that note, So Long and Thanks For All The Fish!

 

Really sorry to see you go Ian

Keep in touch matey, and try to enjoy the Volvo

 

Cheers Ian, nice knowing you. Don't forget that now you have a Volvo, the dress code is green Barbour jacket, tweed cap, wellies and chocolate brown Labrador at your side!

Good luck in all you do.

 

Never let reality catch you up.
Just pedal faster!

Vulva?

 

Nice words Ian. Enjoy the Volvo, but I guess you won't forget the S.
Here...have another fish

 

I got a V50 For those who have'nt driven one they is really nice car's and , for a diseasal go like stink and are very well equiped

not as common as bm's and audi's

Kin expensive to service tho (circa £400 a pop )

 

You can now arrive at work or at the outlaws like this... all is not lost
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Jff0ljsKU [/media]

 

All the best Ian, I have to thank you (once again) for getting me involved in Wishes for Kids, one of the most fulfilling things I did in 2009, I guess you won't be doing 2010 then?

Oh, and we bought a Landy in the end, TD5 90, steel wheels, no frills 'van' type and we absolutely love it, but you were right, hardly any of my tools are going to fit (a good excuse to get more).

 

Good Luck Ian!

Great farewell speech, BTW!