Ask a Shiter

40,366 · June 19, 2018

I couldn't recommended anything other than a Record 21 Fitters Vice or failing that a Paramo, but definitely a Record if you can find one, get an old one, that the important bit. Reckon on £60-70

40,366 · June 19, 2018

What sort of economy might I expect from a Mk3 Mondeo V6?

8,140 · June 19, 2018

Recommendations sought chod fans.

Room at the Inn for a workhorse diesel commuting chod.

Economy and probable dependability are the name of the game. Budget of around £700. Really hoping for something that's been well looked after and quite easy to work on. It will do around 400 miles each week but will have Rover McRoverface for backup should it shit the bed.

The immediate car that springs to mind is the Peugeot 306 1.9 TD. I'm struggling to find many good ones though. I think they had the right balance of economy, complexity and shunt. So probably something in that mould. Wouldn't really be interested in anything that much larger than the 306, it's almost always just myself in the car.

Would consider something smaller and normally aspirated like a 106 but not sure if that would destroy my soul doing 450ish miles a week.

40,366 · June 19, 2018

Focus 1.8TD, if you can find one that the pump isn't about to crap out. Rough though.

June 19, 2018

The immediate car that springs to mind is the Peugeot 306 1.9 TD. I'm struggling to find many good ones though. I think they had the right balance of economy, complexity and shunt. So probably something in that mould. Wouldn't really be interested in anything that much larger than the 306, it's almost always just myself in the car.

Don't rule out the later 306 HDi - I've had a couple now and providing that they've seen a degree of care and servicing during their lives, the oily bits will rack up big mileages without issue. Yes they're slightly more complex than the earlier XUD engine, but still simple enough that they don't have the usual modern diesel woes with DPF, DMF etc.

Plenty of shabby and over-priced examples of course, but £700 is plenty to find a cared-for example with sensible mileage and history. Aim for Meridian trim level if you a comparatively plush spec or DTurbo (3dr only) if you want better handling, as they were basically as per a GTi-6 suspension wise. Check the rear beam is in good order (excessive camber, squeaking or knocking spells problems), belts are easy enough if you're handy with a spanner (no special tools needed) and it's accept that it's almost a given that the AC will be dead - it won't be "just a re-gas" but rather a failed pipe and almost certainly the rest of the system if it's been left empty for a long period. A late (Y-2001 on) example is cheaper tax, and a sub-£100 remap considerably improve performance.

My current one I bought for £400 odd with 125k miles on the clock and it's now at 205k. Previous one I eventually called time on at 250k and all the oily bits were still in good order, tired injectors aside.

8,140 · June 19, 2018

Focus 1.8TD, if you can find one that the pump isn't about to crap out. Rough though.

I actually had a MK1 Focus 1.8 TDCi, I totaled it into a big tree. I do like them, they all seem pretty rotten though.

The MK2 does seem to fare a bit better though.

40,366 · June 19, 2018

Mk2 a better car I think, plenty of 1.8td knocking about. They do rust but usually its only cosmetic stuff. If it starts and runs well and doesn't suffer a catastrophic breakdown upon booting it it should be OK. Run it until it drops then start again.

Also Astra 1.7d can be OK if the oil pump isn't on its way out or the injector seals pissing diesel everywhere. Alternators can fail as well, job a bit of a PITA if you aren't on a ramp.

27,169 · June 19, 2018

What sort of economy might I expect from a Mk3 Mondeo V6?

You won't see 30mpg very often, if at all.

I had a hatchback 2.5 V6 manual and I think it averaged about 27mpg with mixed driving.

22,206 · June 19, 2018

Diesel R8!

40,366 · June 19, 2018

Probably not worthwhile when a 2.0 does easy 32mpg.

8,140 · June 19, 2018

Don't rule out the later 306 HDi - I've had a couple now and providing that they've seen a degree of care and servicing during their lives, the oily bits will rack up big mileages without issue. Yes they're slightly more complex than the earlier XUD engine, but still simple enough that they don't have the usual modern diesel woes with DPF, DMF etc.

Plenty of shabby and over-priced examples of course, but £700 is plenty to find a cared-for example with sensible mileage and history. Aim for Meridian trim level if you a comparatively plush spec or DTurbo (3dr only) if you want better handling, as they were basically as per a GTi-6 suspension wise. Check the rear beam is in good order (excessive camber, squeaking or knocking spells problems), belts are easy enough if you're handy with a spanner (no special tools needed) and it's accept that it's almost a given that the AC will be dead - it won't be "just a re-gas" but rather a failed pipe and almost certainly the rest of the system if it's been left empty for a long period. A late (Y-2001 on) example is cheaper tax, and a sub-£100 remap considerably improve performance.

