Car needs more work than it is worth :(

Badgergal

I have rung around a bit and am getting figures of £200 for the shock and brake pipe alone, does this sound right?

Badgergal

I have a question (although I appreciate I may have bored you all by now) - if I manage to find an independent mobile mechanic to do the work, and I provide the parts for him - how do I get hold of a brake pipe without being able to remove and measure the old one?

steveo3002

a decent mobile mechanic can probably make one there n then...a brake pipe shouldnt cost more than £10 or so plus 1 hr labour to fit

have you tried online parts suppliers for new dampers? google will bring up loads

i take it from your user name you are female?? i suggest you get a male family member/friend to ring around and deal with the garages, prices often shoot up when a female enquires

steveo3002

just typed in micra damper on ebay....£15 ish
, although im not sure what model yours is

Badgergal

Thanks...I'm confident I can get the damper ok...so I should just be able to buy the piping and the mobile mechanic does it there and then? I have found a guy who says he can fit both for £80 labour if I can get hold of the parts.

Yes am female unfortunately...hmm maybe I should have made my dad do the calling!

I have another question (sorry) - if I get hold of a tyre from somewhere like mytyres, I am happy to fit it as I can change a tyre no probs, but I take it there is more to consider (ie balancing and tracking) so is it best to get somewhere else to do it properly?

MORPH3US

Badgergal wrote: »

I have another question (sorry) - if I get hold of a tyre from somewhere like mytyres, I am happy to fit it as I can change a tyre no probs, but I take it there is more to consider (ie balancing and tracking) so is it best to get somewhere else to do it properly?

Are you confussing changing a wheel (i.e. when you get a puncture, replacing it with the spare) with changing a tyre?

Changing a tyre requires machinery that most people don't have - do you know someone who has one?

M

steveo3002

you can really diy fit a tyre, it doesnt include a wheel

mytyres lists local fitters and their price, or etyres is decent

ask the mechanic if he's able to make brake pipes, most will have a roll of pipe , selection of ends and a flaring tool to make them

id still suggest you have your dad around when its done...saves them trying to make extra work

if its a mobile guy..ask if cash makes it cheaper

Badgergal

Yes you're right I'm getting very confused...sorry, my brain is fried with all this searching and ringing round....of course I'll need to find somewhere to fit them.

Thanks for the tip, will do.

nu1isit?

Glad to see your getting it all sorted out, with the help of everyone on the forum...:D I'm going to use the hint about using a mobile mechanic (as oppossed to a garage), for the future.
Hope you have your car M.O.T. 'd and back on the road soon.

joshm_2

£400 in repairs for that (assuming £50 for MOT included)?! You might want to tell us where this garage is so others can avoid daylight robbery!

p.s. Most places will fit parts you provide, and its certainly a way to save some money. I always ask to see evidence of the old and new parts fitted when I can't avoid garages altogether. That way they are obliged to carry out the work they said they would do.