[elhigh]

Last summer the vacuum pump belt on my '93 Isuzu NPR broke while driving. An NPR empty is heavy enough, loaded with junk it's a significant load, and when the power assist poops out you're pushing on the brake pedal with everything you have even as the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you gets closer...and closer...and closer.

I only had to go about three miles back to the office, and it was a sweat-popping three miles. I've stopped bigger vehicles with only manual brakes and knew it was going to be tough, but I knew what I was up against ahead of time and the brakes were designed for it. With the power assist out, I was worried about breaking the pedal, seriously breaking it.

I LIKE manual systems. There's less to go wrong in the first place. Yes, things are harder. So what? If you really want to get where you're going, invest a little effort. You'll be healthier for it.