Advice required from Bangernomics experts!!

motorguy

Strider590 wrote: »

DO NOT wait to get stuff done before the MOT and tax, your lining yourself up to get ripped off. If you go in for MOT and it needs lots of work, they can charge what they like because they've got you by the balls.

For successful bangernomics you need to be proactive in your approach to maintenance and possible faults.

I'm in northern ireland so we take our cars to a government run MOT test centre. We get the work done beforehand by a mechanic and then we book a test date.

Means theres less risk of that scenario as i can take it to my guy up the road.

I definitely agree with the proactive maintenance approach to bangernomics but i'd hate to spend a load on it now, only to be told come november that it needs £££'s spent in welding plus other bits.

If there was maybe 9 or 10 months left on the MOT i'd take my chances with getting the necessary work done now, but we're only 4 months away from it needing MOT'd.

motorguy

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

Does your mechanic say that it is safe (and legal) to drive in it's current condition? If not, then you shouldn't be driving the car on the road anyway. And you could get nicked for doing so, especially if you are involved in a RTC.

Timing belt, brakes and suspension aren't so much of an issue, as they can easily be replaced. But what could be a problem is the rust. It is quite common once you start cutting the rust out to find that it is far worse than originally thought. And you could end up chasing it until it costs you a small fortune.

Is it really worth throwing good money at it, when you could put that money towards a replacement car?

I would ask the mechanic if it is safe (and legal) to drive. And if not, then replace it now by either trading it in, or scrapping it (depending on what you are offered for trade in.

totally agree.

I had the mechanic check the car over when i got it and he'd put a ball joint in it and a lower suspension arm as they were getting to the point of being dangerous.

He checked it over again this time so theres nothing untoward or illegal, other than the rear brake pads (and possibly discs) are worn down but they're by no means grinding or not working.

Its such a shame as engine and gearbox wise its near perfect. It had lain up at my mechanics since monday and it started with half a turn of the key, no rough idle, no running on three cylinders and no smoke out the back. It would put much younger diesels to shame.

motorguy

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond.

I think most posts back up what i was thinking anyway - drive on at it until the MOT expires, then scrap it.

Awful shame. I really like the old girl but i'd be loathe to spend what will no doubt amount to more than the value of the car in the next few months, particularly given it doesnt fully suit my needs.

Pity it wasnt the more common estate car variant....