1982 Citroen Dyane 6 Cote d'Azur review from UK and Ireland

Apart from normal service items such as oil filters, plugs, points, wiper blades, tyres and the like, the following ar the major items needed:

The car has needed two new roofs in the time I have owned it.

A second-hand engine was fitted in 1994 after I "cooked" the original by driving on a motorway with the grille muff on. (Not the car's fault!)

A second-hand speedometer was fitted in 1997.

In 1998 a new alternator was fitted, also a refurbished tailgate.

In 1999 a new galvanised chassis was fitted.

In 2000 a second hand gearbox replaced the original and the clutch was replaced at the same time. A new ignition switch unit was also needed in this year.

Finally, in 2001 a replacement wiper motor was needed - second hand of course. Also a new accelerator cable.

I have owned Dyanes continuously since 1969 as my everyday car. This is one of the last sold in the UK. It is still as much fun to drive as the first was over 30 years ago.

The cars (four in all, all bought new except the current one) have been extraordinarily reliable and have taken me and some very heavy loads all over Europe and the UK.

Dyanes were very rare in 1969 - now they are very rare again! I wonder how long it is possible to go on using it as an everyday car - not for lack or performance or inability to cope with modern traffic, but in doing battle with the ever-present tinworm.

Cheap motoring? This car has cost under 17p per mile to run over ten years, and that is including ALL fuel, servicing, repairs, maintenance, insurance etc. It will still do 80mph with the wind behind it and stiil returns over 40mpg, driven hard.

Yes, I am an enthusiast!