Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[STEMO]

My astra is starting to show, and feel, it's age. 8 years old and coming up to 98,000 miles. It needs a new oil pickup seal, which involves taking various bits off and dropping the sump (to replace a £25 seal). The prices I've seen on various forums range from £300 to £400 to a sharp intake and flat refusal. It's giving me a 'service vehicle soon' on startup, which means it needs one (or, possibly, more) glow plugs at £120 a pop. MOT and service are coming up in three months. It's tatty. My fault for not getting scratches and scrapes done as soon as they occurred. Both front doors from car parks and front bumper both sides from me being gozzy. Had a quote last year from a well recommended local lad for £450, but I've added another door since then.
Under normal circumstances, it would be down to WBAC, and me accepting whatever they offered. But used car prices are still way too high for what you actually get. So, as I say, decision time soon.

[STEMO]

It still runs fine, pulls fine, and feels tight, despite never having any steering or suspension work. But that may be an upcoming kick in the nadgers at MOT time.

[henryd]

It still runs fine, pulls fine, and feels tight, despite never having any steering or suspension work. But that may be an upcoming kick in the nadgers at MOT time.

Chuck it in for a ticket so you'll know what it needs then make a decision

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It still runs fine, pulls fine, and feels tight, despite never having any steering or suspension work. But that may be an upcoming kick in the nadgers at MOT time.

So it's not feeling it's age then......rather than feeling it's age.

8 years is nothing for a modern car.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

My 15 year old classic is just coming into it's prime.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

It still runs fine, pulls fine, and feels tight, despite never having any steering or suspension work. But that may be an upcoming kick in the nadgers at MOT time.

Chuck it in for a ticket so you'll know what it needs then make a decision

'Enery' is right.

[Viral_Jim]

I guess it depends if something out there tickles your pickle, if yes, then I'd say change it.

If not, probably better the devil you know. As said, I don't think 100k and 8yrs is much for a modern car. Particularly if its been looked after, which yours seems to have been. 
 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I guess it depends if something out there tickles your pickle, if yes, then I'd say change it.

If not, probably better the devil you know. As said, I don't think 100k and 8yrs is much for a modern car. Particularly if its been looked after, which yours seems to have been. 

One elderly owner.


I doubt it gets to see the 'dark side'  of 50 MPH very often.

[Doctor Gollum]

Assuming it isn't a rare colour, panels can be easily replaced with better second hand ones.

A cursory rummage suggests that £500 and some effort will replace all three doors and the front bumper. To paint/repair stuff properly, the respective panels need stripping rather than masking, including the various trims on the front bumper, so the actual labour involved in swapping rather than repairing (properly) is minimal.

The odd mechanical issue won't upset most buyers because they either do their homework and know what's likely to be needed, or they don't and are blissfully unaware.

Cosmetics, on the other hand, are a real turn off and will cripple the value faster than you can say "Who put that post there?"

[VXL V6]

The pickup seal is a common failure on those, at the end of the day it's the cost to change which is the main factor and currently that's a stupid figure.

[Rangie]

A difficult decision for you Steve but I'm sure you will find something to suit, personally I always dread having to change cars especially if it has served me well usually done on impulse in the end.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

A difficult decision for you Steve but I'm sure you will find something to suit, personally I always dread having to change cars especially if it has served me well usually done on impulse in the end.

Yes....I can think of more than one occasion when I have wandered out to buy milk and bread and have ended up putting a deposit on a car or house.

Mrs Opti rolls her eyes and says I shouldn't be allowed out without an 'appropriate adult'....

[STEMO]

The pickup seal is a common failure on those, at the end of the day it's the cost to change which is the main factor and currently that's a stupid figure.

Fella called Frank at MB Motors in Keighley is the go to fella, apparently, around £250 with the parts (seal, oil, filter, goo)

[STEMO]

A difficult decision for you Steve but I'm sure you will find something to suit, personally I always dread having to change cars especially if it has served me well usually done on impulse in the end.

Yes, Mick, been going round in circles for quite a while now, half hoping it will blow up. Decision made for me, then 

[TheBoy]

Mrs Opti rolls her eyes and says I shouldn't be allowed out without an 'appropriate adult'....

Like, err, her sister?

[TheBoy]

My astra is starting to show, and feel, it's age. 8 years old and coming up to 98,000 miles. It needs a new oil pickup seal, which involves taking various bits off and dropping the sump (to replace a £25 seal). The prices I've seen on various forums range from £300 to £400 to a sharp intake and flat refusal. It's giving me a 'service vehicle soon' on startup, which means it needs one (or, possibly, more) glow plugs at £120 a pop. MOT and service are coming up in three months. It's tatty. My fault for not getting scratches and scrapes done as soon as they occurred. Both front doors from car parks and front bumper both sides from me being gozzy. Had a quote last year from a well recommended local lad for £450, but I've added another door since then.
Under normal circumstances, it would be down to WBAC, and me accepting whatever they offered. But used car prices are still way too high for what you actually get. So, as I say, decision time soon.

If you're being 100% honest with yourself, is it that you are worried the car really is on its last legs?  Or are you just fancying something newer/better/tidier/different?

I'd be surprised if an 8 year old car is going to be problematic, and just with a couple of hundred quid on the engine fix (can they will have to do an oil change, so thats the service checked off as well), so if its you are genuinely worried, its probably unfounded.


On the other hand, if its you fancy a change, well, why not?

