The Joy of Running an Old Shed
Discussion
egor110 said:
How do they compare to the ford focus ?
Far better. The Mark 1 was a great car but ancient now. There is something so utterly dismal about the Mark 2 plus the engine isn't so clever. Lots of oil leaks and ring wear issues.For a hatchback, it's Civic/Auris as a sub 2 grand banger. Nothing else is as reliable or well constructed.
Our Panda is due an oil change (I did one when we got it 6k miles ago). The sump plug is rounded, must have been my fault from last time, although i don't recall over tightening it, but still...
I have one of those pumps to suck out the old oil, am I better off just using that and then refilling with however much comes out? That's assuming it doesn't get it all.
I'd like to do the service asap as the oil was so old when I first got the car that it really needs to be kept with fresh oil in.
Cheers
I have one of those pumps to suck out the old oil, am I better off just using that and then refilling with however much comes out? That's assuming it doesn't get it all.
I'd like to do the service asap as the oil was so old when I first got the car that it really needs to be kept with fresh oil in.
Cheers
Touring442 said:
Those Civics are a great used car. My experiences are of the petrols; fairly nippy but not very Vtec-Yo, harsh ride, those horrid door handles and that synthetic mouse fur interior.....
Look beyond that and there is a car vastly superior to any of the rusting, oil leaking junk VAG make, most BMW's and so on. The Germans can only dream of making an engine as good as the Honda four. They certainly aren't capable of it.
As a car capable of regular use with the minimum of repairs, the Civic is right up there. You'd have to be mad to consider some sh*tbox Golf over one.
Erm, don't these era of Civic rust just above the top windscreen seal where it meets the roof?Look beyond that and there is a car vastly superior to any of the rusting, oil leaking junk VAG make, most BMW's and so on. The Germans can only dream of making an engine as good as the Honda four. They certainly aren't capable of it.
As a car capable of regular use with the minimum of repairs, the Civic is right up there. You'd have to be mad to consider some sh*tbox Golf over one.
I had the previous era of Civic in 2 litre Type S flavour and tried to love it for 2 months before going back to my Megane 2 DCI Shed for the following reasons.
1)The harsh ride and resultant suspension knocks and bangs that cannot be traced.
2)Sticking brake calipers, three years after a new set of calipers were fitted at a Honda Dealer
3)Terrible turning circle, literally impossible to pull into a space in one go.
4)Poor fuel economy
5)Rust, it was going on the rear arches and didn't look too nice underneath.
6)Felt like an ancient car to drive, even the Megane felt generations newer and smoother.
I will admit the engine was spotless with no signs of oil leaks but that was about it.
The Megane on the other hand doesn't even have a hint of rust on it, the original 14 year old exhaust looks like it is a year or two old.
gman88667733 said:
Our Panda is due an oil change (I did one when we got it 6k miles ago). The sump plug is rounded, must have been my fault from last time, although i don't recall over tightening it, but still...
I have one of those pumps to suck out the old oil, am I better off just using that and then refilling with however much comes out? That's assuming it doesn't get it all.
I'd like to do the service asap as the oil was so old when I first got the car that it really needs to be kept with fresh oil in.
Cheers
I bought a set of those nut removal tools for about £16, those which cut into the nut/bolt. Sockets with spiral ground cutters that grip turning left. I treated the set like glass because I'm sure they'd be easily broken but did what I needed no problem so fully recommended. I have one of those pumps to suck out the old oil, am I better off just using that and then refilling with however much comes out? That's assuming it doesn't get it all.
I'd like to do the service asap as the oil was so old when I first got the car that it really needs to be kept with fresh oil in.
Cheers
mudster said:
Thought I would add a picture of my shed which I've had for 18 months now. It's the 2.2 diesel which has averaged 57mpg over the last 8000 miles. Had 118k when I bought it and just under 128k now.
Photo flatters it a little has there are a few stone chips and minor marks. OK, technically it was a touch above shed budget, but I need to do a regular 300 mile round trip and wanted something reasonably comfy and economical and the spaceship came with a decent spec.
What I was unaware at the time I bought it, was the reputation for cracking exhaust manifolds and the pain in the ass it is to fix. Of course it cracked after 6 months and took another 6 months for me to get it sorted.
Otherwise it's been pretty faultless although I've changed all the service filters and fluids.Have also added a Nextbase DAB unit and roof aerial as I would miss that. Only £40 though.
