Cut the cost of motoring ....DIY!
Discussion
A serious lack of funds has made me try and cut back recently on many things but I thought you'd all like to see a few of my recent savings on the motoring budget.
This isn't work on the Tiv but it's relevant as it increases my S budget, or should I say will make funds more available sooner ....hopefully!
So, on the VW I have just had a VW mechanic independently replace the cambelt for £120 all in. VW charge £398.89 +VAT
I've just done the rear pads myself at a cost of £35 for the genuine pads and a caliper piston compressor. VW charge £128.42 +VAT
I've just done a Lube service myself at a cost of £28. VW charge £82.98 +VAT and probably a lesser grade of oil than I used.
My total costs were £183 and VW would have charged me £717.09, so I saved £534.09.
I have a brand new genuine water pump for the Tiv from e-bay (cost £40 inc carriage), Ford price is £150 +VAT and the garage quoted about £140 to fit it. I'll be doing this myself so expenditure will be just £40 + the antifreeze, say £45. Another £145 saved!
These are huge savings from the annual motoring budget and you also get a good sense of satisfaction when you've completed them.
Only trouble is there are jobs mounting up at home such as fitting new skirting boards, plastering and decorating the rest of the house and the garden etc etc but hey ....Rome wasn't built in a day!
This isn't work on the Tiv but it's relevant as it increases my S budget, or should I say will make funds more available sooner ....hopefully!
So, on the VW I have just had a VW mechanic independently replace the cambelt for £120 all in. VW charge £398.89 +VAT
I've just done the rear pads myself at a cost of £35 for the genuine pads and a caliper piston compressor. VW charge £128.42 +VAT
I've just done a Lube service myself at a cost of £28. VW charge £82.98 +VAT and probably a lesser grade of oil than I used.
My total costs were £183 and VW would have charged me £717.09, so I saved £534.09.
I have a brand new genuine water pump for the Tiv from e-bay (cost £40 inc carriage), Ford price is £150 +VAT and the garage quoted about £140 to fit it. I'll be doing this myself so expenditure will be just £40 + the antifreeze, say £45. Another £145 saved!
These are huge savings from the annual motoring budget and you also get a good sense of satisfaction when you've completed them.
Only trouble is there are jobs mounting up at home such as fitting new skirting boards, plastering and decorating the rest of the house and the garden etc etc but hey ....Rome wasn't built in a day!
alans said:
I buy runners for £100-£200 with 6 months tax, when they die get £50 at the scrapyard. I only leave it at the station daily (round trip of 3 miles), currently running a 1995 Rover 827 bought for a grand total of £125 
Alan
Probably cheaper than the bus fare and definately cheaper than taxi's
. Splendid idea really, not forgetting to park it by a neighbours house overnight though 
. Not seen the new car yet alan, you comng out to play one day in it
. Apparently missed you at goodwood the weekend before last 
. Harry
alans said:
I buy runners for £100-£200 with 6 months tax, when they die get £50 at the scrapyard. I only leave it at the station daily (round trip of 3 miles), currently running a 1995 Rover 827 bought for a grand total of £125
Alan
A great way of doing it indeed, i guess you just need to purcahse the runner wisely.
So, is the Porsche your current runner?
I'd be interested in buying it from when you've finished with it next year, how's £300 sound?
DIY is THE only way - I do nearly everything on the car myself - servicing, repairs, upgrades etc. There is no way I would pay the labour charges, even to an independent, unless I absolutely had to - because you never know exactly what they have and haven't done.
Service it yourself and you KNOW what you've done - even if something goes wrong afterwards, you have a fair idea how to fix it.
Also most essential for roadside repairs etc - by the time the AA etc turn up, chances are you'll be on your way.
There are car maintenance classes running almost everywhere - highly recommended, if you know how it works, you'll be better informed in how you drive it!
Service it yourself and you KNOW what you've done - even if something goes wrong afterwards, you have a fair idea how to fix it.
Also most essential for roadside repairs etc - by the time the AA etc turn up, chances are you'll be on your way.
There are car maintenance classes running almost everywhere - highly recommended, if you know how it works, you'll be better informed in how you drive it!
I have always serviced and inspected my own motors.
I trust very few other people with them.
I have never had to pay a garage bill.
I have been a spannerman since school days (my first motorbike was seized when bought)
I once fitted a RV8 into a MGB and then fitted the MGB lump into a 1954 ZA Magnette (young and too much time on my hands!).
The point is if you feel confident in yourself to do the task then go for it !!!
The purchase price of all the basic equipment will be offset on your first service
Luckily now i do not have to do it everyday anymore, so i quite enjoy it at the weekend
I trust very few other people with them.
I have never had to pay a garage bill.
I have been a spannerman since school days (my first motorbike was seized when bought)
I once fitted a RV8 into a MGB and then fitted the MGB lump into a 1954 ZA Magnette (young and too much time on my hands!).
The point is if you feel confident in yourself to do the task then go for it !!!
The purchase price of all the basic equipment will be offset on your first service
Luckily now i do not have to do it everyday anymore, so i quite enjoy it at the weekend
alans said:
Not seen the new car yet alan, you comng out to play one day in it
Harry
New car? it's the longest I have owned one forhave you really not seen the Tusc or did you mean the Rover?
Well I did try to keep it civil as you are in the S forum
, but seeing as you mentioned it, yes I have seen the Tuscan. It was the Boxstaaaaaaaa in your profile I was refering too . Harry
HarryW said:
HarryW said:
Not seen the new car yet alan, you comng out to play one day in it
Harry
New car? it's the longest I have owned one for
Well I did try to keep it civil as you are in the S forum
Harry
Harry, I thought that was the £300 runner alans referred to
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