Car Maintenance - Is It Just Me? - Page 8

victorgte · 2nd May 2015, 06:09

Personally I make the judgement car by car. I recently spent £700 on the 75 to save it from HGF. The car cost me just £500 but I have put time and money into it and for me its worth saving and keeping. What car could I buy for £700? Would it be a money pit?

On the other hand I bought my Daughter a Rover 25 for £550 just 3 years ago (2000 X plate), low miles and 2 owners. In her hands it has suffered various knocks and there is not a straight panel on it anymore. I tell her to just get the oil changed every year and run it until it dies. It actually runs very well indeed but it looks a wreck! Judgement made.

Gino · 2nd May 2015, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by victorgte

Personally I make the judgement car by car.

I agree, I scrapped my last car as it had an ABS issue which would have cost a fortune to put right. I had already taken it to several garages but their diagnostics could not communicate with my car!
My Rover on the other hand, its too good a car not to spend money on to keep on the road..

Rob

RodgerD · 2nd May 2015, 06:48

We need to get back to a mend it mentality and ditch this throw-away where its cheaper to just replace. The amount of energy and Earth's resources that go into building a car and through mans idea of depreciation, it become uneconomic to repair after x number of years, has lead to this situation. We need to be more like Indian or Cuba where the philosophy is repair, repair, repair as they have no other option. We along with other western countries don't value items with a perceived decreasing value because of our thrown-away society that has become all to prevalent as money is king and people cannot see the real value in what they have.

Just look at this, repair a car with minimal need on Earth's resources, say a HG, or cut it up, build a new car to replace it which take far more of Earth's resources to manufacture.

MSS · 2nd May 2015, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerD

.....We need to be more like Indian or Cuba where the philosophy is repair, repair, repair as they have no other option. We along with other western countries don't value items with a perceived decreasing value because of our thrown-away society that has become all to prevalent as money is king and people cannot see the real value in what they have.
....

I agree. We Indians - even ones from Suffolk - can keep a car or motorcycle going much longer than almost anyone else. Just look at my Omega wich will be 16 years young this September.

Unfortunately, most Indians in India now aspire to emulate the Western "throw-away" society.

The planet is doomed. We are all doomed.

Ratty · 2nd May 2015, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodgerD

We need to get back to a mend it mentality and ditch this throw-away where its cheaper to just replace. The amount of energy and Earth's resources that go into building a car and through mans idea of depreciation, it become uneconomic to repair after x number of years, has lead to this situation. We need to be more like Indian or Cuba where the philosophy is repair, repair, repair as they have no other option. We along with other western countries don't value items with a perceived decreasing value because of our thrown-away society that has become all to prevalent as money is king and people cannot see the real value in what they have.

Just look at this, repair a car with minimal need on Earth's resources, say a HG, or cut it up, build a new car to replace it which take far more of Earth's resources to manufacture.

I totally agree with you Roger, I spend about 3 months every year in Thailand and nothing is thrown away, many small garages repairing cars & bikes on every corner. you can get anything repaired there.We should take a leaf out of their book.

gazcaz · 2nd May 2015, 08:10

Better the devil you know,im the same mine didint cost much due to the belts etc needing doing,it most prob owes me in total to date £2000,wheels to be done next month and drivers seat repaired and most probally a clutch at some point plus little bits n bobs say £3000.

What else could i get that is a little unusual and a talking point Merc,Audi,Ford,Porche no theres lots of them on the road,im happy with mine and as long as i can get the parts required i will keep it on the road.

Billy1mate · 2nd May 2015, 08:12

A friend of mine has an X3 on a '62 plate. It needs 2 new rear tyres and the 2 year BMW warranty runs out in June. On the face of it not a show stopper. The cost for his piece of mind as he hasn't got a clue about cars will be £1500 so that has been put down as a deposit on a brand new X3 to replace the current one and the monthly cost increase is negligible, it would have been zero but he's added some extra options. It sounds crazy but it makes sense, sort of.

SD1too · 2nd May 2015, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by grivas

Buying a new car just because the present one requires some kind of work carried out is an all to common occurrence in societies where most things have no immediate value, or instant gratification ...

That's an interesting view Mario. If I understand your point correctly, it would explain why there is often money in owners' pockets for things which enhance their car's image (for example electric heated seats, lashings of real wood trim) but not when it comes to an unglamorous head gasket repair.

But just to comment on Bob's original post, with which I wholeheartedly agree:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorset Bob

I have been reading a number of threads recently, where people decide not to get work done, based on the value of the car. I don't get what the value of the car has to do with it.
The bill would be the same, but if it was a £5000 car it would get done wouldn't it?

I think that the answer lies in considering the motor car as an asset, and that the cost of a big repair can somehow be recovered when the vehicle is sold. The flaw in this philosophy is taking into account only a single expense. What about all the routine servicing and minor repairs over the years of ownership; do you get this money back? No, of course you don't. Cars are money pits!

I suspect that the real reason that a single large expense tips the scales of reason is that the owner is looking for an excuse to opt out of a situation which is uncomfortable and embarrassing. Casting the guilty item out of his or her life is an exorcism and calm and happiness returns, but only until the inevitable visit to the car dealer's showroom.

Simon

itchyfeet · 2nd May 2015, 12:06

I had my ZR for about 17 months and it just became problem after problem. Not really engine problems but little issues like the sunroof needed replaced and would soak the seat. Sealed it about 6 times and the silicone would always wear away as expected. Was not going to invest in a new sunroof. The rust on the wheel arches was getting bad and even rust around the side indicator. The driver window needed pushed when going up to put it into its proper position.
Had to replace the heater fuse which has now gone again ( my soldering caused it ) , window wipers don't work on first setting. Cheap build quality that caused far too much rattling.

