Lord Sterling's fleet of failure - Goodbye Micra 😢

[Kiltox]

I quite like the Zafira A. Did some work on one for a friend of a friend a few years ago which involved having to road test it a fair bit. It’s just a tall Astra G which isn’t a bad thing. 

[red5]

A Zafira A is a Astra G estate. So the drive like, well, an estate car.

[Lord Sterling]

Zafira has had some stuff added. I tried my best to clean the interior but was simply beaten by the sheer work and lack of real upholstery cleaning equipment.

I bought a replacement wheel trim, floor mats and boot mat and a user manual book pack. It came with its original service manual too so completes the bookpack nicely.

The key fob did get replaced but I'd bought the wrong 2-buttoned electric board so the linking isn't happening. I can't afford another right now. I offered Ma_Sterling the use of the Zafira but she didn't think she needed it for the 7 short days she is here before she returns to the IoW. Besides, she is used to Micra-sized vehicles.

So i've left it insured and am getting the car changed from disabled tax to normal PLG. I'll use it for a bit and sell.

The mats weren't the best fitting things, the front has a bit on the right that isn't flush and the rear mats needed tucking under seat runner covers. Still, it looks tidier.

It drives lovely though, there is a bit of a squeal coming from the rear wheel which is a bit annoying, engine light is on but I found out its something minor. But its lovely.

[louiepj]

Zafira A was the one that always had its spare wheel stolen from underneath. Vauxhall used to wait until you came back to buy a replacement rim and sold you a large padlock as well.

[Popsicle]

Had a couple of these Zafira's over the years, engine light was often MAF sensor, usually with a flat spot around 3000 revs. Under £20 on ebay for a new one.

[Lord Sterling]

Uninteresting update:

Today another package turned up for me. A Delco CDR-500 stereo which would have probably come with the Zafira when new, but like with many Zafiras of this era, its original head unit got replaced with a cheap CD player because it probably "looked newer" or some other rubbish excuse. It was also badly fitted, loose in it's cage.

When I got the car, the lighter socket and stereo didn't work, so a couple of fuses were replaced and it worked. The stereo that came with the car was this desperate thing:

A 'Tevion' something or other. It always lost memory everytime the ignition was switched off, reverting back to no radio station and sound "enhancements" reset, I tried a Kenwood I had lying around which at least kept its memory but kept on going into "call" mode a few seconds after switching on. However, it still didn't work with the steering controls, I hated that.

After looking at some examples of nice well kept Zafira 'A's I discovered that my car might have come with a GM Delco CDR-500, it made sense.  But I didn't realise how popular they were.  Every one I bid on sold for £30/£40+ a couple of £20-odd ones were a bit dodgy, no codes or dodgy controls etc...

Finally I stuck another bid on one and set a slightly higher reserve than I wanted to pay and got the stereo.

Today, I fitted it in, got slightly perplexed with the code but eventually I got the stereo working, it sounded excellent, much much better than the cheap effort I found in it, the sounds are crisper, stronger and bassier than the after-market efforts, the CD works great, I can see the track/radio display where its supposed to be on the display screen and use the steering controls which may not have been used now for many years.

[Angrydicky]

Nice work, I love an OE stereo.

My Rover 45 has its original Rover branded radio/CD player which sounds great. Much better than the aftermarket efforts I’m used to. Also has steering wheel controls which are great. I’ve never had them before.

As for Rover 800s, I managed to get a shot yesterday of this one parked near my parents house. It actually looks in remarkably good condition (and the drivers sill looked rust free) but it’s been standing a long time judging by the four flat tyres.

[Cookiesouwest]

6 minutes ago, Angrydicky said:

Nice work, I love an OE stereo.

My Rover 45 has its original Rover branded radio/CD player which sounds great. Much better than the aftermarket efforts I’m used to. Also has steering wheel controls which are great. I’ve never had them before.

As for Rover 800s, I managed to get a shot yesterday of this one parked near my parents house. It actually looks in remarkably good condition (and the drivers sill looked rust free) but it’s been standing a long time judging by the four flat tyres.

Put a polite note through the door. Shitters want your car

 

[Cookiesouwest]

7 hours ago, Lord Sterling said:

Uninteresting update:

Today another package turned up for me. A Delco CDR-500 stereo which would have probably come with the Zafira when new, but like many Zafiras, the older and cheaper it got, so did its sound system. When I got the car, the lighter socket and stereo didn't work, so a couple of fuses were replaced and it worked. However, the stereo in the car was this desperate thing:

A Tevion. It always lost memory everytime the ignition was switched off, I tried a Kenwood I had laying around and that kept its memory. However, it still didn't work with the steering controls, I hated that.

After looking at some examples of nice well kept Zafiras I discovered that my car might have come with a GM Delco CDR-500, made sense.  I hadn't realised how popular they were.  Every one I bid on sold for £30+ a couple of £20-odd ones were a bit dodgy, no codes or dodgy controls etc...

Finally I stuck another bid on one and set a slightly higher reserve than I wanted to pay and got the stereo.

Today, I fitted it in, got slightly perplexed with the code and eventually, got the code typed in and stereo working, it sounded excellent, much much better than the cheap effort I found in it, the sounds are crisper, stronger and bassier than the after-market efforts, the CD works great, I can see the track/radio display where its supposed to be on the display screen and use the steering controls which may not have been used now for many years.

Good effort. I like OE. Vauxhall stereos have always been quite good and seem to last better than the equivalent OE ford units

[Lord Sterling]

2 hours ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Good effort. I like OE. Vauxhall stereos have always been quite good and seem to last better than the equivalent OE ford units

Totally agree. I've always found thay Vauxhall units have the best all-round sound. They are the best in-car OE set-up in my humble opinion.

[Billy - Medhurst]

1st time I have heard the Tevion name in a few years. Their gear was the special offer electronics on the weekly in shop  deals offered by Aldi.

[Lord Sterling]

On 6/7/2020 at 10:07 AM, Billy - Medhurst said:

1st time I have heard the Tevion name in a few years. Their gear was the special offer electronics on the weekly in shop  deals offered by Aldi.

Admittedly they are nice looking stereo but the sounds aren't as crisp. I think this one was shoved innthe Zafira because it has USB and memory card slots for ease of music transferring. 

I'm not against after-market stereos, but I find, especially in Vauxhalls that OEM sounds can't be beaten unless you go the whole hog with a new amp, basebox, etc.... I've got a few after market stereos here. The blue K11 Micra has a Sony Xplod which is massively better than the OEM tape jobbie that came with it which even only fast-forward facility on the tape deck, no rewind. The grey K11 Micra though has a newer Nissan-branded CD head unit but from the newer K12 Micra which actually looks, works and sounds great.

[Billy - Medhurst]

This is my Astra when bought - Don't worry Mo it has proper mats in now - lol. I was going to change it but unlike the zafira its the double din size so requires adaptors / facia's etc to change.

Too much of a faff and they do sound very good for the old oem system they are. 

[Lord Sterling]

Last week I got chatting to an old mate of mine who was looking for a bigger motor for his missus. His missus has back problems and found getting into lower cars a difficulty. I mentioned the Zafira but was a bit weary as I wasn't actively looking to sell it. He wanted to reach a deal more so for his missus than anything.  In the meantime he had a Peugeot 407 2.0 SE HDi up for swap. We met today and he seemed very happy with the Zafira and off he went....

Leaving me with this:

Almost immidiately I swung into clean up action removing old plastic bottles and crisp packets. 

I visited the local IMO car wash place and chucked a bucket of water over it. It cleans up well. 

Driving it back, it was Ok. No rattles but a couple of minor knocks when going over bumps, there is also a bit of a suspension type squeak when going uneven road, which most of it is. I was told that it was down to suspension bushes which will get looked at. Other than that, it seems to drive Ok.

There are various non-mechanical bits and bobs that need to be rectified. The passenger door has a missing check strap. Rear bumper has a missing finisher (seen above) the radio does not have a clear screen so texts on screen are ineligible. the boot was filthy, full of sand and various nuts and bolts. All cleaned out now.

It does have boot carpet too.

I'll probably sort out as much as I can and stick it up for sale. It's not a bad car.

[gadgetgricey]

Do these still have the boot release button "hidden" in the 0 of 407?

Sorry, I actually prefer it to the Zafira

[andyberg]

I love the shape of the 407, nice car. 

[Lord Sterling]

8 hours ago, gadgetgricey said:

Do these still have the boot release button "hidden" in the 0 of 407?

It does indeed. It also has retractable wing mirrors when locking the car. Great little features. 

[Kiltox]

Fucking love a 407 and the 2.0 HDi is the pick of the bunch. 

[Angrydicky]

I drove an estate one of those on an “09” with that engine that a mates work hired to get him to a course, a few years ago now. I’ve always thought the front end styling was questionable, but it was a nice comfortable car to drive. I don’t even like diesels!

[bramz7]

A schoolfriends parents had an estate when they were nearly new, it looked great with the panoramic sunroof. 

 

Might be interested when you move it on, but knowing me I will knee deep in some other shitter at the time (not literally).

[Floatylight]

We had a 1.6hdi SW for a few years, good competent comfortable car, very economical.

The display TADTS...



Sent from my SM-A505FN using Tapatalk

[hairnet]

mo ROFL

ps kiltox is still awake

frog apologist - mo is nearly back to normal

[alcyonecorporation]

Glad to see that the KV6 is still around. 



I drove it around Birmingham once listening to gangsta rap. 

[Lord Sterling]

7 hours ago, Kiltox said:

Fucking love a 407 and the 2.0 HDi is the pick of the bunch. 

Cheers. Yeah its not a bad car. But it is to sell so by next month if you're interested, let me know. 

