The Panda that HJ recommend to us as cheap motoring has finally gone to hopefully another good home. H reg 1000 super that cost us £350 about 2 years ago went today for £275, in that time I put a water pump on it, changed the plugs, distributor and rotor arm etc and it had an oil change, one due now. What can I say? About £75 per year not including petrol insurance etc. If anyone can beat that and then sell it to a happy buyer please let us know.
The replacement car is a B reg Polo Coupe S (27000 miles) that used to belong to my MIL, she gave it to us as she now has a new Polo 1.4. Just given it a good wash to get several years of muck off it and it looks about 5 years old, odd dent etc but nothing that cant be put right. It's in for the full service at our local independent back street garage (Marsh Garage of Marsh, Huddersfield. I can't recommend Steve enough. For those who want to know). Change of all fluids following full flushing etc, new plugs and leads, other ignition parts etc and then we will see how that goes. Should I go for a semi synth oil at the service? Its still on its original tyres so those have got to go. I am thinking of Michelin Energy tyres, I can get them at Costco, fitted for about £38.00 each (165*65*13), how does that sound? Anyone think of anything I have missed for the service? The car itself goes like stink for a 1300, the Italian tune up on the A1M coming down from Newcastle saw it off the clock with ease.
Bill
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Bill - sounds like a nice little challenge to fettle the Polo back to showroom condition. I don't think I would bother with special oil, but why not if you want to? Knowing nothing about Polos, I would presume the motor has a cambelt, which is likely to be pretty tired by now.
You may be able to get quantity discount for a set of 4 tyres. I got 4 Michelin Energy 165/70/13 for £116 at ATS, fitted, valved and balanced, a few months back while they had a 2 for the price of 1½ sale - but it turned out that the manager under-charged me for the first two, and I then persuaded him to do the same for the second pair.
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Change Cam belt and be prepared to remove the water pump and replace the big 'O' ring as they use the pump sproket to tension the belt and at that age the 'O'ring will probably not reseal but try it. run some carb cleaner through it and some redex cleaner for a couple of tanks and she's away. Check the rubber carb mounting has not perised split but other than that she'll be fine
Regards Peter 2 Polo's and about to go for number three for my son.
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Change Cam belt and be prepared to remove the water pump and replace the big 'O' ring as they use the pump sproket to tension the belt and at that age the 'O'ring will probably not reseal but try it. run some carb cleaner through it and some redex cleaner for a couple of tanks and she's away. Check the rubber carb mounting has not perised split but other than that she'll be fine
Regards Peter 2 Polo's and about to go for number three for my son.
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