Anyone bought a cheap runaround to learn spannering on?

[Challo]

funkyrobot said:

Challo said:

Servicing the car will be an easy way to start. Not much you can muck up and plenty of stuff online about what you need to do with pictures etc. Worst car you get stuck then there is plenty of mobile mechanics you can call if you get stuck.

Indeed.

It may sound mad to others, but I'm not the most confident person. Therefore, I always try to error on the side of caution.

I understand, but I think changing spark plugs, air filter, pollen filter is a good start and tend to be very easy especially on mainstream cars.

Do you research before, watch video's, get yourself familiar with what you need to do and take your time. If you took it apart it will go back together. It might take alot longer than someone else but thats fine. All trial and error.

Whereabouts are you based as im sure a fellow PH member wouldn't mind showing you the basics.

Just found this place online http://ramp-it-up.co.uk/ I wonder if there is something similar to you?

[Djtemeka]

I bought a cheap runaround. It forced me to do spannering

[Rawhide]

I bought a Clio 182 as it's a fun car to drive as well as spanner on. Parts are REALLY cheap as the forums always have cars being scrapped for parts. I find it quite easy to work on as it's so simple to jack up. The engine bay might be a little compact to work on though.

I also find that on a light car when something is fixed it makes a real difference to the way the car performs.

[andy-xr]

funkyrobot said:

Something like this? Or am I doing it wrong.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=...

I dont think that really needs anything from the looks of it, so unsure what you're going to learn as such. It's nice to be able to do an oil change, but buying a cheap car to learn how to change the oil on another car doesnt really add up

If you're buying one to take apart, fix some faults and put back together I'd go with petrol Fiesta/Ka for a few hundred quid, pick one that doesnt need much/any welding on the sills and it'll still give you enough to worry about with the suspension, sensors, coolant and various noises that you'll be able to get a better understanding of which bits do what and why they're (un)important

[funkyrobot]

andy-xr said:

I dont think that really needs anything from the looks of it, so unsure what you're going to learn as such. It's nice to be able to do an oil change, but buying a cheap car to learn how to change the oil on another car doesnt really add up

If you're buying one to take apart, fix some faults and put back together I'd go with petrol Fiesta/Ka for a few hundred quid, pick one that doesnt need much/any welding on the sills and it'll still give you enough to worry about with the suspension, sensors, coolant and various noises that you'll be able to get a better understanding of which bits do what and why they're (un)important

Thanks. Have been considering the makes you mention above. However, if I can make it work, that lump of Skoda could be a very good commuter vehicle for me. We'll see.

I'm still hunting around for a cheap project.

Incidentally, I've noticed a Fiesta for sale over the road. It's £350, but has a lot of rust on the wings. Rust is the killer of these things, I guess.

[funkyrobot]

Challo said:

I understand, but I think changing spark plugs, air filter, pollen filter is a good start and tend to be very easy especially on mainstream cars.

Do you research before, watch video's, get yourself familiar with what you need to do and take your time. If you took it apart it will go back together. It might take alot longer than someone else but thats fine. All trial and error.

Whereabouts are you based as im sure a fellow PH member wouldn't mind showing you the basics.

Just found this place online http://ramp-it-up.co.uk/ I wonder if there is something similar to you?

That looks good. Not sure if there is anything near where I live though (Spalding, Lincs). I have a friend who is very good with cars, so I could always ask his advice.

[funkyrobot]

Challo said:

Servicing the car will be an easy way to start. Not much you can muck up and plenty of stuff online about what you need to do with pictures etc. Worst car you get stuck then there is plenty of mobile mechanics you can call if you get stuck.

Indeed. However, I'd rather break something that is my fiancée's.

[funkyrobot]

Better?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=...