Show me your money pits!
Show me your money pits!
Author
Discussion

theboymoon

Original Poster:

2,699 posts

289 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
I think its fair to say there are a fair few folk here who like nothing better than seriously considering a possible purchase which has the potential to be an absolute money pit.

Now, by this I don't mean some old relic in need of 'extensive restoration.' No no no, more reasonable examples (or even good ones) of a breed that even with a fair wind have the abilty to wilt the fattest of wallets.

Here's a chance to show your wants but also for our own beard improvement strategies show your working...

Tales of the following sort are most welcome - impossible to source front ends for lotus carltons & F40s, headlights for renault 21 quadras, servicing on a Mcl F1, rusting inner arches on old sharknose 635csi's, a set of tyres on a LM002, exhaust on an 850csi, italian rust, replacement Secans on a 993 GT2, the old N'ring suspension refresh on an E34 M5 and so on. You get the idea.

So, what ya got!

Edited by theboymoon on Monday 14th March 21:46

anonymous-user

83 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
My old Chimaera went in for a possible blown head gasket. Turned out to be a slipped liner in the engine block. Cost bl00dy thousands to get sorted and put me off TVRs for life!

R26Andy

404 posts

190 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
I nominate one of my previous cars - most loved but also most costly - the rx8.

crofty1984

17,064 posts

233 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
1990 polo.
Bought for £350.
new stereo £70
Logbook £25
furry dice and skull gearknob £25
insurance was £250 then went up to £700
Then it broke down. Tow back £70
Parts £50
Stil didn't work. Sold for £195
Replacement car £1050

Ritchie335is

2,131 posts

231 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Two of the worst I have had, the Fiat for repairs and the BMW just for running costs, fuel, tyres etc.



hesnotthemessiah

2,121 posts

233 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Took me nearly three years to source some stock front legs for my E30 M3! And I'm still looking for a drivers door after nearly seven years.

DrYazz

881 posts

208 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
theboymoon said:
....italian rust......
Italian rust. Did someone say Italian rust?

Every year this goes to the bodyshop to treat new areas of surface corrosion. This year will be the last. I think I am finally getting on top of the problem:



Seeker UK

1,443 posts

187 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
1989 BMW M635csi owned for 7-8 months:

New fuel tank - £1500
New thermostat - £150
New seal for Boot - £100 and more grief than one man can endure
2 x TRX tyres - £600.

19mpg and group 20 insurance.

Nice but goodbyeeeee.

MGZRod

8,176 posts

205 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
My 2004 1.4 MG ZR+ has cost over £4k in 1 year...

It's the risk you take with these exotic cars hehe

TRUENOSAM

763 posts

199 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Seeker UK said:
1989 BMW M635csi owned for 7-8 months:

New fuel tank - £1500
New thermostat - £150
New seal for Boot - £100 and more grief than one man can endure
2 x TRX tyres - £600.

19mpg and group 20 insurance.

Nice but goodbyeeeee.
I was put off one of them buy a local BMW specialist. Now I see why

Bungleaio

6,587 posts

231 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
DrYazz said:
Italian rust. Did someone say Italian rust?

Every year this goes to the bodyshop to treat new areas of surface corrosion. This year will be the last. I think I am finally getting on top of the problem:


Its worth every penny, it looks stunning!

Negative Creep

26,076 posts

256 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all


Purchase price = £840
Water pump
Timing belt
Distributor
HT leads
3 idle control valves
Battery
Rear brakes overhauled
2 front tyres
Gear linkage = I don't want to know
MOT = £340
Fine for not taxing it 18 months after I sold it = £80


Sold for £420

I'm depressed now frown

JulianHJ

8,868 posts

291 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
My old Griffith. See my profile for a full list of the grief it caused me...

mattmoxon

5,026 posts

247 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all


I suppose calling it a money pit is a bit harsh as all I have done is service, tax, and insure really (excluding modifications) all of which are less than the hot hatch I had before it. Ok so it is a bit heavy on juice but I like it a lot so I can tolerate a £200 (and rising) pcm fuel bill.

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
MGZRod said:
My 2004 1.4 MG ZR+ has cost over £4k in 1 year...

It's the risk you take with these exotic cars hehe
eek


2 Wycked

2,335 posts

260 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Mine. Bought for £550 in October, I've spent roughly £250 on it so far in repairs (I think, not added it up recently). It now runs and drives beautifully but I want a Jaguar again so it's for sale for somewhat less than I've spent. I'll be sad to see it go that's for sure, but wood and leather are calling me...


cml

727 posts

291 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Classics are the way to go for money pits

MGB GT - cost £2,500
300 miles later, a new engine is required as its burnt out the valves £1000
First time out in the rain I learn that the Webbasto is rotten £500
New rear springs, new sills and fuel tank more £+++++++

And the list goes on...

Was a heaps of fun though.

Here are a few tips for you. When buying a classic remember to get all excited when you see the right colour and specification. View it in the dark and rain and don't go on a long test drive, it'll be fine. If the chap says he has done the work himself and he doesn't look like a proper mechanic, don't worry, he is probably very good. And if he has painted it, then he has probably prepared it well and sorted out the rust underneath. Above all remember to fall in love immediately and buy with your heart. smile

Edited by cml on Monday 14th March 23:33

Papa Hotel

12,760 posts

211 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
Bungleaio said:
DrYazz said:
Italian rust. Did someone say Italian rust?

Every year this goes to the bodyshop to treat new areas of surface corrosion. This year will be the last. I think I am finally getting on top of the problem:


Its worth every penny, it looks stunning!
Yeah, the MR2 was known to rust a bit, you've got that one looking pretty sweet though. Who did your kit?

edo

16,699 posts

294 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
Papa Hotel said:
Yeah, the MR2 was known to rust a bit, you've got that one looking pretty sweet though. Who did your kit?
hehe

Blue Meanie

73,668 posts

284 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
DrYazz said:
Italian rust. Did someone say Italian rust?

Every year this goes to the bodyshop to treat new areas of surface corrosion. This year will be the last. I think I am finally getting on top of the problem:


By far the prettiest of the Ferraris. Lovely motor.