[STEMO]

My astra is starting to show, and feel, it's age. 8 years old and coming up to 98,000 miles. It needs a new oil pickup seal, which involves taking various bits off and dropping the sump (to replace a £25 seal). The prices I've seen on various forums range from £300 to £400 to a sharp intake and flat refusal. It's giving me a 'service vehicle soon' on startup, which means it needs one (or, possibly, more) glow plugs at £120 a pop. MOT and service are coming up in three months. It's tatty. My fault for not getting scratches and scrapes done as soon as they occurred. Both front doors from car parks and front bumper both sides from me being gozzy. Had a quote last year from a well recommended local lad for £450, but I've added another door since then.
Under normal circumstances, it would be down to WBAC, and me accepting whatever they offered. But used car prices are still way too high for what you actually get. So, as I say, decision time soon.

If you're being 100% honest with yourself, is it that you are worried the car really is on its last legs?  Or are you just fancying something newer/better/tidier/different?

I'd be surprised if an 8 year old car is going to be problematic, and just with a couple of hundred quid on the engine fix (can they will have to do an oil change, so thats the service checked off as well), so if its you are genuinely worried, its probably unfounded.


On the other hand, if its you fancy a change, well, why not?

Who knows what I'm thinking? I'm not sure I do 
I, probably, would have a new second hand car in the normal course of things, but the bastards are too expensive for what you get.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Mrs Opti rolls her eyes and says I shouldn't be allowed out without an 'appropriate adult'....

Like, err, her sister?

I find it's not a good idea to mention her sister. Too much bad blood.....and the fact we get on 'very well' just makes her seethe even more....

Truth be known I probably married the wrong sister. Do you think I should mention this?

[STEMO]

Mrs Opti rolls her eyes and says I shouldn't be allowed out without an 'appropriate adult'....

Like, err, her sister?

I find it's not a good idea to mention her sister. Too much bad blood.....and the fact we get on 'very well' just makes her seethe even more....

Truth be known I probably married the wrong sister. Do you think I should mention this?

Oh yes...definitely, don't hold back, just tell her the truth. 

[STEMO]

I was gonna say 'Can I have your car. When you're dead, like' But then I remembered what your car is. You can shove it 

[STEMO]

And probably do, most of the time 

[dave the builder]

just get the oil pick up and service sorted, don't worry about the dents and scratches ,drive it into the ground 
spend your pension on wine ,women and song 
oh and Bonio biscuits for the mut 

[STEMO]

Just spoken to the famous Frank in Keighley. He was actually doing one of these seals at the time. He asked me the model year and said he recommends a new pump on a 14 plate, but the job is no problem and to give him a ring when I'm ready. I'll get that done and worry about the other bits later.
After having a good think about it, I decided that the advice on here was right. A running car that I an happy with is much more preferable than splashing out thousands, that I will begrudge, on a different one. Even if I have to spend a grand or so, it makes more sense that chucking a decent car in the bin.
Wifey will disagree, she thinks scratches and scuffs make a car unroadworthy 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Just spoken to the famous Frank in Keighley. He was actually doing one of these seals at the time. He asked me the model year and said he recommends a new pump on a 14 plate, but the job is no problem and to give him a ring when I'm ready. I'll get that done and worry about the other bits later.
After having a good think about it, I decided that the advice on here was right. A running car that I an happy with is much more preferable than splashing out thousands, that I will begrudge, on a different one. Even if I have to spend a grand or so, it makes more sense that chucking a decent car in the bin.
Wifey will disagree, she thinks scratches and scuffs make a car unroadworthy 

No need to thank me, old boy.

[pscocoa]

Just spoken to the famous Frank in Keighley. He was actually doing one of these seals at the time. He asked me the model year and said he recommends a new pump on a 14 plate, but the job is no problem and to give him a ring when I'm ready. I'll get that done and worry about the other bits later.
After having a good think about it, I decided that the advice on here was right. A running car that I an happy with is much more preferable than splashing out thousands, that I will begrudge, on a different one. Even if I have to spend a grand or so, it makes more sense that chucking a decent car in the bin.
Wifey will disagree, she thinks scratches and scuffs make a car unroadworthy 

A good decision Steve - my 12 plate Astra SE Auto has been brilliant from running cost point of view but is low mileage. A couple of hundred here and there is the best option.

[Rangie]

Certainly makes sense to me Steve, that's why SWMBO is still driving her 2005 Subaru thought about changing it but absolutely no point in spending thousands at this moment in time.

[STEMO]

Got it booked in for the oil seal and, probably, new oil pump on Saturday 7th. Once that's done I can get through the other bits less urgently.

[STEMO]

Just spoken to the famous Frank in Keighley. He was actually doing one of these seals at the time. He asked me the model year and said he recommends a new pump on a 14 plate, but the job is no problem and to give him a ring when I'm ready. I'll get that done and worry about the other bits later.
After having a good think about it, I decided that the advice on here was right. A running car that I an happy with is much more preferable than splashing out thousands, that I will begrudge, on a different one. Even if I have to spend a grand or so, it makes more sense that chucking a decent car in the bin.
Wifey will disagree, she thinks scratches and scuffs make a car unroadworthy 

A good decision Steve - my 12 plate Astra SE Auto has been brilliant from running cost point of view but is low mileage. A couple of hundred here and there is the best option.

Hello, Phil, where've you been hiding?

[pscocoa]

Not hiding Steve - just a lack of car issues  these past few years. Hope things are good for you.

[STEMO]

Not hiding Steve - just a lack of car issues  these past few years. Hope things are good for you.

Not really, Phil, she's still here