The new news 24 thread

[richardmorris]

Dropped the merc of in the dealers this morning. They have just sent me a video of its "health check".  Can't make out everything he says but did catch that one of the horns isn't working. That's why it seemed a little weedy recently.

Yes, the front suspension bushes are worn - it's why I'm spending £900 with them today.

 

I did smile when he said the fuel filter cover was missing - it's not, I know exactly where it is, it's just not attached to the car any more.

 

https://mercedes.citnow.com/vxLZ0_Wx6DU

 

Oh and the courtesy car is a brand new A 200d. I'd rather have mine! I have photos and will post later.

[tabact]

Do you mean the tailgate is not shutting ? TADTS - usually a bit of GT85 or similar on the locking mechanism  and a bit of vigorous to-ing and fro-ing with the key in sorts it.

 

Yup, water in spare wheel well. TADTS. Could be something daft like the rear washer not working (the pipe splits where the hatch lifts up and down) or more likely a fucked seal on the hatch.

 

Knackered window - hopefully nothing worse than a fuse, worse case scenario window has come off the runners due to lack of lube.

 

Face vents  - new one on me - could be related to the 1/2 fan speeds not working, TADTS - £5 10 minute fix.

 

Rough running -  Italian tune up to blow out the cobwebs

 

Handbrake - start off with tightening up the nut at the rear of the centre console (usually under an ashtray or similar) - give the brake pedal a good old pumping before you do this - self-adjusters. If the bar is not straight you will likely need to fart about and get the wheels off and piss about with the adjusters - disc or drum ?

 

Whilst this is the workshop manual for the 25/ZR/SW it's all pretty similar under there for the 200s:

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dEmIjXeLRPDMTK6Sd28SMz-bRQn3dMYQ

 

The catch doesn't lock so I'm assuming it is the mechanism needs cleaning. The drivers window sticks occasionally so the plaster was a reminder not to use it. The blower doesn't work on position 1, all other speeds OK and nothing at all from the face vents. Drum brakes on the back. Thanks for the link. I do have an old rave cd lying around so will have a look at that later assuming it will run on Windows 10.

 

 

10k for £100 doesn't seem bad value! No tears shed here, despite it never really going wrong I hated driving it, and avoided doing so at all costs! Rip KH54XTC! Bought from a trader running his business from a self storage place in Reading! You've done well

 

It did its job of getting me to work but that's it, Shit for boot space if using the back seats and the stuff I keep in a boot meant more often than not if I went down the supermarket I had to put half the shopping on the back seats. Who at Vauxhall OK'd that body design should be shot. The view to the right at roundabouts and on sharp bends was abysmal with that bloody great A plillar.

[tooSavvy]

Hope you have better luck than me. Hes never replied to my PM.

 

.... just applied 'the pointy stick'.....

[They_all_do_that_sir]

The wife's Qashqai has shit itself 70 miles away.

Sounds to me over the phone like the gear linkage cables have detached. Gear stick floppier than a flaccid cock.

I'm on my way up armed with cable ties and duct tape. Worst case scenario I'll jam it in third and drive it home like that

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

[SiC]

Oh bloody hell! Sorry VAG. It wasn't your shitty plastic bits after all. Just good old fashioned sticking sliders. Luckily I've only been driving around town, so unlikely to have caused any damage.

 

Sometimes Dr Google can really lead you up the wrong path.

 

Also had the wife saying "I said it was the brakes. Told you so."

TT went into the garage this morning (earliest they could do it). Nearside front caliper was pretty messy apparently. They cleaned it up and apparently runs well. If it happens again, it'll need a new Caliper. I did try pushing about replacing it anyway but they were pretty insistent that it cleaned up well and should be ok. 30 quid to clean it up, so not too bad really.

