The Joy of Running an Old Shed
Discussion
PistonAFC said:
danllama said:
"Revelation" in what way? I've been thinking of a getting a MR2 Mk3 for work (10 miles A roads and 10 miles motorway). 
PistonAFC said:
All the things you've listed, I'd get decent quality parts for as they are important pieces and the better quality won't cost that much more. I'd also think about whether the spark and air & fuel filter REALLY need doing and for the oil filter, I'd go MANN or BOSCH every time.
Bosch have gone really rubbish of late. We categorically will not use Bosch filters. Wix are OK, Blue print are fine, and Mahle are probably the best. But Bosch are rubbish. (IMO)
New shed today.
Colleague upgraded to a Boxster, so needed rid of Audi TT Roadster.
Its only the cooking 150bhp job without the 4WD, but it drives nicely enough.
Mechanically it's spot on, apart from a P0411 fault code. There are a couple of parking dings, a scuffed bumper and a rotten set of 18" aftermarket wheels.
96,000 miles, three owners and lots of history.
We Buy Any Crap offered him £900, so I generously bought it for £1200.
Leccy roof, air con, and heated seats. No clonks or rattles and £178 to insure.
Only problem will be prying the keys out of my wife's hands, as she has taken a shine to it.
Colleague upgraded to a Boxster, so needed rid of Audi TT Roadster.
Its only the cooking 150bhp job without the 4WD, but it drives nicely enough.
Mechanically it's spot on, apart from a P0411 fault code. There are a couple of parking dings, a scuffed bumper and a rotten set of 18" aftermarket wheels.
96,000 miles, three owners and lots of history.
We Buy Any Crap offered him £900, so I generously bought it for £1200.
Leccy roof, air con, and heated seats. No clonks or rattles and £178 to insure.
Only problem will be prying the keys out of my wife's hands, as she has taken a shine to it.
Pat H said:
New shed today.
Colleague upgraded to a Boxster, so needed rid of Audi TT Roadster.
Its only the cooking 150bhp job without the 4WD, but it drives nicely enough.
Mechanically it's spot on, apart from a P0411 fault code. There are a couple of parking dings, a scuffed bumper and a rotten set of 18" aftermarket wheels.
96,000 miles, three owners and lots of history.
We Buy Any Crap offered him £900, so I generously bought it for £1200.
Leccy roof, air con, and heated seats. No clonks or rattles and £178 to insure.
Only problem will be prying the keys out of my wife's hands, as she has taken a shine to it.
Nice summer shed Colleague upgraded to a Boxster, so needed rid of Audi TT Roadster.
Its only the cooking 150bhp job without the 4WD, but it drives nicely enough.
Mechanically it's spot on, apart from a P0411 fault code. There are a couple of parking dings, a scuffed bumper and a rotten set of 18" aftermarket wheels.
96,000 miles, three owners and lots of history.
We Buy Any Crap offered him £900, so I generously bought it for £1200.
Leccy roof, air con, and heated seats. No clonks or rattles and £178 to insure.
Only problem will be prying the keys out of my wife's hands, as she has taken a shine to it.
bearman68 said:
PistonAFC said:
All the things you've listed, I'd get decent quality parts for as they are important pieces and the better quality won't cost that much more. I'd also think about whether the spark and air & fuel filter REALLY need doing and for the oil filter, I'd go MANN or BOSCH every time.
Bosch have gone really rubbish of late. We categorically will not use Bosch filters. Wix are OK, Blue print are fine, and Mahle are probably the best. But Bosch are rubbish. (IMO)I was recently disappointed by a Bosch air filter off Amazon as I found out it was made in Bulgaria!! I don't like eastern european stuff on my car. I buy German brands to get "Made in Germany" stuff. Was tempted to send it back but couldn't be bothered in the end.
PistonAFC said:
What's wrong with Bosch? Their oil filters are probably made by Mann anyway.
I was recently disappointed by a Bosch air filter off Amazon as I found out it was made in Bulgaria!! I don't like eastern european stuff on my car. I buy German brands to get "Made in Germany" stuff. Was tempted to send it back but couldn't be bothered in the end.
