Our cars, usually suffer….
In my previous life, the one making a living out of managing a medical devices service providing company, I only know cars would be loaded with staff, clients or devices, trucks would carry heavy stuff, we would do numerous kilometres on our highways, travel in foreign countries and respect engines that would do this without damage and cars that would provide safety and comfort.
It was not till I started Northstar, that I really witnessed what cars can really offer to their owners, the amount of troubles they can go through and how hard they can be used, loaded, treated and perform without any issue at all. Facts, that I would never dare to do in my previous life on any of my cars.
I have to mention here of course, that in this previous life I had completely different car types such as BMW 330 and 520, Renault Megane and Fiat Doblo, Mercedes A Class which are only traveling and living machines, while I started our business owing an ML 320 (!) and my brain was boomed after I saw it performing.
Our cars, suffer. Mine especially do suffer from handling, servicing, and long inactivity. I ride a bike in every chance so away from work my cars stay unused sometimes for months. When used though, they will carry bikes, or bike trailers, they will open trails pushing bushes, they will do intense offroad trying to reach areas we want to open trails, they will be put in rivers, over rocky beds, into mud holes. They will push snow or pull trees, they will be scratched from bushes and branches and hit by rock from down below while at the same time or day, they will have to provide their services to our families, carry our kids at schools or activities, travel on holidays or obligations, move the family around and carry groceries.
- The ML 320 was my favourite car. A real hero, a true off roader. The car that would take all the gang to Romaniacs with a trailer loaded with three bikes, all our gear, tools and parts. The car that would never break down and stay strong and comfortable for all the crew. The car that would travel in the highway with safety and take you to the mountain in the most amazing route, in the snow, on the ice, would climb uphill like a wrangler and be fast as a beemer. I say was my favourite car because I was forced to retire it this year due to gas prices and road tax levels of Greece and of course it’s fuel consumption which is crazy in all aspects no matter the kind of use. For years, it serviced NS as a client carrier, an ambulance (!), a howler, a personal car and an explorer. I won’t get rid of that car and will definitely try to mod it and bring it back to life in the future.
2. Andreas Vitara. This car, if it had a voice it would course on us and scream. Andreas was and is an offroad specialist, enthusiast and winner in many races and events. His knowledge on 4X4 is mesmerising, focusing on mechanics and use of vehicles. His Vitara is a true worker. With an incredible number of kilometres on its back, modifications that other 4×4 would envy, this car provided us with explorations and adventures that we will remember forever. It’s a true climber, crawler, downhiller. It’s light and strong, it can take you anywhere on a mountain, in the hands of Andreas of course (cause in mine it won’t take to places nicely, I promise) plus it can perform any task you assign to it. From carrying, bikes, trailers, bricks and sand, tools and gear, to open a snowy road this car is a true legend.
3. Our Fiat Talento, having limited off road capabilities is a distance eater. This car is a true traveler. We used it to load two bikes removing the rear seats, leaving a nice space for 3 riders in front. We used it to carry 9 guys and a trailer of 10 (!) bikes in a mountain hotel. We used to travel in Europe and all over Greece. It’s tinny diesel engine is strong and fast using the double turbos, and very low in consumption and wear. The space inside is more that enough to carry a full set of luggage for it’s 9 passengers, with large gear bags and other stuff. It runs smoothly and consumes little, a true love to keep for many years ahead. Well, after all, I love Italian made vehicles….
4.My personal Datsun LB120, is the car you will see me inside the last two years. This car is a time machine among other things. You shut it’s door and travle back to 1985. Vintage switches, renoovater interior, rebuilt engine, new exhaust, hydraulic steering, a set of disk breaks in front and differential lock are some of my upgrades. I installed two lock and load bike stands on it’s bed and I can load the bikes alone with no struggle at all. It’s low, strong, economic and beautiful. I don’t remember my self being in love with another car so intense and passionately. Installed an audio system, a new pair of wooden chairs, a steering wheel, internal lighting and many other things that make me happy when I drive it. A true legend with an engine sound to haunt your dreams from the hands of a local exhaust builder and engineer, Yannis Tolias.
5. Fiat Doblo, is a normal work car. A car that is designed to carry stuff. We easily put 2 bikes in the car and 3 if we have two, but inevitably scratch it’s roof in that case. I attended many riding events with car. I carried my bike and when unloaded it, I set up my stuff and bed in the car with plenty of space to sleep and rest, keep the gear dry and warm with a small gas stove. I love this one for many reasons and have good memories from it.
1,418 total views, 3 views today