My current one I bought for £400 odd with 125k miles on the clock and it's now at 205k. Previous one I eventually called time on at 250k and all the oily bits were still in good order, tired injectors aside.

Cheers Sir, good advice. Would be fine with the later engine just the same.

This one is near me and might be worth a gander.

https://www.dvsscotland.co.uk/used-cars/peugeot-306-1-9-d-lx-5dr-sunroof-airdrie-201806137459864

8,140 · June 19, 2018

Diesel R8!

To be honest, the only thing that stops me using the R8 as my only car is that I absolutely need a car for work, there's no public transport option whatsoever. I worry about it because it's 25 years old, but other than a flat battery it's never had FTP, so I probably worry over nothing. It's a bit thirsty, doing 400 odd miles a week it would probably add up.

The logical answer to this conundrum is to run a pair of R8.

The R8 is without doubt* the best car ever conceived and built.

9,844 · June 19, 2018

Something I've often wondered when seeing XUD engined cars for sale, if the previous owner had run it on veg constantly, and I then run it on diesel, will it kill it?

9,844 · June 19, 2018

To be honest, the only thing that stops me using the R8 as my only car is that I absolutely need a car for work, there's no public transport option whatsoever. I worry about it because it's 25 years old, but other than a flat battery it's never had FTP, so I probably worry over nothing. It's a bit thirsty, doing 400 odd miles a week it would probably add up.

The logical answer to this conundrum is to run a pair of R8.

The R8 is without doubt* the best car ever conceived and built.

Is this when I step in and offer my 605 for £700? No not this time, as I actually like it.

Don't rule out a XUD11. Its a pretty refined engine for the family it's in, and my weighty 605 auto managed 50mpg on the way back down from Scotland. Rare as though..you'll find more 406s with it but be warned, the speedos were known to break for fun.

23,371 · June 20, 2018

Sure I got this from the Tat thread.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Visa-Super-E/253694329394?hash=item3b115c4232:g:6jMAAOSwvmNbJlfv

Anyhow, if you didn't read it, the car is located in Northern Spain.

It's currently on Ebay at £195 with 7 days to go.

I estimate the chances of the buyer making contact after the auction to be somewhere in the region of zero to minus one.

I'm thinking about contacting the seller to say that in the event of it not being collected by the Ebay winner, I might go and get it for scrap value. If he does go for this, there are several reason why this won't actually happen but before I discount this stupid idea for any of those reasons, does anyone have any idea how long it would normally take to drive across France to the Costa Brava and back with a trailer? Reason is, I have a big project going live in October and will probably not be able to take any time off work before then and they want it collecting between 8 Sept and 10 October. I could probably wangle a day or two off if I happen to be ahead of schedule (unlikely that I will be ahead considering I am currently 2 months behind where I should be) but want to know if doing this in 2 or 3 days is realistic?

The other problems I foresee are:

1) I don't have a trailer.

2) I don't have a car with a towbar.

3) I don't have anywhere to put the car when I get it back to Blighty.

4) I have no money.

5) I already have a Visa, I don't actually want another.

6) Mrs Imp who will repeat all of the above, ad infinitum.

I presume that I would be able to blag customs and will not have to pay any import duty on this as it is a UK car? I won't be much if I go for it anyhow as it's not worth my while if I pay more than scrap value.

7,611 · June 20, 2018

Sure I got this from the Tat thread.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Visa-Super-E/253694329394?hash=item3b115c4232:g:6jMAAOSwvmNbJlfv

Anyhow, if you didn't read it, the car is located in Northern Spain.

It's currently on Ebay at £195 with 7 days to go.

I estimate the chances of the buyer making contact after the auction to be somewhere in the region of zero to minus one.

I'm thinking about contacting the seller to say that in the event of it not being collected by the Ebay winner, I might go and get it for scrap value. If he does go for this, there are several reason why this won't actually happen but before I discount this stupid idea for any of those reasons, does anyone have any idea how long it would normally take to drive across France to the Costa Brava and back with a trailer? Reason is, I have a big project going live in October and will probably not be able to take any time off work before then and they want it collecting between 8 Sept and 10 October. I could probably wangle a day or two off if I happen to be ahead of schedule (unlikely that I will be ahead considering I am currently 2 months behind where I should be) but want to know if doing this in 2 or 3 days is realistic?

The other problems I foresee are:

1) I don't have a trailer.
2) I don't have a car with a towbar.
3) I don't have anywhere to put the car when I get it back to Blighty.
4) I have no money.
5) I already have a Visa, I don't actually want another.
6) Mrs Imp who will repeat all of the above, ad infinitum.

I presume that I would be able to blag customs and will not have to pay any import duty on this as it is a UK car? I won't be much if I go for it anyhow as it's not worth my while if I pay more than scrap value.

Sir,

Though i have not recently done UK-Costa Brave I have done Surrey to Tomar (Portugal) and back many times in things like Pug 106 1.5D, Citroen ZX n/a 1.9D ie not very speedy. Always it was a two day journey each way so one night's sleep, 2000Km and approx 24hrs driving each way. Your trip would be about 3/4 the distance and time ie 1500Km and 18hrs so realistically a one person 3 day 2 nights away trip is possible but 4 days is more likely unless you want to be completely knackered. If its still on DVLA then no import is necessary, ie no paperwork (apart from V5) and no tax nor NOVA.

13,054 · June 20, 2018

Sounds fine* to me.

Buy car with towbar.

Hire trailer.

Buy recovery to cover car and trailer.

1,000 miles each way.

Ferry for car and trailer x2

Have a days holiday whilst you are there.

5 days in all.

Bargain*

June 20, 2018

Foot passenger from Plymouth, buy car, drive car back to ferry & return home.

Simple....

June 20, 2018

Sir,

Though i have not recently done UK-Costa Brave I have done Surrey to Tomar (Portugal) and back many times in things like Pug 106 1.5D, Citroen ZX n/a 1.9D ie not very speedy. Always it was a two day journey each way so one night's sleep, 2000Km and approx 24hrs driving each way. Your trip would be about 3/4 the distance and time ie 1500Km and 18hrs so realistically a one person 3 day 2 nights away trip is possible but 4 days is more likely unless you want to be completely knackered. If its still on DVLA then no import is necessary, ie no paperwork (apart from V5) and no tax nor NOVA.

Agree. I recently did Leeds - catalonia (Tortosa) the other year, in a Kia Sedona people carrier, probably doing 80mph on most of the motorway journey, and I would say two days there, two back, maybe even more if you are towing - don't risk it, it's proper knackering and stressful - top tip, go by Calais, as if you miss the ferry, they don't mind shunting you on the next one, no penalties and they're every hour or so anyway

Otherwise this seems eminently ridiculous so I say go for it Sir

27,943 · June 20, 2018

Think you're looking at 4 days really, most realistic to me would be..

Drive to South coast, stay over, get 8am ferry from Poole to Cherbourg or whatever

Drive Cherbourg to Costa Brava (approx 1200km and probably 12—13 hours with a trailer?)

Do a small kip at sellers house

Reverse the above.

Win.

16,660 · June 20, 2018

I received my V5 for the Alessi the other week, but I forgot to do the sorn thing,

I've just received a letter saying "pay tax or declare sorn immediately or be stabbed with a screwdriver "

So I tried online...

"Tell us you’re taking your vehicle off the road

Unable to use service

Unfortunately you cannot use this service yet as the previous keeper of the vehicle has not told DVLA that you are the new keeper."

But every letter is getting sent to me.

I rang the automated sorn number and it says it has a valid sorn...

7,611 · June 20, 2018

There is a Spain (Santander or Bilbao) -UK ferry about 500 mile trip from Barcelona so could possibly get "Shipley" Spain to shift it and pop it on the ferry under its own steam + wonky tyres.

12,033 · June 20, 2018

I received my V5 for the Alessi the other week, but I forgot to do the sorn thing,
I've just received a letter saying "pay tax or declare sorn immediately or be stabbed with a screwdriver "

So I tried online...

"Tell us you’re taking your vehicle off the road
Unable to use service
Unfortunately you cannot use this service yet as the previous keeper of the vehicle has not told DVLA that you are the new keeper."

But every letter is getting sent to me.

I rang the automated sorn number and it says it has a valid sorn...

Screen shots of above and voice recording. Send them a letter telling them they are idiots and to sort it out as you have proof you tried to do it and their system is at fault.

16,660 · June 20, 2018

Screen shots of above and voice recording. Send them a letter telling them they are idiots and to sort it out as you have proof you tried to do it and their system is at fault.