6 hours ago, bramz7 said:

Might be interested when you move it on, but knowing me I will knee deep in some other shitter at the time (not literally).

As above, it'll be moved on by next month but I'd like to try and sort the front suspension noises if I can, however Vectra is up first for long over-due repairs so it may or may not get sorted. 

[NorfolkNWeigh]

The 407 shares with the Jaguar XF the distinction that for years I thought both were hatchbacks.  If you’re making a saloon make it a proper 3 box, people. Both the 508 and Mk2 XF look like saloons, you’ll be pleased to hear.

[Lord Sterling]

5 hours ago, alcyonecorporation said:

Glad to see that the KV6 is still around. 



I drove it around Birmingham once listening to gangsta rap. 

Glad you enjoyed it. I need to rip the tracks and send them to you. KV6 Sterling is due to be moved tomorrow to the yard where I keep my cars.

[Lord Sterling]

Well. As previously alluded to in another topic, the Vectra decided to chuck in the towel. 😔

Took it to a once trusted garage, it sat around for ages awaiting some sort of actual work. It got ignored for ages until a favour was called where the Vectra was needed, sadly as I picked it up, it was dirty, the battery was flat and the engine, as I eventually found was knocking badly. Reason: sludge in the engine.  It was agreed by myself and a mate that it just wasn't worth repairing given it'd cost near enough £700+ just supply and fit of another engine which would also need cambelt/water pump change etc..... then there was other stuff, a rusty door bottom, drop links and arms.  Despite that, given the money I would have done it. But at that crucial time, I just don't have it and I really don't need another car sitting around until I find myself out of the financial mess I continuously find myself in.

Today, I went to the car for the final time to clear it out of my stuff, took a few keepsakes (except for the numberplate 😔)

Old vs new:

Goodbye old friend.

Let me put it like this. I dislike the Peugeot because it a Peugeot. It feels like a Peugeot, drives like a Peugeot and is a fucking Peugeot. I've never really liked them, or in fact any French cars after 2000s (bar the Clio)

Unfortunately it's gonna have to serve as a main car for me now. Its not a bad car as such. I just don't like it. It does however give me the chance to sort it properly. Sort the squeaking in the suspension, maybe fit a check strap, probably fit some less broken interior plastics, gearknob and a better boot carpet and board that isn't broken. But then after that it needs to go. Fuck having a Diesel, I work from home so barely travel except to the shops and maybe now and again to Birmingham or the Isle of Wight. I want a big, stupid, comfy, thirsty car that makes no sense whatsoever. Why? Because, its what I want.

[Floatylight]

8 minutes ago, Lord Sterling said:

Well. As previously alluded to in another topic, the Vectra decided to chuck in the towel. 😔

Took it to a once trusted garage, it sat around for ages awaiting some sort of actual work. It got ignored for ages until a favour was called where the Vectra was needed, sadly as I picked it up, it was dirty, the battery was flat and the engine, as I eventually found was knocking badly. Reason: sludge in the engine.  It was agreed by myself and a mate that it just wasn't worth repairing given it'd cost near enough £700+ just supply and fit of another engine which would also need cambelt/water pump change etc..... then there was other stuff, a rusty door bottom, drop links and arms.  Despite that, given the money I would have done it. But at that crucial time, I just don't have it and I really don't need another car sitting around until I find myself out of the financial mess I continuously find myself in.

Today, I went to the car for the final time to clear it out of my stuff, took a few keepsakes (except for the numberplate 😔)

Old vs new:

Goodbye old friend.

Let me put it like this. I dislike the Peugeot because it a Peugeot. It feels like a Peugeot, drives like a Peugeot and is a fucking Peugeot. I've never really liked them, or in fact any French cars after 2000s (bar the Clio)

Unfortunately it's gonna have to serve as a main car for me now. Its not a bad car as such. I just don't like it. It does however give me the chance to sort it properly. Sort the squeaking in the suspension, maybe fit a check strap, probably fit some less broken interior plastics, gearknob and a better boot carpet and board that isn't broken. But then after that it needs to go. Fuck having a Diesel, I work from home so barely travel except to the shops and maybe now and again to Birmingham or the Isle of Wight. I want a big, stupid, comfy, thirsty car that makes no sense whatsoever. Why? Because, its what I want.

Why not take this opportunity to get one of the Rovers on the road!

[Lord Sterling]

17 hours ago, Floatylight said:

Why not take this opportunity to get one of the Rovers on the road!

Too much, too long and I don't really have a trusted mechanic that I'm comfortable with taking my cars to anymore.  I also need to prioritise paying back some small debts too. Whilst I can afford to save, its a very small amount at the moment. I can save a bit, sell the Peugeot and buy something I've always wanted.

If not, the KV6 is a very likely candidate for revival, but its not a priority.

[Bren]

Sad about the vectra. Maybe we could have a joint car funeral? Also sad your garage disappointed - I suspect a lot of the bad ones may well go to the wall.