My Focus Mk1 is going to be sold before the next MOT and I was thinking about what to buy to replace it. This particular car comes high on the list because its one of the few that both me and the missus have driven and like! Also that huge boot would be ideal for our yearly University run...... They seem to score well in reliability surveys. Out of interest what did you pay for yours? I always thought the 2.2. CDTI was the most petrol like diesel I have ever driven. I test drove one soon after launch in 2006 and remember it being quite revvy and not falling off a cliff at 4000RPM like most diesels.Photo flatters it a little has there are a few stone chips and minor marks. OK, technically it was a touch above shed budget, but I need to do a regular 300 mile round trip and wanted something reasonably comfy and economical and the spaceship came with a decent spec.
What I was unaware at the time I bought it, was the reputation for cracking exhaust manifolds and the pain in the ass it is to fix. Of course it cracked after 6 months and took another 6 months for me to get it sorted.
Otherwise it's been pretty faultless although I've changed all the service filters and fluids.Have also added a Nextbase DAB unit and roof aerial as I would miss that. Only £40 though.
CDP said:
I bought a set of those nut removal tools for about £16, those which cut into the nut/bolt. Sockets with spiral ground cutters that grip turning left. I treated the set like glass because I'm sure they'd be easily broken but did what I needed no problem so fully recommended.
Sadly it isn't the right kind of plug for that. I may be wrong, but it is a recessed one that has a 12mm or something allen key hole to undo.Thoughts on a 2006 Citroen C4 1.6 petrol as a shed? Seen one come up for sale for £1k with a recent service, new alternator, battery and timing belt.
Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
Bumblebee7 said:
Thoughts on a 2006 Citroen C4 1.6 petrol as a shed? Seen one come up for sale for £1k with a recent service, new alternator, battery and timing belt.
Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
Most importantly, what is the MOT history like? A few advisories for tyres, brakes, wipers etc. then go for it, failing every year then scraping a pass with ten advisories walk away.Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
I know everyone will say "It's french, it's rubbish" but in my experience my Renault Shed has been way more reliable than the Audi A6 and A4 Convertibles I used to own.
If it starts cleanly and drives OK I would say go for it.
Joey Deacon said:
Most importantly, what is the MOT history like? A few advisories for tyres, brakes, wipers etc. then go for it, failing every year then scraping a pass with ten advisories walk away.
I know everyone will say "It's french, it's rubbish" but in my experience my Renault Shed has been way more reliable than the Audi A6 and A4 Convertibles I used to own.
If it starts cleanly and drives OK I would say go for it.
Thanks, MOT history is nothing but tyres, drop links, wipers and bulbs. Nothing in there of concern.I know everyone will say "It's french, it's rubbish" but in my experience my Renault Shed has been way more reliable than the Audi A6 and A4 Convertibles I used to own.
If it starts cleanly and drives OK I would say go for it.
My friendly mechanic seems to like french cars a lot as they have less of a tendency to rust.
I've got an MX5 I'm not using but I'd rather get my mum something a bit safer, more comfortable and practical.
All the japanese stuff seems to be ragged to within an inch of its life, don't get me started on german stuff. Loads of dodgy written off cars and plenty of people who just don't respond to messages and my personal favourite which is them not having a logbook...
Bumblebee7 said:
Thoughts on a 2006 Citroen C4 1.6 petrol as a shed? Seen one come up for sale for £1k with a recent service, new alternator, battery and timing belt.
Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
We have one of these in our family as the dependable backup car. We bought one very cheaply about 3-4 years ago as a cheap car to use for a bit and it has been great ever since. The 1.6 is quite thirsty, ours tended to get 30mpg when we were using it. We had the anti-pollution warning come up a few times, which I think a new set of coil packs sorted... Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
I definitely wouldn't tell anyone to stay away from them, we have had nothing but good experiences with ours and it has proven itself well worthwhile to keep around for if anyone needs it.
STIfree said:
Introducing my new retro shed.
Popped up on a FB group for Volvo 300's for a measly £500. I enquired to the location of the car as they normally seem to be all in the south of England. Turns out this one was in the North East, 20 minutes down the road. Well I knew I had to have it, but not sure what for.
Initially, I wanted it for the engine and gearbox for my other 340 and a few other rarer parts. But having picked it up I've taken a shine to it and with 11months MOT it'd be a shame to scrap.
1 owner car, full service history up until 2010 when it was parked up for 10 years. Lad I bought it from went and got it, got it running, did some welding and had it MOT'd a couple weeks ago but has given it up to focus on other Volvo projects. Every door is rusty as hell and has holes in it, but the car did come with 4 spare doors (I've never bought a car with 8 doors before) but they also need a little bit of work & are odd colours.