 

Drivers side:

 

Passenger side:

 

Pondering about keeping again. It's cost me around a grand in maintance so far, which is a lot. However a colleague has spent £1.5k on his 2009 Subaru Forester since buying it this year. I'm kinda banking on that it should run alright for a few thousand miles (a couple of months) and not cost me any more.

[Jim Bell]

 

Pondering about keeping again. It's cost me around a grand in maintance so far, which is a lot. However a colleague has spent £1.5k on his 2009 Subaru Forester since buying it this year.

I think we all have a friend thats just had to spend a load of money on a Subaru.

[oldcars]

Dropped the merc of in the dealers this morning. They have just sent me a video of its "health check".  Can't make out everything he says but did catch that one of the horns isn't working. That's why it seemed a little weedy recently.

Yes, the front suspension bushes are worn - it's why I'm spending £900 with them today.

 

I did smile when he said the fuel filter cover was missing - it's not, I know exactly where it is, it's just not attached to the car any more.

 

https://mercedes.citnow.com/vxLZ0_Wx6DU

 

Oh and the courtesy car is a brand new A 200d. I'd rather have mine! I have photos and will post later.

I got to 29 seconds and felt travel sick with that camera 

[loserone]

I think we all have a friend thats just had to spend a load of money on a Subaru.

Ooh, my ears are all burning.

 

Discs.  Pads.  then two coil springs.

 

Then a track rod, because it's bent because of the articulation from driving with two snapped springs at half the length they should be.  A CV boot, steering rack boot.  A selection of nuts and bolts in obtuse sizes.

 

Then everything is either seized, on with the wrong bolts, cross threaded, made-to-order, or a plain bastard.  

 

I think ScaryOldCortina was pleased to get it out of his yard after a month of waiting for bits to not be made and having to source them from elsewhere.

 

Then I start looking at the tyres which hold air for all of 12 hours, and the wheels look like the likely culprits.  ARGH!

[xtriple]

Sorry I have been away for a while, sad and depressed. However, just as I said I was going to repair the dollop, Flying spares sent me a revised offer after they had read the article in 'The Spirit' and so for £10K I have sold the heap of shit! Okay, it is still mine at the mo' but they are going to collect it from Exeter and pay me a couple of days before they do! Happy(ish) and it's gone (going) and I hope they are going to break the bastard thing. It's worth a LOT more in parts than as a car so it's possible.

 

I also get to keep the plate

 

So I've just been out and bought a Merc CLK 320 Convertible, from a dealer (nice guys) and paid good money for the sod. Year 2000, last owner for 14 years (friend of the dealer who really sells commercials) with history and a nice tidy car. Having a couple of new tyres and a new MOT so should get it towards the end of the week. I just can't stand the diesel clatter this Vauxhall makes, it worries me no end though I dare say it's normal, just sounds awful to my ears. Also, manual is fine for a day or two, but prolonged use, is a no-no as the old leg plays up rather a lot.

 

Quite looking forward to getting the MB, it's a bit old and got rust round the arches (of course) but otherwise nice and clean and straight and £1800 is not really a lot when you compare it to £6K for a head gasket! I just couldn't refuse an easy 'out' with 10 grand back to me and no hassle. Flying Spares have been great to deal with so far (I hope it continues) and I will be glad to see the back of that car.  Nice thing is: I should be able to pocket the money from them (spent the head gasket fund to buy the MB) and keep it in case something I do want comes up at some point.

 

Also getting my Fiesta soon so I will have acar and a spare again, oh hum...

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Tell us your cost per mile on the dollop!

[richardmorris]

Just had a call from service at Mercedes dealer. They need to replace some bolts and fittings too, but they hadn't ordered them in so it will be tomorrow now (hopefully). You'd think that in expectation of working on a 24year old car with rusty steering arms they'd have thought of this earlier! Also, and this is really good - they can only adjust the tracking not the camber as they don't have the correct tools. Nor do any other main dealer in the UK, nor do Mercedes in Germany!

Anyway, I get to impress the neighbours with the new (800miles only )car tonight.

