Keeping an old car

Barkin

I drive a 20 year old Saab with 160k on the clock. I was happy to splash out on new brakes all round last year, and front subframe bushes the year before.
I know it'll need a new clutch and associated bits soon. These are all things that WILL need doing at some point, but once they're done it's very likely they won't ever need doing again.

I've had the car a long time and know the history. I could spend a few k (I don't do expensive cars, and only drive 5k miles or so a year now) on a replacement of unknown provenance which turns out to be a money pit.

So I guess the answer to the OP's question is... "it depends..."

Grumpy_chap

Gam2015 said:

So i have owned my car 10 years in July it is an 08 plate. I have just paid £330 to get it through the MOT this month is it time to move it on or keep it? It drives fine tbh and just used for work and back currently worth about 2/3k. 

If it works and does the job you need it to do, keep it.
£330 is the cost of one annual regular service on a new car, or one month's PCP payment.

Miser1964

OP may be forced out his car if need to travel into ULEZ controlled-cities once the politicians  ban EURO 4 petrol engines.

molerat

Gam2015 said:

HillStreetBlues said:

As above, far more details needed.
Could be a rust bucket that has just squeezed though MOT, or in A1 condition that needed normal wear & tear items replaced.

Hi it needed 2 new rear springs (1 was broken) 2 new rear shockers (both leaking) and a front bottom arm. 

Little more than routine maintenance really then. 

pseudodox

You hear horrendous tales of the expense of even minor repairs for more modern cars!  My neighbour has to take his to the garage to get a new light bulb fitted - he was gobsmacked to see me dismantling my rear light assembly to put a new brake light bulb in!  10 minute job.

I have been told my gearbox is wearing - but it can be repaired/replaced.  Even a new/reconditioned engine would be comparable to the capital outlay and immediate depreciation on an "out of the showroom" car.

Bigwheels1111

Gam2015 said:

HillStreetBlues said:

As above, far more details needed.
Could be a rust bucket that has just squeezed though MOT, or in A1 condition that needed normal wear & tear items replaced.

Hi it needed 2 new rear springs (1 was broken) 2 new rear shockers (both leaking) and a front bottom arm. 

Is it a Vectra, I had an 02 plate HB & a 56 plate estate.

Both would only last a year or two between needing coil springs.

It just ate them.

jimjames

Old cars can still be great and reliable. My 22 year old car has been to Belgium this weekend and son borrowed for 100 mile commute today. Owned for 6 years and still going strong so if you keep on top of maintenance and as long as rust isn't a major problem they can keep going.