They are just rebox merchants, who seem to have lost track of quality control. I gave up using bosch after trying to fit a fuel filter and broke the housing. I've had a good many filters that just plain don't fit.I was recently disappointed by a Bosch air filter off Amazon as I found out it was made in Bulgaria!! I don't like eastern european stuff on my car. I buy German brands to get "Made in Germany" stuff. Was tempted to send it back but couldn't be bothered in the end.
Premium stuff is the Mahle - I don't think there're many in the trade that would argue with that. OE fit on most German stuff, and are very good filters. Been fitting them on various cars since 2010 or so, and with good quality oil, have yet to lose a turbo.I guess that must be a cumulative of about 10 million miles or so. Good enough evidence for me.
I'm in the position to start shedding in a few weeks. Current family wagon is a 2013 Touareg (she wanted something higher up, i refused to get a mainstream white goods 2WD crossover), but my commute is 2 miles, 5 minutes each way, with the occasional 20 minute motorway jaunt - not good for a big thirsty diesel SUV! We also have a poverty spec 2010 Fabia 1.2 that's on loan to MIL after her 206 blew up on her. She's now replaced it so the Fabia is returning in a few weeks (or whenever Wales comes out of lockdown - she's over the border).
Long story short, I'm tempted to chop the Fabia in for something with A/C, but don't think I can justify it - Fabia is mechanically a known quantity and easy to spanner on for the most part. Bodywork is shabby, paid 3.5k 5 years ago so definitely on the upper end of shed value now (I'd bite someones hand off if they offered 1.5k). Do I keep it and deal with its complete lack of power above 40 until next year, or do I jump off into the world of shedtastic cars now?
Side note, I have done plenty of looking and there are some interesting choices out there, from S40/C30 volvos in various guises, Focus/mondeos galore, and even some cheap alfas (147s, 159s and the odd GT).
Head says keep the shabbia and crack on, heart wants to dive into Alfa world whilst the commute is nice and short...... options options...
Long story short, I'm tempted to chop the Fabia in for something with A/C, but don't think I can justify it - Fabia is mechanically a known quantity and easy to spanner on for the most part. Bodywork is shabby, paid 3.5k 5 years ago so definitely on the upper end of shed value now (I'd bite someones hand off if they offered 1.5k). Do I keep it and deal with its complete lack of power above 40 until next year, or do I jump off into the world of shedtastic cars now?
Side note, I have done plenty of looking and there are some interesting choices out there, from S40/C30 volvos in various guises, Focus/mondeos galore, and even some cheap alfas (147s, 159s and the odd GT).
Head says keep the shabbia and crack on, heart wants to dive into Alfa world whilst the commute is nice and short...... options options...
BornRageFree said:
I'm in the position to start shedding in a few weeks. Current family wagon is a 2013 Touareg (she wanted something higher up, i refused to get a mainstream white goods 2WD crossover), but my commute is 2 miles, 5 minutes each way, with the occasional 20 minute motorway jaunt - not good for a big thirsty diesel SUV! We also have a poverty spec 2010 Fabia 1.2 that's on loan to MIL after her 206 blew up on her. She's now replaced it so the Fabia is returning in a few weeks (or whenever Wales comes out of lockdown - she's over the border).
Long story short, I'm tempted to chop the Fabia in for something with A/C, but don't think I can justify it - Fabia is mechanically a known quantity and easy to spanner on for the most part. Bodywork is shabby, paid 3.5k 5 years ago so definitely on the upper end of shed value now (I'd bite someones hand off if they offered 1.5k). Do I keep it and deal with its complete lack of power above 40 until next year, or do I jump off into the world of shedtastic cars now?
Side note, I have done plenty of looking and there are some interesting choices out there, from S40/C30 volvos in various guises, Focus/mondeos galore, and even some cheap alfas (147s, 159s and the odd GT).
Head says keep the shabbia and crack on, heart wants to dive into Alfa world whilst the commute is nice and short...... options options...
