Realistic running costs, 996 or early 997

Realistic running costs, 996 or early 997

Author
Discussion

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
WojaWabbit said:
https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/breakdown-re...

As I said, it only covers up to £500/claim (w/£35 excess) so it isn't exactly all encompassing. However it only costs around £10/month on top of the assistance/recovery the C4S and the Saab.

I've claimed twice already and I'm just about to lodge my third due to a leaking coolant expansion tank. I previously had a £700 bill from the OPC to replace a hose but as I'd had the AA recover it I managed to clem back £500, which was handy!
I have the cover. It appears as though you have to breakdown. Fair enough. Their t&c and you buy if you're happy with them

Would a leaking expansion tank cause you to break down? Genuine question. I have no idea

I have a problem with air con. It was raining yesterday. Windscreen mists up so I put on air con. I feel a vibration under my feet. Presumably transmitted vibration from where something is leaking and fluttering.

I would argue this is a breakdown cos you cant be wiping the screen by hand while driving. Nor can I drive with Windows down while raining

Would AA cover this? Or would it be excluded?

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
Agreed

Would be interested to hear from anyone that has made a successful claim from AA. What to say, what not to say etc.

FYI, I didn't notice any issues with air con at all. It was fine last time I used it a couple of months ago and since then have been driving either without it and windows up or windows down. I had to put it on yesterday in heavy rain because can't put windows down. And then noticed the problem

JS1500

579 posts

178 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
I have the AA cover but have not used it so far.
I tried to claim for a possible electrical issue with my previous car but was told electronics aren't covered.

I'd be very surprised (but very happy) if it could be used for something which has not yet prevented the car from being driveable...

I need new AC condensers!

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
Yes, I'm clutching at straws. I know!

But arguably, if the windscreen is misted up and it is pouring outside like it is now for me, the car is undriveable. Therefore, you have broken down.

£600+vat otherwise. I might try and replace them myself

Couldn't come at a worse time. We completed on our first property on Fri and have big ticket items to buy. I am skint.

edc

9,236 posts

252 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
A pair of decent quality condensers is less than £100 a pair.

edc

9,236 posts

252 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Not sure about 'a pair' but I would guess that is the source of the problem - car age etc.
I *believe* that the pattern, non OEM, condensers also require an adaptor bracket.
Just checked, how about £87 a pair delivered. I bought a pair in 2012/13 and the price has actually come down since then.

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
I stand corrected and am digging out the phone number for my Indy biggrin



( I may have paid £81 for one on Monday paperbag )
Did you got yourself? If not, what was labour cost for fitting?

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
Would you mind sharing your guy's details. Mine is £720 all in. Which I'm finding very difficult to afford now

And as you say, the condenser is in such a position it could easily happen again. And again.

MrJuice

3,372 posts

157 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
NW London..

Stu-nph26

2,000 posts

106 months

Wednesday 12th September 2018
quotequote all
WojaWabbit said:
https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/breakdown-re...

As I said, it only covers up to £500/claim (w/£35 excess) so it isn't exactly all encompassing. However it only costs around £10/month on top of the assistance/recovery the C4S and the Saab.

I've claimed twice already and I'm just about to lodge my third due to a leaking coolant expansion tank. I previously had a £700 bill from the OPC to replace a hose but as I'd had the AA recover it I managed to clem back £500, which was handy!
That's a brilliant idea have you had any problems claiming on it? Does it cover things like batteries etc?

gf15

988 posts

267 months

Friday 14th September 2018
quotequote all
Re: AA claims;
I had this cover from 2005 on 1999 BMW 740 that I ran from 75k miles to 2011 on 208k miles. It is breakdown insurance.

AA warranty kindly covered:
Fuel tank (AA breakdown insurance covered £500 of the £800 cost).
Springs x 4 over the 6 years: Each cost about £200 with the AA breakdown insurance covered all with a £50 excess.
1 water pump: AA breakdown insurance covered £400 of the £450 cost.

Batteries / consumables / wear & tear items not covered. Most electrical stuff not covered. There is a cap on the labour rates (do not have the contract to hand, but i think £70 is about right), so was fine for an indi.

If AA man can get you up and running, then you cannot claim. Your car has to be recovered to a garage. Something like a water pump is clear cut and they pay out.

Case example: The petrol tank had a hole in it. Car was recovered to the garage. AA approval required in advance before tank could be replaced, AA said the tank was not covered initially. I instructed garage to proceed, but please keep the old tank. After a few ping pong letters / calls over a 4 week period, AA stated that the tank failure was due to corrosion, so not covered.
I duly sent them pictures of the tank with the hole, clearly showing no corrosion. I also informed them of where they could collect the tank from for further analysis. They paid out.
They are not a charity and expect to make a profit, so water pump or alternator failure would covered. There are a lot of exclusions to the policy. A rusty rad that lets go would not be covered (poor maintenance?).

Since 2011 I have not had to claim on a BMW 650. :-)