[richardmorris]

Tell us your cost per mile on the dollop!

 

Hasn't the poor chap suffered enough!

[loserone]

xtriple: Thanks for such a timely posting, that makes me feel a shitload better.

 

Not any less skint, but better.

[Lord Sterling]

*gosh horror schmock*

The 'split' lower splitter on my Carina is [apparently] usable on other Toyyos...

One up for £140... (Yes Yes not what it will sell for, mebbies)

...... Eyyy 'auld shite', eh

You've got a Carina? When did this happen? Talk about it young Savvy, you did not... (gr8 if ya have!) ...Eyyy auld shiters...

 

Anyway, I hate warm pollen-filled days. Today I went out for a walk to complete a few minor tasks and came back a bumbling snot bag. I've got a minor sore throat, my nose is running like a tap. Why does pollon affect me like this? It's getting worse every summer as well

[tooSavvy]

LS, my myopic m8.....

 

http://autoshite.com/topic/25208-toyotally-fixerating-bitz-n-bobs-a-diary/

 

..... Still 'tonkinn along'

[They_all_do_that_sir]

Sorry I have been away for a while, sad and depressed. However, just as I said I was going to repair the dollop, Flying spares sent me a revised offer after they had read the article in 'The Spirit' and so for £10K I have sold the heap of shit! Okay, it is still mine at the mo' but they are going to collect it from Exeter and pay me a couple of days before they do! Happy(ish) and it's gone (going) and I hope they are going to break the bastard thing. It's worth a LOT more in parts than as a car so it's possible.

 

I also get to keep the plate

 

So I've just been out and bought a Merc CLK 320 Convertible, from a dealer (nice guys) and paid good money for the sod. Year 2000, last owner for 14 years (friend of the dealer who really sells commercials) with history and a nice tidy car. Having a couple of new tyres and a new MOT so should get it towards the end of the week. I just can't stand the diesel clatter this Vauxhall makes, it worries me no end though I dare say it's normal, just sounds awful to my ears. Also, manual is fine for a day or two, but prolonged use, is a no-no as the old leg plays up rather a lot.

 

Quite looking forward to getting the MB, it's a bit old and got rust round the arches (of course) but otherwise nice and clean and straight and £1800 is not really a lot when you compare it to £6K for a head gasket! I just couldn't refuse an easy 'out' with 10 grand back to me and no hassle. Flying Spares have been great to deal with so far (I hope it continues) and I will be glad to see the back of that car. Nice thing is: I should be able to pocket the money from them (spent the head gasket fund to buy the MB) and keep it in case something I do want comes up at some point.

 

Also getting my Fiesta soon so I will have acar and a spare again, oh hum...

They are a lovely car. Lots of presence and a lovely big V6 for maximum waft.

 

That is strong money but if its been looked after probably worth it.

 

Good luck with it. Any plans to get another Bentley or Roller?

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

[xtriple]

They are a lovely car. Lots of presence and a lovely big V6 for maximum waft.

 

That is strong money but if its been looked after probably worth it.

 

Good luck with it. Any plans to get another Bentley or Roller?

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

Only if you are volunteering to pay for the bastard! You say it's 'strong money' but most of them down here seem to go for about that or more. If it is nice, I shall keep it and get the arches done etc, time will tell.

[beko1987]

Sorry I have been away for a while, sad and depressed. However, just as I said I was going to repair the dollop, Flying spares sent me a revised offer after they had read the article in 'The Spirit' and so for £10K I have sold the heap of shit! Okay, it is still mine at the mo' but they are going to collect it from Exeter and pay me a couple of days before they do! Happy(ish) and it's gone (going) and I hope they are going to break the bastard thing. It's worth a LOT more in parts than as a car so it's possible.

 

I also get to keep the plate

 

So I've just been out and bought a Merc CLK 320 Convertible, from a dealer (nice guys) and paid good money for the sod. Year 2000, last owner for 14 years (friend of the dealer who really sells commercials) with history and a nice tidy car. Having a couple of new tyres and a new MOT so should get it towards the end of the week. I just can't stand the diesel clatter this Vauxhall makes, it worries me no end though I dare say it's normal, just sounds awful to my ears. Also, manual is fine for a day or two, but prolonged use, is a no-no as the old leg plays up rather a lot.

 

Quite looking forward to getting the MB, it's a bit old and got rust round the arches (of course) but otherwise nice and clean and straight and £1800 is not really a lot when you compare it to £6K for a head gasket! I just couldn't refuse an easy 'out' with 10 grand back to me and no hassle. Flying Spares have been great to deal with so far (I hope it continues) and I will be glad to see the back of that car.  Nice thing is: I should be able to pocket the money from them (spent the head gasket fund to buy the MB) and keep it in case something I do want comes up at some point.

 

Also getting my Fiesta soon so I will have acar and a spare again, oh hum...

Sounds like a fun summer of top down motoring and a nice dog car will have you set up for the forseeable!

[cort1977]

Again, this has been said a few times. 1980s classics are hurtling upwards in value, driven largely by nostalgia (as ever). I think the market will only go pop if something appears that seems a better bet to plough your money into. At the moment, classic cars just keep on delivering. I agree it's all a nonsense, and people will get burned, but I take some comfort in thinking that those most at risk are the ones who have bought more for investment than pleasure. So serve them right. I couldn't give a monkey's what the value of my 2CV is. It just isn't relevant.

 

What was the main driver the last time classic value took a big dive during the late 80s / early 90s recession?  We have had worse recessions since then that didn't really hit classic values (in fact may have increased them as people lost faith in financial products).  Is there any consensus on what factors caused that big devaluation and do any of them apply now?

[madrat]

 

Bluetooth is a system designed so any piece of technology can talk to any other

I have never been able to get anything Bluetooth to talk to anything else Bluetooth since about 2002.

[Pat Earrings]

Hope you have better luck than me. Hes never replied to my PM.

I have kept checking today, it says he hasn't even read the message. My message is basically yes I'll have it..even provided mobile. BUT I WANT TO WINNTHE ROFFLE TOO. LIEF. WAT EVEN IS IT

[tooSavvy]

^^ get logged back in.... He's there on TOC

[They_all_do_that_sir]

(If it's cable-operated gear-linkage) take some electrical strip-connectors.

Got me out of a fix one evening when gear-cable broke on my old Ford Connect van 100 miles from home. Gearbox was stuck in 2nd regardless of gearstick position.

 

30A ones probably most useful if you have to buy some, cost peanuts so keep a selection of sizes. Trick's been used successfully on broken throttle and clutch cables too.

 

Maybe a linkage-rod jumped off. (Lash it up with cable-ties). Sorted.

Previous owner had lashed it up with cable ties already, this repair* had failed so I done a better cable tie repair

 

 

 

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[somewhatfoolish]

What was the main driver the last time classic value took a big dive during the late 80s / early 90s recession?  We have had worse recessions since then that didn't really hit classic values (in fact may have increased them as people lost faith in financial products).  Is there any consensus on what factors caused that big devaluation and do any of them apply now?

The only thing that makes any sense is that;

 

A - Markets are irrational

B - Every other previously popular investment opportunity has either been made shit by the government or is now in the toilet because of casino behaviour in the city so people rationalise buying a snide Mk2 Scrotum RS2000 instead of becoming an amateur Rachman or blowing it all on penny shares.

[richardmorris]

Ok, here is today’s courtesy car from Mercedes ascot. It’s a bit PlayStation like inside with a huge ipad screen and lots of flashing lights. I also got it to flash a red triangle at me just now as I was accelerating up the a30 but no idea what that was. It went away after a bit.

7speed auto diesel with stop start ( I accidentally found how to turn it off thankfully).

