Any mechanics out there that could give me some info please.

[kazd]

We currently have two cars, hubbys Peugeot 406, 1998, owned from new, regularly serviced etc just passed its mot.
Heavy on petrol. Is main family car.

My car Fiesta Ghia X, Jan 97, owned from Jun 99, regularly servied, economical on petrol, car tax, insurance etc. However, has had to have new bushes each Mot for the last two years.

We are looking at buying a new car whcih would become the main family car and I have suggested that we should get rid of the Peugeot as on a day to day basis my husband just uses it to go back and forth to the station. However, he is concerned about the bushes on the fiesta, they do not cost a lot to replace but we are wondering whether there could be an underlying expensive problem looming. Initially we thought it was due to the amount of traffic calming road bumps where we live but the Peugeot hasn't been affected.

Does anyone know whether we have an expensive potential problem looming with the fiesta.

Thanks

[ohreally]

However, has had to have new bushes each Mot for the last two years...
Does anyone know whether we have an expensive potential problem looming with the fiesta.


Are the bushes track control arm bushes?

[vansboy]

If you've a garage that is being this fair, on MoT, think I'd keep the Fiesta & lower running costs, 'cos it sounds like an OK car - unless the garage have advised otherwise.

Pot holes n traffic Harming (not calming) doesn't help suspension/tracking/exhausts/tyres - unless you're repairing cars - then you luv em!!

Bare in mind neither vehicles have a great value, so don't spend a fortune doing either up, to sell for just a few £$£$.


& check www.honestjohn.co.uk in car by 'car breakdown' page for info about ALL models. & ask in 'Discussion' page for more advice!

VB

[kazd]

Talked to hubby and he said the problem is that my car being a sporty little number (my words not his) has low profile tires. Eventually though I beat the truth out of him and he said he hates my car, he said its like driving a toy car, huh thats his opinion. Problem is my car has much more visible damage from kids and shopping trolleys etc. My youngest (Age 5) very helpfully washed it with a stone embedded in his sponge (get the picture), however it is very reliable. He has agreed that we should do a mileage comparison for petrol but he is not a happy bunny. I however will be more than happy when I have my nice new shiny mpv!

Bushes, not sure, cost about £80 to replace.

[wazza]

bushes like tyres and exhaust do wear out eventually. With some cars the bushes are made from durable material which will last for years while some are made with softer material which wear out faster. It's a normal wear and tear item.

suprised to learn that you went through two set of bushes in the last two years. i assume you dont drive high mileage on rough roads. could be that the garage bought the first set of bushes from a motor accessories shop which carries inferior copies of the original item. if you used ford items they might/should have lasted longer. if there was something seriously wrong with the car the mot garage should have told you

[kazd]

One garage was a Ford Dealership and I remember we were very impressed, we did not feel they were trying to rip us off. I have a problem with the central locking and had been told by the previous dealer that I needed an expensive replacement. This one managed to get it working again albeit in reverse order which they could not understand but said to try that rather than spend a fortune on an older car.

Second set of bushes was with a garage we use regularly called Northampton Tyres, again we have never felt like we were being ripped off.

Anyway new car is on hold at the moment. Going to have to do some investigating re mileage