I think I might have to start a thread on this and my other 340.
Here it is, a 1988 1.7 340 GLE with 95k. Wheels are a bit much for me, I might rattle can them to a slightly less offensive colour as the tyres are sound.
Very nice. My mum had a 3dr 340 with the 1.7 engine it, but it decided to set fire to itself on our driveway. Popped up on a FB group for Volvo 300's for a measly £500. I enquired to the location of the car as they normally seem to be all in the south of England. Turns out this one was in the North East, 20 minutes down the road. Well I knew I had to have it, but not sure what for.
Initially, I wanted it for the engine and gearbox for my other 340 and a few other rarer parts. But having picked it up I've taken a shine to it and with 11months MOT it'd be a shame to scrap.
1 owner car, full service history up until 2010 when it was parked up for 10 years. Lad I bought it from went and got it, got it running, did some welding and had it MOT'd a couple weeks ago but has given it up to focus on other Volvo projects. Every door is rusty as hell and has holes in it, but the car did come with 4 spare doors (I've never bought a car with 8 doors before) but they also need a little bit of work & are odd colours.
I think I might have to start a thread on this and my other 340.
Here it is, a 1988 1.7 340 GLE with 95k. Wheels are a bit much for me, I might rattle can them to a slightly less offensive colour as the tyres are sound.
Edited by STIfree on Sunday 6th September 18:07
I actually like the alloys, and in that colour. Something a bit different to the usual.
gman88667733 said:
We have one of these in our family as the dependable backup car. We bought one very cheaply about 3-4 years ago as a cheap car to use for a bit and it has been great ever since. The 1.6 is quite thirsty, ours tended to get 30mpg when we were using it. We had the anti-pollution warning come up a few times, which I think a new set of coil packs sorted...
I definitely wouldn't tell anyone to stay away from them, we have had nothing but good experiences with ours and it has proven itself well worthwhile to keep around for if anyone needs it.
Fab, that's what I needed to know I definitely wouldn't tell anyone to stay away from them, we have had nothing but good experiences with ours and it has proven itself well worthwhile to keep around for if anyone needs it.
MPG not an issue, my mum has coped without a car for 2 years but now has come to the realisation she doesn't want to lose 14 years NCB so need to get something this week. If her previous car is anything to go by this will do no more than 3k per year. She initially wanted to spend £5k but I told her I didn't see the point if we could find something decent for less. Thanks for the advice, I'm seeing the car tomorrow evening and will update if I go for it.
Mondeo shed weirdly gone back to it's owner.. I'd already told him I was selling it straight after the weekend of using it for towing and got a text asking if he could buy it back.. came and collected yesterday for same as I bought it, the van he had bought to use as it's replacement had developed turbo issues and give back to where he bought it
Bumblebee7 said:
Fab, that's what I needed to know
MPG not an issue, my mum has coped without a car for 2 years but now has come to the realisation she doesn't want to lose 14 years NCB so need to get something this week. If her previous car is anything to go by this will do no more than 3k per year. She initially wanted to spend £5k but I told her I didn't see the point if we could find something decent for less. Thanks for the advice, I'm seeing the car tomorrow evening and will update if I go for it.
If that falls through I would say civic mk7. My parents had an 02 executive 1.6. Dad passed away and car sat for 9 months on my mums drive way she started it twice in that time. Battery did die eventually but gave it to my mate who put new battery on oil change and off he went. Had it for a year until he rear ended someone. In the 4 years my parents had it I think bulbs were the only things they changed outside of normal service. MPG not an issue, my mum has coped without a car for 2 years but now has come to the realisation she doesn't want to lose 14 years NCB so need to get something this week. If her previous car is anything to go by this will do no more than 3k per year. She initially wanted to spend £5k but I told her I didn't see the point if we could find something decent for less. Thanks for the advice, I'm seeing the car tomorrow evening and will update if I go for it.
Joey Deacon said:
Touring442 said:
Those Civics are a great used car. My experiences are of the petrols; fairly nippy but not very Vtec-Yo, harsh ride, those horrid door handles and that synthetic mouse fur interior.....
Look beyond that and there is a car vastly superior to any of the rusting, oil leaking junk VAG make, most BMW's and so on. The Germans can only dream of making an engine as good as the Honda four. They certainly aren't capable of it.
As a car capable of regular use with the minimum of repairs, the Civic is right up there. You'd have to be mad to consider some sh*tbox Golf over one.