 

 

I also think they missed a trick with the air vents- surely the Mercedes emblem shape would be better?

 

Edit, I’ve just been playing with the Mercedes website to try and see a manual as there isn’t one in the car. This two litre diesel amg line ( which I think means snazzy floor mats) is over £31,000! They’re pushing the finance too- £5500 down and four years of £359 a month with a final £11,000 payment. Limited to 10,000miles too.

[Guest Hooli]

Sorry I have been away for a while, sad and depressed. However, just as I said I was going to repair the dollop, Flying spares sent me a revised offer after they had read the article in 'The Spirit' and so for £10K I have sold the heap of shit! Okay, it is still mine at the mo' but they are going to collect it from Exeter and pay me a couple of days before they do! Happy(ish) and it's gone (going) and I hope they are going to break the bastard thing. It's worth a LOT more in parts than as a car so it's possible.

 

I also get to keep the plate

 

So I've just been out and bought a Merc CLK 320 Convertible, from a dealer (nice guys) and paid good money for the sod. Year 2000, last owner for 14 years (friend of the dealer who really sells commercials) with history and a nice tidy car. Having a couple of new tyres and a new MOT so should get it towards the end of the week. I just can't stand the diesel clatter this Vauxhall makes, it worries me no end though I dare say it's normal, just sounds awful to my ears. Also, manual is fine for a day or two, but prolonged use, is a no-no as the old leg plays up rather a lot.

 

Quite looking forward to getting the MB, it's a bit old and got rust round the arches (of course) but otherwise nice and clean and straight and £1800 is not really a lot when you compare it to £6K for a head gasket! I just couldn't refuse an easy 'out' with 10 grand back to me and no hassle. Flying Spares have been great to deal with so far (I hope it continues) and I will be glad to see the back of that car. Nice thing is: I should be able to pocket the money from them (spent the head gasket fund to buy the MB) and keep it in case something I do want comes up at some point.

 

Also getting my Fiesta soon so I will have acar and a spare again, oh hum...

Sounds like a good out for you mate. Hope the new wheels behave better.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[SiC]

Ok, here is today’s courtesy car from Mercedes ascot. It’s a bit PlayStation like inside with a huge ipad screen and lots of flashing lights. I also got it to flash a red triangle at me just now as I was accelerating up the a30 but no idea what that was. It went away after a bit.

7speed auto diesel with stop start ( I accidentally found how to turn it off thankfully).

 

Thats a much better engine than I had as a hire car last week. This one is basically a Renault engine. Same 7 speed DSG box as you had though.

 

Red triangle is collision warning. If you really upset it, it moans at you by flashing and beeping. I had it go off a couple of times. So basically the car telling you off for your driving.

[Tetleysmooth]

Anyone driving abroad this year?

 

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=282072

 

Sorry, no pics in the ad, but if anyone's interested, I'll request some.

Just chuck a pm my way.

[wuvvum]

That sounds about right.    So where does one get these unique-to-Girling unions from?  Are they main dealer only?  Do Pug main dealers even still stock 205 bits?

I stopped in at the Aylsham Road branch of Wilco on the way home from work this evening, to see if they could help at all.  They immediately knew exactly what I was talking about, and had two of the correct unions in stock.  I fugging love that shop.

 

Also took the Renner Six for a quick spin down the road this evening.  Front brakes are a bit sticky (expected that tbh) but other than that it seems happy enough.  Time and weather permitting I'll give the front calipers a bit of a clean up over the weekend.

[richardmorris]

Thats a much better engine than I had as a hire car last week. This one is basically a Renault engine. Same 7 speed DSG box as you had though.

Red triangle is collision warning. If you really upset it, it moans at you by flashing and beeping. I had it go off a couple of times. So basically the car telling you off for your driving.

 

I thought it was annoyed about something ( to quote dr McCoy), but there was no one else about to collide with. ( with which to collide ).