{car make added to header to clarify what 'Rattle' is talking about - DD}
I have spent just over £500 on it since I bought it 3 weeks ago (including the purchase price) and its still not running right.
I won't go into the technical side of it because that was discussed on another site but I have a feeling the engine is on its way out. The car has four months MOT and runs fine, but its got excessive white smoke which could indicate a head gasket failure (my tests so far are inconclusive).
I have just spent £90 on a service who said I just have slight cam shaft damage but its not a problem, but the smoke surely is? Would I have any come back with the garage if the head gasket failed or something because they didn't spot it?
Would I be best to take the car to be part exchanged now while its still in good running order or should I keep mine till the engine blows? The suspension and breaks are all in perfect working order but there is a bit or rust (not structural yet) near a rear suspension mount which would be a fetal MOT failure.
How much is this car likely to be worth? It has 102k, good body work, everything works fine and its a 95N.
I am going to take the car for a long run on Sunday morning and hopefully this may cure the white smoke problem.
Either way in its current condition would I get £300 for it?
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">would I get £300 for it?<"
£300 for what?
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My car :)
I paid £400 and have tidied it up a lot and got it serviced, but will there be any other stupid mugs like me? Its a 95 N Fiesta with 101k on the clock. Runs fine, no miss fires or anything but rattles and smokes more than any other Fiesta.
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Is it an OHC or OHV...Rattling on an OHV is normal....white smoke isn't....could be sign of head gasket failure, could also be condensation in the exhaust....Is it using any oil or water?
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Its the old Kent Valencia engine 1.1
I've checked the radiator filler tank, no signs of any oil there, I've checked the oil filler cap and no mayo. I am not sure if its drinking water yet as I have not driven it enough to find out. I will be keeping a sharp eye on it though. The smoke gets worse as the engine heats.
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It's totally natural to worry about your first car, as you will always have a soft spot for it, but honestly, i would try to stop worrying about it! :-)
Most of everything that you have described is totally normal with these old Fiestas(I had one as my first car too), I would just run it and see what happens, if it breaks down then I guess you were right, but the chances are it's gonna keep on going and going like lots of these old Fiestas do. I *certainly* wouldn't be making a loss by selling it and then buying another unknown vehicle that may come with some serious problems.
Just enjoy your first motor! :-)
Blue
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Oops, just read the last line of your latest post Rattle. That is slightly unusual I suppose, but I still wouldn't worry about it unless you actually see some evidence, if you're mega concerned you can put your mind at rest with a pressure test, but I still don't think it's worth the expense!
Blue
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Just enjoy your first motor! :-) Blue
I agree. My first car (Mini) had a list of mechanical and cosmetic woes that would make a lot of people weep. But it was my first set of wheels, it was reasonably reliable, and after that, nothing mattered.
Get out there and enjoy it. Cars will come and go, but even with its faults you'll remember this Fiesta fondly in 20 years time, believe me.
Cheers
DP
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They're right rattle. Run it while it runs or until they pull you for fogging up the scene. Don't spend anything you don't have to. A car can be a bit asthmatic but safe and even fun.
Unless you're very adept and have a place and a bit of help, or are a terrific hustler, you may not be able to actually improve it much, although I hope you will prove me wrong. But it's all you know, useful water under the bridge.
And as people say, may not be as bad as you fear. Do the things suggested (clearing breathers, having a squint at the air filter, etc.).
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Thanks :) The car has been serviced and I know the bloke who did it so if there was any head gasket damage you think he would have noticed it. The air filter is brand new.
I guess all my mates are teasing me about it so that makes me more worried, even my dad said my car was a bit smokey and he once drove his escort with a collapsed suspension coil ignoring the noise :p:
It starts first time, it stops, it goes so I guess I should enjoy it for 4.5 months until MOT time :). If it fails the MOT badly I will just take the engine apart so I can do services myself in future.
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