I rang up... "It's been declared SORN."

"Yes, but not by me and I have to as a new owner."

"It's showing as SORN on our system, I cannot make it SORN and neither can you... As it is already SORN"

"yes, but I haven't done anything"

"when did the letter arrive?"

"Today, I used the 11 digit code and it told me I couldn't as I am not the owner. Even though you've sent me the logbook and this letter"

"I mean, you can reply to the letter stating it is SORN, and they'll check and see that it is."

I also cannot reply to the letter as theres no address. Also the car is 60 odd miles away on For Fiat Sakes drive.

P.s. I just sent an email on their website and they'll get back to me. Mainly as evidence.

4,804 · June 20, 2018

What sort of economy might I expect from a Mk3 Mondeo V6?

(Although that can maybe be viewed as a worst case scenario - exclusively short journey town work with some towing thrown in for good measure)

3rd and 4th gears are immense however.

4,804 · June 20, 2018

Recommendations sought chod fans.

Room at the Inn for a workhorse diesel commuting chod.

Economy and probable dependability are the name of the game. Budget of around £700. Really hoping for something that's been well looked after and quite easy to work on. It will do around 400 miles each week but will have Rover McRoverface for backup should it shit the bed.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-V70-2-5-TDI/183275364957

comfy, reliable, frugal, good chunes.

Yes it's a bit bigger than a 306, but that just makes it comfier and more useful.

40,366 · June 20, 2018

DSC_0328.JPG

(Although that can maybe be viewed as a worst case scenario - exclusively short journey town work with some towing thrown in for good measure)

3rd and 4th gears are immense however.

Seen a few mk3 V6 ones, 20-25mpg doesn't stack up enough against a 2.0 that will be quick enough and do a fair bit more to the gallon. They are cheap enough though, the ones I've seen are all sub £500. I do a fairly lengthy motorway journey fortnightly so could to with something that will knock on the door of 40mpg.

8,916 · June 20, 2018

Amateurs!

...I could do that Visa trip inside 36 hours from leaving the house including changing the tyres, fixing it and getting a slab of Red Bull and a wheel of cheese from the hypermarche...

9,438 · June 20, 2018

Think you're looking at 4 days really, most realistic to me would be..

Drive to South coast, stay over, get 8am ferry from Poole to Cherbourg or whatever
Drive Cherbourg to Costa Brava (approx 1200km and probably 12—13 hours with a trailer?)
Do a small kip at sellers house
Reverse the above.
Win.

It will easily be a 4 day trip. The Poole ferry gets in about 1.30 French time and it will be at least a 13 hour drive to Barcelona. So you will arrive in the middle of the night so nowhere will be open to rest up for the night. When I drove the hearse back we left Narbonne at about 7am and got as far as Le Mans for an overnight stop at about 8pm. That is using the autoroute and sticking at 50mph all the way. The Bilbao ferry takes about 26 hours and when you take the distance from Barcelona to Bilbao it isn't worth the hassle as it is about 900 miles from barcelona to Cherbourg and around 400 from Barcelona to Bilbao if I remember correctly. Another one to remember is a car and trailer return on the Poole Cherbourg route is about 500 quid. The Bilbao route is about a grand return with a trailer. Try shiply if you can find a brit coming home with an empty trailer it might almost be worthwhile. The only viable way to buy a car in Spain and get it back here is flying over and driving it back.

13,577 · June 20, 2018

If you are flexible with the timescale and the seller is to be trusted and he is flexible for pickup times, then I can recommend these folk.....

http://www.anchorvehiclelogistics.com/

Ask a Shiter

Recommended Posts

sierraman

sierraman

davehedgehog31

sierraman

Anthony

davehedgehog31

sierraman

Supernaut

Ghosty

sierraman

davehedgehog31

davehedgehog31

bramz7

bramz7

HillmanImp

castros_bro

Mally

Guest Hooli

djimbob

Dave_Q

Aston Martin

castros_bro

DodgeRover

Aston Martin

scdan4

scdan4

sierraman

Eddie Honda

panhard65

dave21478

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in

Similar Content

Solent Shiters Meetup?

Secret shiters in your area 1 2 3 4 5

info Autoshite technical help. Ask questions about how the site works here. 1 2 3 4 54

Most stupid message while flogging a shiter 1 2 3 4 53

I think I accidentally accosted a Shiter last night

Browse Forums

Activity