Diesel Dilemma

[pompei]

Took the Saab 9-3 tdi into an indie specialist in Hull today for MoT and service. It's about 8 years old and has done nearly 112,000. Passed no trouble. So far so good.

 

I did mention something that has been discussed on here, the tendency to belch blue smoke when starting from cold and a "lumpy" tickover for a few seconds whilst cold. It seems that the manifold is on its way out - I am "spanner challenged" when it comes to these engines so please bear with me - I was told there is a sort of rod which has four valves running on the manifold. These get crudded up, stick open or shut and put pressure on the others which causes the manifold itself to wear. Then you get air and diesel leaks and it packs up. £1,000 to £1,200 to sort (assuming you do the cam belt and water pump when its all opened up) Could go on for a while, could pack in tomorrow.

 

The other thing that could cost a similar amount is clutch/DMF should it decide to go and meet its maker.

 

The car goes really well, averages 50mpg and is a nice place to be (though the stereo is rubbish).

 

So now I'm pondering whether to get rid before something catastrophic happens and get a petrol motor. And if so what. Or hang on until the engine light comes on and try and find a shed load of cash to fix it. Then keep it as a long termer.

 

The Rev Awdrey was right - devious diesels!

[eddyramrod]

get rid ... get a petrol motor. And if so what.

 

I vote "yes," and "practically anything that isn't diesel!"

[pompei]

I am veering down that road, Eddy - I should have listened to Pete M!

[forddeliveryboy]

DMFs and loadsa sensors with most modern stuff. If you're asking my advice, get the best A6 (pre-97) you can find. It will outlast most stuff built 2000-on, much better than the C5 A6. The 5-cyl TDi will average 50mpg yet is seriously quick, the best engine option. They go for 400k, rarely cause any bother and everything's as simple as an old Polo (but v comfy and nice handling - Audi spent a fortune on that chassis to make it last until '97, longer than they'd intended) and the quality Audi was once known for.

 

[Guest]

Whats it worth if you get shot though - and what does it leave in the kitty for a replacement?

[forddeliveryboy]

£2+? http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cars-/9801/i.html?_nkw=Saab%209-3%20tdi&_catref=1&_dmpt=Automobiles_UK&_fln=1&_npmv=3&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539&Model%2520Year=2004|2005

 

So, depending on your financial situaiton, it's either worth so little you may as well run it into the ground or until it needs £££ work then sell as is - or it's worth such a ridiculously large amount of cash for such an enormous liability the faster it's gone the better.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

You could always buy a petrol Scorpio like mine (but preferably sans LPG). All the DMF doom potential without the fuel economy!

[CIH]

get rid ... get a petrol motor. And if so what.

 

I vote "yes," and "practically anything that isn't diesel!"

 

This. Screw that diesel shit.