You might be one of the few people who claim to 'need' a 4X4 who actually do!

Clearly 4X4 is an advantage in snow and ice, but not all two wheel drive cars fare equally badly. Narrower tyres perform much better in the snow-particularly with deep tread and a winter friendly compound. if you're running 215/45 tyres on the Alfa, this is part of your problem rather than lack of drive to the rear axle.

A reliable Alfa - you are clearly a very good and sympathetic driver! In your position I'd be tempted to chop in the MPV for something with 7 seats and 4wd, and keep the Alfa (which is worth more to you than it is in the market), change the cambelt and carry on until it gets unrealistically expensive.

OK - sounds like I keep the Alfa, spend some money on it to keep it going and hope for the best !

A 7 seater 4X4 wont work for me as my wife uses that car during the day - also most 4X4 7 seaters are very small in the rear - no good for bigger kids - I know as I have looked at all of these - had considered an XC90 once - which brings me on to hirecars for bigger families but that I will keep for a separate post !

Nobody really said what else might go wrong on the Alfa at this age - still on the original exhaust and only had new discs for first time at last service.

Also considering a camblet changes will be £400- 500 (at local Alfa specialist) is it really worth it or do I take the chance ?