Have spent years pushing, waiting, hauling crappy cars that cost no money and really, didn't go nowhere. I've spent lots of money on good cars that are reliable so that the nightmare of waiting in the rain by the side of the road for help never happens. Oh well. This time, good car, checked at garage in preparation. First of all, new battery required at Dondingalong (Kempsey New South Wales for non ozzies) then flat tyre. Oh well, I handled it and its normal. Then another flat tyre, then vibration as spare wheel slightly buckled. New wheel. Then bent steering arm. On it went. I'm back now and lots poorer. It was/is a good car. "Gotta expect these things" says the NRMA. "Gotta expect these things" says my mechanic. "Gotta expect these things" says my mate Maria's spouse who is an excellent builder, bush mechanic and general know it all. Who has been on a road trip (we did 3000 km) and didn't have car trouble? Is it possible?