What to do with my car

Gam2015

So I’ve owned my 2008 vw golf over 7 years it’s been a good car but now it’s needing money spending on it I’m wondering is it worth it. First problem is the lacquer is peeling on the roof (I’ve been quoted £400 for this) the engine light keeps coming on and coming up as a misfire. And also the passenger door doesn’t lock anymore with the central locking. Would it be worth getting these problems fixed or just sell the car on or part ex? 

tacpot12

The misfire is worth fixing as it may stop the car passing and MOT and may be hurting your MPG. 

The laquer is only worth doing it you want to sell the car and get the most for it. The passenger door lock is really a matter of convenience. I would only get it fixed if I was carrying passengers on a regular basis. If those are the only problems, I would keep it if the misfire can be fixed easily and cheaply.  

Phantom151

Agree with tacpot. If the misfire is an easy fix then the rest can wait or, depending on how you feel, be ignored.

GrumpyDil

Misfire could be as simple as a failing coil pack/worn spark plugs. Those can be checked relatively simply and definately worth concentrating on as they could lead to an MOT failure.

The door lock will only be an issue really if you find the door cannot be opened manually from both the inside and outside. 

Gam2015

GrumpyDil said:

Misfire could be as simple as a failing coil pack/worn spark plugs. Those can be checked relatively simply and definately worth concentrating on as they could lead to an MOT failure.

The door lock will only be an issue really if you find the door cannot be opened manually from both the inside and outside. 

I’ve had the coil packs and spark plugs changed on the last service and the fault still comes up. Thanks 

motorguy

Gam2015 said:

So I’ve owned my 2008 vw golf over 7 years it’s been a good car but now it’s needing money spending on it I’m wondering is it worth it. First problem is the lacquer is peeling on the roof (I’ve been quoted £400 for this) the engine light keeps coming on and coming up as a misfire. And also the passenger door doesn’t lock anymore with the central locking. Would it be worth getting these problems fixed or just sell the car on or part ex? 

On a 2008 car i probably wouldnt be concerned about the lacquer peeling on the roof, i'd just drive on at it.

Passenger door lock should be easy sorted.  My BMW was doing similar on the drivers door and i got the part for £30 second hand and £30 to fit it (though i could have done it myself).

Misfire - hard to say without knowing the codes, but most common culprits for that are a coil pack.  I'd probably get that diagnosed first and see if its an easy fix.

If you got to part ex it as is, they'll likely pick up on the misfire and knock £££s off anyway.

Nobbie1967

New door locks for Golfs can be had for £20 off eBay, used one on my car. Misfire could be a failing MAF or other sensor. Definitely worth getting a garage to have a quick look if those are the only mechanical issues.

tacpot12

The eBay locks are very low quality. I've fitted a couple to my old Octavia. They last about 18 months. The VAG part will last for another 10 years. 

GrumpyDil

tacpot12 said:

The eBay locks are very low quality. I've fitted a couple to my old Octavia. They last about 18 months. The VAG part will last for another 10 years. 

Yup. I had to replace the door lock mechanism on an EOS and went for second hand for around 20.00 as the safer option.