As an Alfa owner, I'd suggest that you don't even think that you can reliably get to work in an Alfa shed if all you are going to do is five minutes there and back and the odd motorway jaunt. Long story short, I'm tempted to chop the Fabia in for something with A/C, but don't think I can justify it - Fabia is mechanically a known quantity and easy to spanner on for the most part. Bodywork is shabby, paid 3.5k 5 years ago so definitely on the upper end of shed value now (I'd bite someones hand off if they offered 1.5k). Do I keep it and deal with its complete lack of power above 40 until next year, or do I jump off into the world of shedtastic cars now?
Side note, I have done plenty of looking and there are some interesting choices out there, from S40/C30 volvos in various guises, Focus/mondeos galore, and even some cheap alfas (147s, 159s and the odd GT).
Head says keep the shabbia and crack on, heart wants to dive into Alfa world whilst the commute is nice and short...... options options...
If those cars aren't properly driven, i.e. close to ragged if not actually ragged, fairly frequently, they do not thrive. OTOH, you might have the excuse for longer weekend forays in order to keep said Alfa in tip-top tune
.Other views are available, obvs.
psi310398 said:
As an Alfa owner, I'd suggest that you don't even think that you can reliably get to work in an Alfa shed if all you are going to do is five minutes there and back and the odd motorway jaunt.
If those cars aren't properly driven, i.e. close to ragged if not actually ragged, fairly frequently, they do not thrive. OTOH, you might have the excuse for longer weekend forays in order to keep said Alfa in tip-top tune.
Other views are available, obvs.
Maybe 1000 years ago. Any Alfa since about 1990 is the same as any other car. Bosch Motronic, pistons and valves like anything else. Stuff in banger territory like old 156/159 etc is probably no less likely to expire than a 2000's Audi or BMW. The only issue is the relative lack of cheap aftermarket stuff from ECP, breakers and Ebay. If those cars aren't properly driven, i.e. close to ragged if not actually ragged, fairly frequently, they do not thrive. OTOH, you might have the excuse for longer weekend forays in order to keep said Alfa in tip-top tune
.Other views are available, obvs.
bearman68 said:
PistonAFC said:
All the things you've listed, I'd get decent quality parts for as they are important pieces and the better quality won't cost that much more. I'd also think about whether the spark and air & fuel filter REALLY need doing and for the oil filter, I'd go MANN or BOSCH every time.
Bosch have gone really rubbish of late. We categorically will not use Bosch filters. Wix are OK, Blue print are fine, and Mahle are probably the best. But Bosch are rubbish. (IMO)Touring442 said:
Maybe 1000 years ago. Any Alfa since about 1990 is the same as any other car. Bosch Motronic, pistons and valves like anything else. Stuff in banger territory like old 156/159 etc is probably no less likely to expire than a 2000's Audi or BMW. The only issue is the relative lack of cheap aftermarket stuff from ECP, breakers and Ebay.
My Alfa has the Bosch EFI system, admittedly on a Nord engine. It is easily the least reliable bit of the car. Makes Lucas and Magneti Marelli look reliable. And my old 156 GTA did not take kindly to being parked up for a few weeks at a time, either.psi310398 said:
My Alfa has the Bosch EFI system, admittedly on a Nord engine. It is easily the least reliable bit of the car. Makes Lucas and Magneti Marelli look reliable. And my old 156 GTA did not take kindly to being parked up for a few weeks at a time, either.
I’m thinking 1.6 diesel Giulietta shed for my 20k pa commute. Audi A6 shed is good, but it’s saloon and I need a hatch really. Only had it 6 months and I’m bored of it. Guessing the Alfa 1.6 diesel unit is used across millions of Fiat / Chrysler / Vauxhall amongst other stuff and is as well proven as anything else. Still above shed money to enter the club though and a Mito is a bit small. Plans for 2021....I’m sure my friendly mechanic will go nuts if I turn up in an Alfa. Or rub his hands together with glee.
dgswk said:
I’m thinking 1.6 diesel Giulietta shed for my 20k pa commute. Audi A6 shed is good, but it’s saloon and I need a hatch really. Only had it 6 months and I’m bored of it. Guessing the Alfa 1.6 diesel unit is used across millions of Fiat / Chrysler / Vauxhall amongst other stuff and is as well proven as anything else. Still above shed money to enter the club though and a Mito is a bit small. Plans for 2021....
