The Joy of Running an Old Shed (Vol 2)
Discussion
TT update: there is no update.
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Every time I drive the car, it's an enjoyable experience.
So my non-plan is to not do anything for a couple of months (because something seems to happen every 2-3 months). If something else happens then I'll trade it in for a GT86 or Juke Nismo (haven't decided yet!). Otherwise, I'll get the TT sorted so it's not leaking coolant. The coolant container loses about 1cm every 30 minute journey because the water pump is leaking (it only leaks when the engine is running). As a reminder, it's about £400 to change the pump and £400 to change the belt (and I don't have a record of it being changed).
There's still other stuff that needs sorting (eg speedo is 5mph out, the seats don't flip down unless you pull both levers) but I can live with those things.
However, there's a chance the belt could go at any time.
Which would make the decision for me.
Combine this with the potholed roads of 21st century Britain and every journey is like a Top Gear Challenge.
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Every time I drive the car, it's an enjoyable experience.
So my non-plan is to not do anything for a couple of months (because something seems to happen every 2-3 months). If something else happens then I'll trade it in for a GT86 or Juke Nismo (haven't decided yet!). Otherwise, I'll get the TT sorted so it's not leaking coolant. The coolant container loses about 1cm every 30 minute journey because the water pump is leaking (it only leaks when the engine is running). As a reminder, it's about £400 to change the pump and £400 to change the belt (and I don't have a record of it being changed).
There's still other stuff that needs sorting (eg speedo is 5mph out, the seats don't flip down unless you pull both levers) but I can live with those things.
However, there's a chance the belt could go at any time.
Which would make the decision for me.
Combine this with the potholed roads of 21st century Britain and every journey is like a Top Gear Challenge.
Hoofy said:
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Trouble is, can you guarantee that after spending £800 on it you won't have further expense. I think I have said before on here I had an A4 Convertible with the same engine and numerous things were always wrong with it no matter how many things I fixed.There was always a rolling list of 2 or 3 issues, fix one and another would appear a few days later.
ThingsBehindTheSun said:
Hoofy said:
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Trouble is, can you guarantee that after spending £800 on it you won't have further expense. I think I have said before on here I had an A4 Convertible with the same engine and numerous things were always wrong with it no matter how many things I fixed.There was always a rolling list of 2 or 3 issues, fix one and another would appear a few days later.
Hoofy said:
ThingsBehindTheSun said:
Hoofy said:
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Trouble is, can you guarantee that after spending £800 on it you won't have further expense. I think I have said before on here I had an A4 Convertible with the same engine and numerous things were always wrong with it no matter how many things I fixed.There was always a rolling list of 2 or 3 issues, fix one and another would appear a few days later.
ferrisbueller said:
What say the Shed-ista of the Avensis in its various diesel forms,or indeed the petrols for that matter?! They seem decent value and, being what they are, should be dependable, if boring, mile accumulators. The estate looks like quite the utility vehicle.
As with any Toyota of the period, the mechanicals are good and they're excellent utility transport, but without it having lived a charmed life or had a very proactive previous owner it'll probably be starting to get a bit crispy underneath about now. I also found with my sheddy Corolla saloon I ran about 5/6 years ago, that while it was very reliable when it did need something Toyota's part prices were a bit steep. Not sure if that has changed.
Wheel Turned Out said:
ferrisbueller said:
What say the Shed-ista of the Avensis in its various diesel forms,or indeed the petrols for that matter?! They seem decent value and, being what they are, should be dependable, if boring, mile accumulators. The estate looks like quite the utility vehicle.
As with any Toyota of the period, the mechanicals are good and they're excellent utility transport, but without it having lived a charmed life or had a very proactive previous owner it'll probably be starting to get a bit crispy underneath about now. I also found with my sheddy Corolla saloon I ran about 5/6 years ago, that while it was very reliable when it did need something Toyota's part prices were a bit steep. Not sure if that has changed.
BenS94 said:
Hoofy said:
ThingsBehindTheSun said:
Hoofy said:
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Trouble is, can you guarantee that after spending £800 on it you won't have further expense. I think I have said before on here I had an A4 Convertible with the same engine and numerous things were always wrong with it no matter how many things I fixed.There was always a rolling list of 2 or 3 issues, fix one and another would appear a few days later.
Hoofy said:
Hm. That's a good idea - do they charge much, typically?
We will occasionally do them if requested but it's the same price as doing an MOT as it obviously takes the same amount of time, so we just say have the MOT done instead. But obviously if we do the latter and it fails then that gets immediately updated on the system that your car has just failed. I can't speak for other stations but unless it's a regular customer and we know the car, we don't generally take on pre-MOTs because if the car fails then that's on our conscience that you're still driving around in an unroadworthy vehicle even though the last test is still legally valid.r3g said:
Hoofy said:
Hm. That's a good idea - do they charge much, typically?
