August 2006
Been 6 months since had head-gasket. water pump, thermostat, cooling fliuid and cam-belt replaced on the 2001 punto.(at 75 ,000 kms) Would love to change it for something Japanese but as I'm just about to buy a flat and will be totally skint for some time, I'd like it to last, for another two years if possible. If it's scrap after that time, I'm not bothered. So, is this an unrealistic expectation, or do I need to get rid of it when the 1 year warranty is up in 6 months time??
If that was a bit rambling, in short - can I expect to get two and a half years (45,000 kms) from a replacement head gasket (and associated bits), assuming the FIAT main dealer knew what thay were doing???
And, anyone being seduced by the nice looking new Grand Punto needs to look at the customer satisfaction surveys - manufacturers don't generally make big jumps up the tables with new models. I'm sure the Grand Punto is lovely to drive and well-priced, but you know it's true qualities for some years.
Any first-hand feed-back on my first question much appreciated. Read more
What are your views on this:
My 1999 Golf Gti (1.8t) 65k mile has broken down due to a failed water pump. To put it right is going to cost £500, the worst part is that all the drive belts need to be removed and new ones fitted - fine. Apart from two months ago in June I spent £500 having all the belts replaced (by VW).
They effectively have to redo all the work from June. The water pump is a £20 part and no extra work is involved fitting it (above the replacement of the belts). I've asked them why they didn't recommend replacing the pump at the same time - response it's not our policy to replace parts that haven't failed.
I'm really annoyed by this, but don't think I have any come back. Thoughts?
PS: If anyone else is having the drive belts replaced in their golf I recommend paying the extra £20 for a new water pump at the same time. Read more
Luckily I have had the tensioner done.
Is that price a fair price? I know nothing about cars, at all.
It has SH, last serviced at 134k, cambelt changed then too.
Air con and leather seats, P reg TDI.
How long is it going to last, providing I take care of it??!
Thanks Read more
When you can buy a new car for under £8k,
ANYONE who pays £2k for a 13year old one with over 150k on the clock
needs help.
Seriously.
Just look at it like this.
For £2k you can buy a 5years old car that may be worth£1k after 2 years' use.
If you pay £2k for a 13year old car, its resale value is at best £1k. Unless of course you can find an idiot to buy it.
Because imo only idiots pay that kind of money for 13 year old cars.
Why?
becasue it's due - by time and mielage - for the scrapyard. Statistical facts .
Yes I know lots of drivers with older cars and bigger mileage. But statistically they are in a minority.
I repeat. ANYONE who pays £2k for that kind of car has more money than sense :-(
madf
It seems very likely that I shall be driving to London on either Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday to visit the Science Museum.
Does anyone know whether the parking regulations are in force in that general area or can you suggest a website to check?
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Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.
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I'd seriously suggest parking on bthe ouskirts and taking the Tube to South Ken. Hard to suggest where to do the park and ride without knowing where you are coming from.
Any owners out there? Which is the better buy & why?
Wouldn't mind one as a plaything...
Cheers, grafen Read more
You'll get more for your money with a Westfield, including heavier depreciation! Caterhams have all the historical baggage and a large number of polishers. Dynamically, neither are as developed as a Sylva Striker for £10k, or what about a Sylva Fury? Don't forget, BEC is good ;-)
I drive a 16 mile commute each morning into work through heavy traffic, takes between 45 minutes and one hour depending on if school term time congestion a problem. Considering changing to a modest automatic to take away some of the strain. There seems to be a lot of Astra (old shape) automatics available 2003/4 with the 1.6 8 valve engine. I suspect this may be a bit slow coupled with 4 speed auto transmission as it is rated around 75 to 80 hp with a medium size body to lug around. Although not the 16 valve 'Ecowreck' it may be an interference type if the cambelt goes?
An alternative is the Nissan Almera of same vintage with 1.8 chain cam engine. Although worse image and rather 'thin' bodywork it has a durable reputation. Reading the comments on another post about 100,00 mile Civic perhaps this is the way to go. Although tempted by diesel for relaxed driving style and economy the petrol auto is preferred option.
Has anyone else experienced the Astra auto?
Thanks Read more
Yes I think they are. Looking recently with a mate who qualifies for Motability the deals available on Vauxhalls were very competitive especially the Astra. You could even get the 3 door Coupe in a the poshest trim for about the same as a Renault Clio/Honda Jazz.
I would imagine that maybe 50% of mid and smaller size autos are motability originally?
Hi
I am looking to buy the VW Fox second hand. I am especially interested in the 1 litre engine.
Would anyone in the know be able to anticipate when these cars are going to crop up on the market second hand, and the price to expect to pay for them.
Many thanks in advance as always!
Gregory Read more
Thanks everyone for your replies...most helpful.
The reason a friend wants to buy it is because it looks nice and it is a VW.
I did inform her of the reliability issues, and as she has never had a car, I warned her it is not a nice thing when they break. Most stressful thing in my life anyway, as the hassle is annoying. No two ways about it...of course all cars break, but there are two types of break. 1. wear and tear...maybe high mileage, and 2. breaking at low mileage.
Anyway, as long as I stress this and safety when driving, that is all I can do.
I recommended the Yaris to her anyway, as they are much better in my opinion.
But the problem of being young: we love good looking things, and this can difform our views of the heart of the item.
Well, end of my rambling.
But I do enjoy driving, just take it a little seriously sometimes.
Greg
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that our roads are getting cluttered in the verges with water bottles half full of yellow coloured liquids? (yes i know whats in them)
Also driving back through norfolk this week an awful lot of abandoned shoes scattered in the roads (mainly trainers) i can understand the occasional shoe from a child that has thrown it out of a moving car but surely not the amount i saw ?does anybody live in norfolk/anglia that can give a scientific explanation? like maypole dancing perhaps? Read more
tollaty.
hi, i got an 04 astra 1.6 petrol burning up /using oil. is this fault covered under the warranty?
vauxhal say it will cost me £85 for diagnostics check!
is this right!
i'm not happy!
thanks
jamie
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By comparison my new shape 1.6 Zafira has used ½ litre of oil in the first 12,000 miles including the running in period.
tinyurl.com/ez8rx - fetched £2,100 last night. OK so it has only 27k miles, SH, and is in close to new condition, but that much for an 11 year old car?
Does the panel agree? Read more
>>6 figure mileometer on these.>>
Amazing.
1,027,000 miler and still worth four figures...:-)
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there is no reason the head gasket should go again,my advice as always is treat a motor with respect (ie no thrashing etc) and most engines will pay you back with longevity...............
have the antifreeze changed or topped up after 12 months if it makes you feel better........