I’m sure my friendly mechanic will go nuts if I turn up in an Alfa. Or rub his hands together with glee.
Those Giuliettas rack up big mileages, the diesels seem well regarded in the Alfa forums, lot's Alfa independents around to help if you were unlucky.I’m sure my friendly mechanic will go nuts if I turn up in an Alfa. Or rub his hands together with glee.
I've not driven a diesel version so excluding the engine I think the rest of the car is very well built, had little issues but easy and well documented fixes. I was using mine for a 98mile round trip to work. Easy to service (petrol anyway). Very cheap to run unlike my other Alfa.
It's a fun car to drive, handles well. I'm tempted to take it on track one day
I was tempted to change it for something different but was worried I'd end up with something less reliable. So in that way you lose some of the traditional Alfa owner experience and MOT time is boring.The only thing that may bother you is the refinement after coming from an A6, I'd assume that excels in NVH.
if that's the 1.6 bi turbo diesel found in the Vauxhall Insignia/Astra, its a good engine. Feels way torquier than you'd think. Made the 1.6 diesel loan Insignia I had feel as grunty as my own 2 litre diesel.
But can you find one for shed money? They've only been out 5 or 6 years from memory.....
But can you find one for shed money? They've only been out 5 or 6 years from memory.....
James_N said:
Just wondered what people’s thoughts were on servicing and the cost of parts. I’ve had my £250 Peugeot 106 5 months now and still only spent a grand total of £15 on it for some carparts4less wipers, an exhaust hanger and a bit of oil.
I’ve done nothing else and luckily got a 6month reprieve on the MOT until November. It’s been pretty well looked after in it’s previous life by little old lady who had it serviced by a local mechanic.
I know we shouldn’t spend unnecessary money on sheds like these but I’ve now done 1500 miles and it’s served me well and apart from leaking in heavy rain, things have been without incident.
I started to think about a basic service and decided to check AUTODOC. I’m in no rush for the parts and it gets serviced whenever possible but prices were as follows
Spark plugs - 79p each - spark automotive branded
Oil filter - £3.71 - Ridex branded
Fuel filter - £4.21 - blueprint branded
Air filter - £5.03 - Ridex branded again
Having read some stuff on here about AUTODOC they seem to come recommend as long as you aren’t in a rush, and coming from Germany I assume quality should be ok but all this lot for just a smudge over £16 plus postage seems too cheap.
Has anyone else used these branded parts on their shed and if so, were they any good?
Thank you
Price it up on EuroCarParts with one of the ever present discount code or a local auto factors, will be a little more but saves the arse of getting the wrong part then having to post it back to get a swap etc.. If you know for sure they are right then I dont see an issue in using those parts on a £250 car IMOI’ve done nothing else and luckily got a 6month reprieve on the MOT until November. It’s been pretty well looked after in it’s previous life by little old lady who had it serviced by a local mechanic.
I know we shouldn’t spend unnecessary money on sheds like these but I’ve now done 1500 miles and it’s served me well and apart from leaking in heavy rain, things have been without incident.
I started to think about a basic service and decided to check AUTODOC. I’m in no rush for the parts and it gets serviced whenever possible but prices were as follows
Spark plugs - 79p each - spark automotive branded
Oil filter - £3.71 - Ridex branded
Fuel filter - £4.21 - blueprint branded
Air filter - £5.03 - Ridex branded again
Having read some stuff on here about AUTODOC they seem to come recommend as long as you aren’t in a rush, and coming from Germany I assume quality should be ok but all this lot for just a smudge over £16 plus postage seems too cheap.
Has anyone else used these branded parts on their shed and if so, were they any good?
Thank you
Captain Answer said:
Price it up on EuroCarParts with one of the ever present discount code or a local auto factors, will be a little more but saves the arse of getting the wrong part then having to post it back to get a swap etc.. If you know for sure they are right then I dont see an issue in using those parts on a £250 car IMO
Spot on. After using a combination of GSF (As ECP don't list a fuel filter or oil filter for my car!), the total price is £20.The air filter from ECP actually comes in after discount, at a dizzy price of £1.42. I think even sheds ethos of "only change it if it absolutely needs it!" would allow me to bypass this rule once and change the air filter for that price!!
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