We will occasionally do them if requested but it's the same price as doing an MOT as it obviously takes the same amount of time, so we just say have the MOT done instead. But obviously if we do the latter and it fails then that gets immediately updated on the system that your car has just failed. I can't speak for other stations but unless it's a regular customer and we know the car, we don't generally take on pre-MOTs because if the car fails then that's on our conscience that you're still driving around in an unroadworthy vehicle even though the last test is still legally valid.Hoofy said:
r3g said:
Hoofy said:
Hm. That's a good idea - do they charge much, typically?
We will occasionally do them if requested but it's the same price as doing an MOT as it obviously takes the same amount of time, so we just say have the MOT done instead. But obviously if we do the latter and it fails then that gets immediately updated on the system that your car has just failed. I can't speak for other stations but unless it's a regular customer and we know the car, we don't generally take on pre-MOTs because if the car fails then that's on our conscience that you're still driving around in an unroadworthy vehicle even though the last test is still legally valid.
monthou said:
Hoofy said:
r3g said:
Hoofy said:
Hm. That's a good idea - do they charge much, typically?
We will occasionally do them if requested but it's the same price as doing an MOT as it obviously takes the same amount of time, so we just say have the MOT done instead. But obviously if we do the latter and it fails then that gets immediately updated on the system that your car has just failed. I can't speak for other stations but unless it's a regular customer and we know the car, we don't generally take on pre-MOTs because if the car fails then that's on our conscience that you're still driving around in an unroadworthy vehicle even though the last test is still legally valid.
Sounds like you can do it on the cheap because you're handy with a spanner so I'd keep going if I were you. Assuming you have the time to do it!
Hoofy said:
Sounds like you can do it on the cheap because you're handy with a spanner so I'd keep going if I were you. Assuming you have the time to do it!
I'm no mechanic, but if it's straightforward I'll give it a go. Just done discs and pads on the 107, so hopefully the focus will be as easy. And tbh if there's much on a 20-odd yr old focus that's getting too complicated and difficult it's probably time to get rid.
When my F in Law was alive he was my get out of jail free card - I'd give anything a go safe in the knowledge he'd get me out of the brown stuff. One of those blokes who could fix anything!
I keep getting tempted by shiny things, but that Focus has been brilliant, and it's still a nice drive. So one more year.
Currently on holiday in the Greek island of Kefalonia.
Cars in Greece are expensive and premium brands quite rare.
So I’ve been watching the cars go by to see what survives
Toyotas seem to be strong survivors as do Hyundais. Some French stuff mainly Citroen C2 C3, some Fiats- but the Panda mk2 which was prolific out here has started to die out, the Mk3 is fairly abundant but i don’t see it outliving the Toyos and Hyundais. There’s quite a lot of “barn find” Panda mk1s parked up in fields and gardens but I don’t think many will be saved, even here rust will dissolve them.
Lacquer peel can often be the whole car, but not unsurprising owing to the sun. Dents are never fixed and cars are rarely if ever washed.
My conclusion is that turn of the century Toyotas an Hyundais are going to be winners in the shed survivors race
Cars in Greece are expensive and premium brands quite rare.
So I’ve been watching the cars go by to see what survives
Toyotas seem to be strong survivors as do Hyundais. Some French stuff mainly Citroen C2 C3, some Fiats- but the Panda mk2 which was prolific out here has started to die out, the Mk3 is fairly abundant but i don’t see it outliving the Toyos and Hyundais. There’s quite a lot of “barn find” Panda mk1s parked up in fields and gardens but I don’t think many will be saved, even here rust will dissolve them.
Lacquer peel can often be the whole car, but not unsurprising owing to the sun. Dents are never fixed and cars are rarely if ever washed.
My conclusion is that turn of the century Toyotas an Hyundais are going to be winners in the shed survivors race
BenS94 said:
MK1 Focus values are already climbing, albeit slowly. Worth keeping hold of, I'd say!
I go round in circles all the time about a weekend car. from z4's,mx5's and TT's to 172s,r53 cooper s e46's. Theres a good list and a good reason and the curve ball random car? The mk1 focus, purely down to this thread 
bristolracer said:
Currently on holiday in the Greek island of Kefalonia.
Cars in Greece are expensive and premium brands quite rare.
My conclusion is that turn of the century Toyotas an Hyundai are going to be winners in the shed survivors race
Nice! I holiday there a lot, I was in Scala Kefalonia last year, and often see this parked up...it's in better nick than mine anyway Cars in Greece are expensive and premium brands quite rare.
My conclusion is that turn of the century Toyotas an Hyundai are going to be winners in the shed survivors race
Edited by 7 5 7 on Friday 28th June 21:41
Shedlease'tastic has been busy in the last few weeks / months.
