Should I replace my car?

ripplyuk

My 12 year old car developed a steering problem 7 months ago and since then I have been at mechanic's almost every week. They've replaced/checked every part that I assume should be (I know nothing about cars, but done lots of google research). They've mentioned wheel bearings, tie rods, ball joints, and many others I can't remember. I went to yet another mechanic and they wanted to just start replacing all the same parts. Eventually the entire steering column was replaced and then the power steering motor was replaced twice, to no avail. The mechanic has now given up and suggests getting rid of it. I don't feel safe driving the car and stick to below 40 mph and much less on bendy roads. The steering has a mind of its own. The thing is, I don't do that much driving (4000 miles/year max) and this car has been totally reliable in every other way all these years. I'm worried because I know if I bought another car, it might have many problems too. Should I stick with my own and drive slow everywhere or fork out the money for a replacement? I keep changing my mind, especially after looking at reviews for other cars (small/supermini types). They all seem to have their faults.

Geodark

Have you had the tyres checked? hold old are they? A tyre that is breaking down can cause steering problems as the walls don't have the integrity they should have.

ripplyuk

Tyres were the first things checked. Problem occurs with my new winter tyres fitted too. Pressure's checked weekly.

Ultrasonic

ripplyuk wrote: »

I don't feel safe driving the car and stick to below 40 mph and much less on bendy roads...

Should I stick with my own and drive slow everywhere or fork out the money for a replacement?

You can't keep driving a car that you don't feel is safe, and indeed may not be safe. You need to either get the fault fixed or get a replacement car. You know this really.

If you give some more details of your car, the fault, and what has been done you might find that some of the mechanics who post here could offer some helpful suggestions.

ripplyuk

The car is a vauxhall corsa 1.0. The problem is that the steering feels very light, especially on the left. Like there's no resistance at all and the wheel will not centre itself. The responsiveness changes randomly. Sometimes, a tiny movement and the car turns, other times it takes a large amount of wheel turning to do anything. It has more resistance on the right. Turning left causes big problems. The car really feels like it will spin in the road if I'm not careful. Also, I get the feeling that the steering and the wheels aren't working together properly, if that makes sense. I can't remember the names of everything that has been checked as there has been so many and I have no idea what they're talking about but the tyres were the first thing, then there was steering rods, struts, cv and ball joints, something to do with 'torque', suspension and springs were checked and I think a spring may have been replaced, brake calipers checked for sticking, the electrics were checked to see if more power was going to one side of the wheel, power steering pump (twice), and steering column replaced. Also, the wheel allignment has been done multiple times. There have been other parts checked/replaced but I can't remember the names. If anyone can suggest anything else , I might remember if they were checked or not.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Sounds like you should replace your mechanic.

ripplyuk

Did that too! They can't find the problem.

forgotmyname

A full geometry alignment. Not just tracking but a full check of the steering and suspension angles.

Is the steering straight when driving in a straight line?

ripplyuk

The wheel sits off to the left very slightly when going straight. Each time I've had the wheels aligned, I've asked them to centre the wheel and I believe they've tried to but it's still there. I should also add that if I drive over any bumps in the road, it makes the problem worse for some time after.

dannymccann

A 12 year old 1.0 Corsa really isnt worth wasting any more time or money on. Has it passed an MOT in this condition? Has anyone else driven it and confirmed your findings (removing your own bias into the issue)? It's not exactly a complicated vehicle so would expect any average mechanic to have figured it out and fixed it if what you say in your posts above is true.

Agree with other posters, driving a car that either is, or you believe is, dangerous is not good. Replace it as soon as you can would be my advice

Mankysteve

It's a corsa c a very common fault with these cars is the power assistance motor controllwwe going, which the symptoms your describing is typical of this fault. I would be looking at that again and as been said a proper four wheel geometry and alignment check.

Try a different garage if you give us a rough area of where you live we might be able to give you some suggestions

But also it's a twelve year old car.