The Joy of Running an Old Shed
Discussion
Road tax is one of my biggest bugbears. I had a 205 diesel that would get 60mpg. It annoyed me that it cost more to tax it than it did in fuel for my commute.
I rolled the dice on autotrader, less than £2k, petrol and £0 tax. Only 36 cars nationally and most of those weren’t really £0 tax once you clicked on the advert. I ended up with a Toyota IQ2 that was for sale in the next village.
It’s a quirky little thing but great for my 4 mile commute. I’m hoping that it’s as reliable as Toyota’s reputation suggests.
I rolled the dice on autotrader, less than £2k, petrol and £0 tax. Only 36 cars nationally and most of those weren’t really £0 tax once you clicked on the advert. I ended up with a Toyota IQ2 that was for sale in the next village.
It’s a quirky little thing but great for my 4 mile commute. I’m hoping that it’s as reliable as Toyota’s reputation suggests.
Civic shed (Revd Green) is pissing me off this morning. I sourced new rear calipers way cheaper than ECS and have finally got round to fitting them. One side came off relatively easily and the spangly new one is fitted and almsot ready (but for a new banjo bolt and crush washers which only arrived from Amazon at dinner time/close of play) but the driver's side is balking me. I'm close to rounding off the head of a bolt holding the handbrake cable bracket to the caliper and it's really awkward to get at to drill. I've realised I parked a bit close to the neighbour's drive so it's somewhat cramped to work on, too. Ah, well. It's all a leaning curve and with new brakes all round and the Brum CAZ delayed until January, I'll be warm and dry for another winter (most of)...
SkemJazzer said:
Road tax is one of my biggest bugbears. I had a 205 diesel that would get 60mpg. It annoyed me that it cost more to tax it than it did in fuel for my commute.
I rolled the dice on autotrader, less than £2k, petrol and £0 tax. Only 36 cars nationally and most of those weren’t really £0 tax once you clicked on the advert. I ended up with a Toyota IQ2 that was for sale in the next village.
It’s a quirky little thing but great for my 4 mile commute. I’m hoping that it’s as reliable as Toyota’s reputation suggests.
iQ is a terrific car. More details please.I rolled the dice on autotrader, less than £2k, petrol and £0 tax. Only 36 cars nationally and most of those weren’t really £0 tax once you clicked on the advert. I ended up with a Toyota IQ2 that was for sale in the next village.
It’s a quirky little thing but great for my 4 mile commute. I’m hoping that it’s as reliable as Toyota’s reputation suggests.
It’s an early car, 2009 I think and has around 70k mikes on it. It’s in pretty good condition with just the usual scratches and scrapes that city cars accumulate.
The IQ seems more grown up than the C1/107/Aygo, you’ve still got the lovely sounding 3 cylinder engine (IQ3 has the 1.33 engine). The interior is good quality, especially the steering wheel which feels great. I’m not one for tech in cars but I have grown to love the keyless entry, auto wipers and auto lights.
I usually run around with the rear seats down as the boot is minuscule with the seats upright. I have, however, managed to transport three people around without problem. The passenger side dash is really shallow so you can push the seat forward which gives rear seat passenger loads of room. No such luxury for anyone sat behind the driver.
The only issue that these cars seem to suffer from is related to the clutch. It apparently causes a vibration when you are around 2k rpm and 3rd gear can crunch if you are careless. The big problem is that the gearbox is unique to the IQ and the booked time for a clutch change is 9 hours.
I’m happy with it, it costs buttons to run and will be run in true shed style until it breaks.
SkemJazzer said:
It’s an early car, 2009 I think and has around 70k mikes on it. It’s in pretty good condition with just the usual scratches and scrapes that city cars accumulate.
The IQ seems more grown up than the C1/107/Aygo, you’ve still got the lovely sounding 3 cylinder engine (IQ3 has the 1.33 engine). The interior is good quality, especially the steering wheel which feels great. I’m not one for tech in cars but I have grown to love the keyless entry, auto wipers and auto lights.
I usually run around with the rear seats down as the boot is minuscule with the seats upright. I have, however, managed to transport three people around without problem. The passenger side dash is really shallow so you can push the seat forward which gives rear seat passenger loads of room. No such luxury for anyone sat behind the driver.
The only issue that these cars seem to suffer from is related to the clutch. It apparently causes a vibration when you are around 2k rpm and 3rd gear can crunch if you are careless. The big problem is that the gearbox is unique to the IQ and the booked time for a clutch change is 9 hours.
I’m happy with it, it costs buttons to run and will be run in true shed style until it breaks.
Monkeylegend said:
SkemJazzer said:
It’s an early car, 2009 I think and has around 70k mikes on it. It’s in pretty good condition with just the usual scratches and scrapes that city cars accumulate.
The IQ seems more grown up than the C1/107/Aygo, you’ve still got the lovely sounding 3 cylinder engine (IQ3 has the 1.33 engine). The interior is good quality, especially the steering wheel which feels great. I’m not one for tech in cars but I have grown to love the keyless entry, auto wipers and auto lights.
I usually run around with the rear seats down as the boot is minuscule with the seats upright. I have, however, managed to transport three people around without problem. The passenger side dash is really shallow so you can push the seat forward which gives rear seat passenger loads of room. No such luxury for anyone sat behind the driver.
The only issue that these cars seem to suffer from is related to the clutch. It apparently causes a vibration when you are around 2k rpm and 3rd gear can crunch if you are careless. The big problem is that the gearbox is unique to the IQ and the booked time for a clutch change is 9 hours.
I’m happy with it, it costs buttons to run and will be run in true shed style until it breaks.
it likes doing forward rolls.
Pothole said:
Civic shed (Revd Green) is pissing me off this morning. I sourced new rear calipers way cheaper than ECS and have finally got round to fitting them. One side came off relatively easily and the spangly new one is fitted and almsot ready (but for a new banjo bolt and crush washers which only arrived from Amazon at dinner time/close of play) but the driver's side is balking me. I'm close to rounding off the head of a bolt holding the handbrake cable bracket to the caliper and it's really awkward to get at to drill. I've realised I parked a bit close to the neighbour's drive so it's somewhat cramped to work on, too. Ah, well. It's all a leaning curve and with new brakes all round and the Brum CAZ delayed until January, I'll be warm and dry for another winter (most of)...
Drilled it then found it's a metric fine thread, so I've had to order some of those now!!! GRRR.v15ben said:
MicraShed ticked over 90K miles yesterday, but I imagine that's quite low compared to many on here.
I've done about 17K in 12 months since buying it.
So random question on a hot Wednesday afternoon, but how many miles has your shed done?
Shed Merc estate 2007 220cdi is now at 252k. I've done about 17K in 12 months since buying it.
So random question on a hot Wednesday afternoon, but how many miles has your shed done?
Edited by v15ben on Wednesday 12th August 15:29
Bought it over 4 years ago as a stop gap for 2 months whilst arranging a new company car...
Still got the Merc plus a load of home improvements paid for with the car allowance
After a few weeks enjoying the sun in our £500.00 206cc;
It was time to look for another cheap shed, sold the 206 for £400 and started looking for something for less than a grand, whilst browsing the usual places I came across this;
It was being sold by the grandson of an old chap who had given up driving due to failing eyesight and left the car sat on his driveway whilst deciding it's future for a few weeks.
It's a 2.0d SE spec 5 speed manual, a good mot history only failed 3 times over the years for silly stuff wipers, headlight aim etc, mileage is 171k, service stamped up until 162k, everything works, aircon, cruise, windows, heated and electric seats, cd changer (remember them) nice shade of blue over tan leather, no warning lights on dash and 4 newish tyres albeit budget but that's fine, mot until July 2021 car was advertised for £650 paid £425.
Initial impressions are I like it, yes it sounds like every high mileage Mondeo or Transit fitted with the 2.0Tdci but with the windows shut its fairly refined, not quick but does pick up its feet when needed, never having driven a Tdci engined car before I've nothing to compare with. needs a couple of jobs doing, new wipers, pollen filter, engine service. Ordered parts including inlet manifold gaskets for when I clean the EGR valve, its electrical so won't be bypassing, tracking needs doing as it pulls right and a couple of light knock over bumps which I suspect radius arm bushes or similar.
Some more pics because why not;
It was time to look for another cheap shed, sold the 206 for £400 and started looking for something for less than a grand, whilst browsing the usual places I came across this;
It was being sold by the grandson of an old chap who had given up driving due to failing eyesight and left the car sat on his driveway whilst deciding it's future for a few weeks.
It's a 2.0d SE spec 5 speed manual, a good mot history only failed 3 times over the years for silly stuff wipers, headlight aim etc, mileage is 171k, service stamped up until 162k, everything works, aircon, cruise, windows, heated and electric seats, cd changer (remember them) nice shade of blue over tan leather, no warning lights on dash and 4 newish tyres albeit budget but that's fine, mot until July 2021 car was advertised for £650 paid £425.
Initial impressions are I like it, yes it sounds like every high mileage Mondeo or Transit fitted with the 2.0Tdci but with the windows shut its fairly refined, not quick but does pick up its feet when needed, never having driven a Tdci engined car before I've nothing to compare with. needs a couple of jobs doing, new wipers, pollen filter, engine service. Ordered parts including inlet manifold gaskets for when I clean the EGR valve, its electrical so won't be bypassing, tracking needs doing as it pulls right and a couple of light knock over bumps which I suspect radius arm bushes or similar.
Some more pics because why not;
Looks like a great buy that X-type. And by the looks of the reg prefix, it was purchased new local to me, likely at my local Jag dealership.
I had a shed X-type a few years ago, really enjoyed it. Ignore the 'fancy Mondeo' comments and take it for what it is, a cheap Jag and it'll keep you happy. I only owned mine for a few weeks (sold it for a big profit) so I can't give any advice on mechanicals or what they're like longer term.
Hope it serves you well!
I had a shed X-type a few years ago, really enjoyed it. Ignore the 'fancy Mondeo' comments and take it for what it is, a cheap Jag and it'll keep you happy. I only owned mine for a few weeks (sold it for a big profit) so I can't give any advice on mechanicals or what they're like longer term.
Hope it serves you well!
Megane shed on 118,000m bought with 83,000m so I've added around 36,000 to it with my 100 mile round trip commute. Rear wheel bearings and rear discs, new cluch and replacement serpentine belt the only expenses over regular servicing. I'm doing oil changes every 30,000Km which is around 18,000 miles, each time with whatever 5W-30 full synthetic I can find on special at the local parts store.
Thick_Troll said:
Megane shed on 118,000m bought with 83,000m so I've added around 36,000 to it with my 100 mile round trip commute. Rear wheel bearings and rear discs, new cluch and replacement serpentine belt the only expenses over regular servicing. I'm doing oil changes every 30,000Km which is around 18,000 miles, each time with whatever 5W-30 full synthetic I can find on special at the local parts store.
That's too long between oil changes for me personally. I do mine at 5k because oil is cheaper than engines or turbos.But Meganes are tougher than people give them credit for.
bearman68 said:
That's too long between oil changes for me personally. I do mine at 5k because oil is cheaper than engines or turbos.
But Meganes are tougher than people give them credit for.
Mine gets done approx every 10k miles but I try to do it at 6k when there's a lot of city mileage involved.But Meganes are tougher than people give them credit for.
Justin Case said:
oOJamesOo said:
May be able to get a Mazda 6 petrol with mega low mileage on it. 2007 with less than 40k miles. Would you avoid it or not? Been with the owner since new. Didn’t think the Mazda 6 had a good reputation so a bit wary. What would you say it’s worth? Paintwork isn’t great but mechanically it should be ok.
I have a 2007 petrol Mazda 6.It just doesn't go wrong. They can rust and usually do, but that is due to neglect. Mine has a regular visit to the jetwash and is pretty rust-free , but even then the amount of crud that comes off is surprising, so try and look at it on a ramp. Mazda 6s of course are valuable, worth at least twice anything equivalent (if only but I would say that anyway Edited by oOJamesOo on Tuesday 11th August 00:31
bearman68 said:
Thick_Troll said:
Megane shed on 118,000m bought with 83,000m so I've added around 36,000 to it with my 100 mile round trip commute. Rear wheel bearings and rear discs, new cluch and replacement serpentine belt the only expenses over regular servicing. I'm doing oil changes every 30,000Km which is around 18,000 miles, each time with whatever 5W-30 full synthetic I can find on special at the local parts store.
That's too long between oil changes for me personally. I do mine at 5k because oil is cheaper than engines or turbos.But Meganes are tougher than people give them credit for.
I replaced the turbo on my polo bluemotion diesel at 136k and do the oil every 5-6k as well as properly warming it up and letting it cool down. I too work on the assumption that regular oil changes are cheaper than a new turbo (900+ VAT+ fitting).
Tesco regularly have redex fully synthetic on offer (50% off) so I can get 6 litres of oil for £24.
I'm now having to face the eternal sheddists dilemma whether to move it on as a few things need doing:
Body work looks a bit scabby around the arches / keyed down passenger side
Cambelt needs doing
Should really do the shock absorbers as they've done nigh on 180k.
The other issue is it's non ULEZ compliance as I live just outside the 2021 boundary in West London.
The thing is logically I probably wouldn't go in more than 15 times a year so that would be approx £225 which is no doubt less than the depreciation on a new(er) car, it's just an aversion to paying a 'tax'.
The bizarre thing is I've become rather attached to it.. a car that was bought as a 'white goods' vehicle to get me from A to B cheaply and without me caring about it has through it's reliability and frugality wormed it's way into my heart.
v15ben said:
MicraShed ticked over 90K miles yesterday, but I imagine that's quite low compared to many on here.
I've done about 17K in 12 months since buying it.
So random question on a hot Wednesday afternoon, but how many miles has your shed done?
Rainy Monday reply. I've done about 17K in 12 months since buying it.
So random question on a hot Wednesday afternoon, but how many miles has your shed done?
Edited by v15ben on Wednesday 12th August 15:29
I bought my shed (57 plate Pug 307) last October at 50k. As a station car and general weekend knocking about in vehicle, and now a rarely-driven-due-to-lockdown, I’ve only added another 5k in nearly 11 months.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a year when I’ve covered so few miles.
slk 32 said:
The thing is logically I probably wouldn't go in more than 15 times a year so that would be approx £225 which is no doubt less than the depreciation on a new(er) car, it's just an aversion to paying a 'tax'.
I assume the ULEZ is enforced through strategically-placed cameras, but if this is the case they have more blind spots than Stevie Wonder. I've driven into central London a few times in my non-compliant 306 and haven't been charged once. Not saying that you'll have the same luck, but might be worth bearing in mind if you're a gambling man. It would cost me £12.50 a time and the fine is £80.00 if paid within a fortnight. The amount of times I've driven into central London it would have cost me more than double that by now. I have a similar system with the Dartford Crossing. Whilst their cameras are much more effective than they used to be, they are very lenient if you phone them up and will only charge you the standard rate if you plead ignorance.
Yes, I'm a cheapskate...
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