It's been a bad year really - I spend 5 weeks in NZ not looking after the business, to come back to find my business partner had pretty much decided to dismantle the business car by car, as well as being rude to customers and anyone who came through the door (including my apprentice who was I really think, close to suicidal when I came back). Having sorted much of that out we were hit by the massive increase in insurance costs, and having sorted that out 6 months after returning, we are just about back to where we were, with low stock levels, reasonably stable customers, and cars that are working for their living. All good.
So, time to take a little gamble to spice life up a bit.
2 weeks ago I bought a Audi A4 convertible, with the 2.0t engine and 200 bhp - goes well, and is in nice condition, and a bit of work later has an MOT, all for £760. Not too bad. (In fact I bought the Audi with no MOT, and sat on the drive for ages, and a really low mileage MG TF, also no MOT and sat on the drive for ages for £800)
So I stuck it (The A4) on marketplace to attract some business. I had nearly 300 messages about it in 2 days, and on the back of the ad, leased a Clio 1.5 dci, a Volvo, and a Mito. And the advert is still live and running. I leased the Volvo for a month in exchange for an Audi TT, with a hole in the exhaust, and a leaking power steering pipe, so by the time I've done the belts, and MOT'd it, it should be quite the attraction. No doubt it will lease another Clio, or a Scenic or something.
'm rather looking forward (?) to see how the A4 performs over the next few months. I'm fairly sure that there will be money to be made on it, but I'm sure the ride could be bumpy
It's been a bad year really - I spend 5 weeks in NZ not looking after the business, to come back to find my business partner had pretty much decided to dismantle the business car by car, as well as being rude to customers and anyone who came through the door (including my apprentice who was I really think, close to suicidal when I came back). Having sorted much of that out we were hit by the massive increase in insurance costs, and having sorted that out 6 months after returning, we are just about back to where we were, with low stock levels, reasonably stable customers, and cars that are working for their living. All good.
So, time to take a little gamble to spice life up a bit.
2 weeks ago I bought a Audi A4 convertible, with the 2.0t engine and 200 bhp - goes well, and is in nice condition, and a bit of work later has an MOT, all for £760. Not too bad. (In fact I bought the Audi with no MOT, and sat on the drive for ages, and a really low mileage MG TF, also no MOT and sat on the drive for ages for £800)
So I stuck it (The A4) on marketplace to attract some business. I had nearly 300 messages about it in 2 days, and on the back of the ad, leased a Clio 1.5 dci, a Volvo, and a Mito. And the advert is still live and running. I leased the Volvo for a month in exchange for an Audi TT, with a hole in the exhaust, and a leaking power steering pipe, so by the time I've done the belts, and MOT'd it, it should be quite the attraction. No doubt it will lease another Clio, or a Scenic or something.
'm rather looking forward (?) to see how the A4 performs over the next few months. I'm fairly sure that there will be money to be made on it, but I'm sure the ride could be bumpy
Hoofy said:
TT update: there is no update.
I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Every time I drive the car, it's an enjoyable experience.
So my non-plan is to not do anything for a couple of months (because something seems to happen every 2-3 months). If something else happens then I'll trade it in for a GT86 or Juke Nismo (haven't decided yet!). Otherwise, I'll get the TT sorted so it's not leaking coolant. The coolant container loses about 1cm every 30 minute journey because the water pump is leaking (it only leaks when the engine is running). As a reminder, it's about £400 to change the pump and £400 to change the belt (and I don't have a record of it being changed).
There's still other stuff that needs sorting (eg speedo is 5mph out, the seats don't flip down unless you pull both levers) but I can live with those things.
However, there's a chance the belt could go at any time.
Which would make the decision for me.
Combine this with the potholed roads of 21st century Britain and every journey is like a Top Gear Challenge.
Somebody's trying to pull your pants down there. Pump and belt are the same amount of work to change. Literally 5 mins more. And the pump comes with the belt kit. I am torn between selling it or paying another £800 to get something sorted. I know that if I get this thing sorted, it's cheaper than buying another shed and then finding out I have to pay £800 to fix something. It would be especially funny if I paid £800 to fix something that I'd just fixed on the TT.
Every time I drive the car, it's an enjoyable experience.
So my non-plan is to not do anything for a couple of months (because something seems to happen every 2-3 months). If something else happens then I'll trade it in for a GT86 or Juke Nismo (haven't decided yet!). Otherwise, I'll get the TT sorted so it's not leaking coolant. The coolant container loses about 1cm every 30 minute journey because the water pump is leaking (it only leaks when the engine is running). As a reminder, it's about £400 to change the pump and £400 to change the belt (and I don't have a record of it being changed).
There's still other stuff that needs sorting (eg speedo is 5mph out, the seats don't flip down unless you pull both levers) but I can live with those things.
However, there's a chance the belt could go at any time.
Which would make the decision for me.
Combine this with the potholed roads of 21st century Britain and every journey is like a Top Gear Challenge.
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