Engine wise I replaced inlet manifold, new radiator, expansion cap, radiator hoses, fuel pump, all brakes were changed, new brake pipes, welded an engine mount bit for MOT and other bits and bobs. Funny enough it went through MOT with zero advisories.
Sadly it is back to losing coolant again. Seems it is the waterpump that is leaking. So needs new belt anyway.

I got so fed up with it. Knew it was time for it to go and had spent well over a grand on repairs. £400 alone in tyres last summer.

I was looking at a BMW but really wanted to stay with MGR. Found the perfect ZT through the club and now love my new ZT.
To have gotten the same quality with BMW that I have with my ZT, I was looking at £5,000 range minimum. I looked at many BMW's over the months.
I waited for the perfect ZT for me as I do wish to own the car for the next ten years +. Will eventually become a weekend only car.

2nd May 2015, 06:09	#71
victorgte I really should get out more....... MGTF, MGZT, Range Rover Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 2,807 Thanks: 395 Thanked 633 Times in 446 Posts	Personally I make the judgement car by car. I recently spent £700 on the 75 to save it from HGF. The car cost me just £500 but I have put time and money into it and for me its worth saving and keeping. What car could I buy for £700? Would it be a money pit? On the other hand I bought my Daughter a Rover 25 for £550 just 3 years ago (2000 X plate), low miles and 2 owners. In her hands it has suffered various knocks and there is not a straight panel on it anymore. I tell her to just get the oil changed every year and run it until it dies. It actually runs very well indeed but it looks a wreck! Judgement made. __________________ MG TF 135, MG ZT, Range Rover P38

2nd May 2015, 06:48	#73
RodgerD Rodger & Out Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: London Posts: 712 Thanks: 10 Thanked 159 Times in 141 Posts	We need to get back to a mend it mentality and ditch this throw-away where its cheaper to just replace. The amount of energy and Earth's resources that go into building a car and through mans idea of depreciation, it become uneconomic to repair after x number of years, has lead to this situation. We need to be more like Indian or Cuba where the philosophy is repair, repair, repair as they have no other option. We along with other western countries don't value items with a perceived decreasing value because of our thrown-away society that has become all to prevalent as money is king and people cannot see the real value in what they have. Just look at this, repair a car with minimal need on Earth's resources, say a HG, or cut it up, build a new car to replace it which take far more of Earth's resources to manufacture. Last edited by RodgerD; 2nd May 2015 at 06:51..

2nd May 2015, 08:10	#76
gazcaz I really should get out more....... MG ZT Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Worthing Posts: 2,744 Thanks: 3,944 Thanked 576 Times in 471 Posts	Better the devil you know,im the same mine didint cost much due to the belts etc needing doing,it most prob owes me in total to date £2000,wheels to be done next month and drivers seat repaired and most probally a clutch at some point plus little bits n bobs say £3000. What else could i get that is a little unusual and a talking point Merc,Audi,Ford,Porche no theres lots of them on the road,im happy with mine and as long as i can get the parts required i will keep it on the road. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] MG ZT 2.5 V6 234th of 2,834 Trophy Blue ZT 190 + Saloons Produced 14th of 27 MG ZTs Produced on 27-09-2001

2nd May 2015, 08:12	#77
Billy1mate Posted a thing or two 120d M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sunny Weymouth Posts: 1,815 Thanks: 153 Thanked 142 Times in 121 Posts	A friend of mine has an X3 on a '62 plate. It needs 2 new rear tyres and the 2 year BMW warranty runs out in June. On the face of it not a show stopper. The cost for his piece of mind as he hasn't got a clue about cars will be £1500 so that has been put down as a deposit on a brand new X3 to replace the current one and the monthly cost increase is negligible, it would have been zero but he's added some extra options. It sounds crazy but it makes sense, sort of.

2nd May 2015, 12:06	#79
itchyfeet Loves to post MG ZT+ CDTi Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: N.Ireland Posts: 475 Thanks: 81 Thanked 72 Times in 58 Posts	I had my ZR for about 17 months and it just became problem after problem. Not really engine problems but little issues like the sunroof needed replaced and would soak the seat. Sealed it about 6 times and the silicone would always wear away as expected. Was not going to invest in a new sunroof. The rust on the wheel arches was getting bad and even rust around the side indicator. The driver window needed pushed when going up to put it into its proper position. Had to replace the heater fuse which has now gone again ( my soldering caused it ) , window wipers don't work on first setting. Cheap build quality that caused far too much rattling. Engine wise I replaced inlet manifold, new radiator, expansion cap, radiator hoses, fuel pump, all brakes were changed, new brake pipes, welded an engine mount bit for MOT and other bits and bobs. Funny enough it went through MOT with zero advisories. Sadly it is back to losing coolant again. Seems it is the waterpump that is leaking. So needs new belt anyway. I got so fed up with it. Knew it was time for it to go and had spent well over a grand on repairs. £400 alone in tyres last summer. I was looking at a BMW but really wanted to stay with MGR. Found the perfect ZT through the club and now love my new ZT. To have gotten the same quality with BMW that I have with my ZT, I was looking at £5,000 range minimum. I looked at many BMW's over the months. I waited for the perfect ZT for me as I do wish to own the car for the next ten years +. Will eventually become a weekend only car.