Erm, don't these era of Civic rust just above the top windscreen seal where it meets the roof?Look beyond that and there is a car vastly superior to any of the rusting, oil leaking junk VAG make, most BMW's and so on. The Germans can only dream of making an engine as good as the Honda four. They certainly aren't capable of it.
As a car capable of regular use with the minimum of repairs, the Civic is right up there. You'd have to be mad to consider some sh*tbox Golf over one.
I have suffered a couple of Meganes. No thanks.
Edited by Touring442 on Tuesday 8th September 14:37
mudster said:
Thought I would add a picture of my shed which I've had for 18 months now. It's the 2.2 diesel which has averaged 57mpg over the last 8000 miles. Had 118k when I bought it and just under 128k now.
Photo flatters it a little has there are a few stone chips and minor marks. OK, technically it was a touch above shed budget, but I need to do a regular 300 mile round trip and wanted something reasonably comfy and economical and the spaceship came with a decent spec.
What I was unaware at the time I bought it, was the reputation for cracking exhaust manifolds and the pain in the ass it is to fix. Of course it cracked after 6 months and took another 6 months for me to get it sorted.
Otherwise it's been pretty faultless although I've changed all the service filters and fluids.Have also added a Nextbase DAB unit and roof aerial as I would miss that. Only £40 though.
I've had one eye on those Diesel Civics as a potential replacement for our Petrol FR-V which isn't exactly frugal, but just wonder at what mileage do they decide they want a new Dual Mass Flywheel? Photo flatters it a little has there are a few stone chips and minor marks. OK, technically it was a touch above shed budget, but I need to do a regular 300 mile round trip and wanted something reasonably comfy and economical and the spaceship came with a decent spec.
What I was unaware at the time I bought it, was the reputation for cracking exhaust manifolds and the pain in the ass it is to fix. Of course it cracked after 6 months and took another 6 months for me to get it sorted.
Otherwise it's been pretty faultless although I've changed all the service filters and fluids.Have also added a Nextbase DAB unit and roof aerial as I would miss that. Only £40 though.
PurpleTurtle said:
I've had one eye on those Diesel Civics as a potential replacement for our Petrol FR-V which isn't exactly frugal, but just wonder at what mileage do they decide they want a new Dual Mass Flywheel?
I've got exactly the same car, same colour too in fact.My clutch started slipping at 54k and I drove it very gently for another 49k miles at which point I couldn't tolerate the clutch slip any more and replaced the clutch. My mechanic advised not buying the DMF yet and see the state of it, when the car was opened up it was visibly knackered. So in short I would say you either buy a car that's had it done or buy one knowing both the clutch and DMF will need doing.
My car gets about 55mpg overall which is great as I only really use it for driving from London to Cornwall. Would highly recommend the car in general other than the very harsh ride. The cost of the work on my car was equal to its value though and I only carried it out as I've had the car for 7 years and love it. No plans at all of getting rid any time soon. I knew I wouldn't find a better car for the investment required, not sure I would feel the same way if I was buying one from someone else though.
Joey Deacon said:
Bumblebee7 said:
Thoughts on a 2006 Citroen C4 1.6 petrol as a shed? Seen one come up for sale for £1k with a recent service, new alternator, battery and timing belt.
Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
Most importantly, what is the MOT history like? A few advisories for tyres, brakes, wipers etc. then go for it, failing every year then scraping a pass with ten advisories walk away.Just over 6 months MOT and I may be able to chip them a bit on price as I reckon the front tyres are worn given the most recent MOT and low mileage since the MOT.
Need something ULEZ compliant and reliable for my mum. Will be used for around town and the occasional 600 mile round trip to visit more distant relatives.
I know everyone will say "It's french, it's rubbish" but in my experience my Renault Shed has been way more reliable than the Audi A6 and A4 Convertibles I used to own.
If it starts cleanly and drives OK I would say go for it.
Cheap enough to buy and run and throw away when you're done is enough reason to buy one, but the fact they're reliable, superbly comfortable and practical and car people and Powerfully Built Cocks absolutely detest them because they have no status at all is a massive bonus.
Jaguar steve said:
Cheap enough to buy and run and throw away when you're done is enough reason to buy one, but the fact they're reliable, superbly comfortable and practical and car people and Powerfully Built Cocks absolutely detest them because they have no status at all is a massive bonus.
Totally agree with you, to me French cars seem to have the suspension just right, not wallowy but not stiff so you flinch every time you see a speed hump or imperfection in the road. Plus, as I stated earlier they just don't seem to rust.Any tiny issue with a French car means it is rubbish, yet a German car can do this to it's big end shells and this is put down to a minor inconvenience
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff