The Joy of Running an Old Shed (Vol 2)
Discussion
bodhi said:
Must admit I'm very tempted to get back into shed ownership - we're moving house shortly to somewhere a bit further out of town, so will be looking for a general station/tip run/B&Q and other odd job car to keep the miles off my 1 Series. I'd be looking for a 5 door Japanese petrol hatchback, and I'm increasingly drawn to the FN model Honda Civic. I'm seeing a few 1.8's with over 100k on PH and the Trader - what are they like? Anything in particular to look out for?
Solid engine and gearbox, only let down by niggly faults:-Boot leaks leaving a pool of water in the bottom of boot- caused by water ingress either through seam welds, across where the boot glass meets the clear plastic, or where wiring joins into boot. £3 silicone tube solves all this.
-They are a relatively hard ride so front drop links, lower arms and strut top bearings are consumables.
-Radio display missing pixels-10 min job to take out and then dab each solder pin.
-Prone to snapping driveshafts as there is a rubber dampener on the shaft which holds water and is thinner under it creating a weakness.
-Usual Jap car issues of poor handbrake usually caused by sticking calipers.
-Roof rust at leading edge of windscreen caused by factory weatherstrip rubbing into paint.
-Isolated incidents of rear axles rotting through, causing the wheel to collapse-but this is only on high mileage and the oldest ones.
-Expect a clutch to last around 100k, so bare this is mind, especially if its biting very low.
-AC rarely works in any of them, if you find one that does, you've hit the jackpot.
They like to consume a small amount of oil, and the coolant reservoir is low down in the passenger front engine bay.
Having said all that, they are bafflingly spacious including rear seat bases that can fold up, and a big boot. Chain driven and one of the most reliable sheds out there. I'd pick up another one if I found one cheap!
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 09:57
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 10:00
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 10:02
Whataguy said:
bodhi said:
I'm increasingly drawn to the FN model Honda Civic. I'm seeing a few 1.8's with over 100k on PH and the Trader - what are they like? Anything in particular to look out for?
Good engines , Honda kept selling them for years - it’s a basic engine and gets both reasonable mpg and performance (you need to use the Rev range to get the most of the performance. )FN Civics have quite hard suspension and not brilliant rear visibility but are great reliable cars with good space.
Edited by Whataguy on Thursday 21st October 08:44
I had one of these. A 2007 1.8 EX. It was a strange car, for me. I should have absolutely loved it but i didn't.
Pros:
Looked great inside and out (IMO)
Extremely spacious for this size of car, both in the cabin and boot. (only practicality negative are the back doors are small to get in - but once in, it's huge in there (matron).
Magic seats are - well.....magic! Very clever indeed.
Plenty of kit on this model.
Performance good. 0-60 in 8.6s (and it would do that)
MPG good for a 1.8 petrol. Regularly over 40mpg for me.
'Good' typical Honda gearchange but not amazing.
BUT!!!
Cons:
Engine may have delivered on the above but it didn't do it for me!
The i'vtec may have meant advances in efficiency and it was fairly flexible and not 'peaky' - but for exactly that reason - it was never any fun to use! It lacked any kind of character for me. It got gradually stronger as you worked it but not really.
It was emphasised that, by coincidence, i drove a 2002 Honda Accord 1.8 at the same time at work - and it was SO, SO much more fun. Probably a lot less mpg but it had that zingy Japanese engineered feel (and a better gearchange too) that i poerhaps wanted / expected from the CIvic - but it didn't have it. I also, again by coincidence, drove a 1.4 Civic of 2010 ish vintage which although much slower than the 1.8, DID have that zingy feel i wanted!
I just feel the 1.8 is a bit of a compromise.
Refinement - quite a lot of wind and tyre noise. Not a particularly refined car (but i DID expect that having read reviews)
Ride was unsettled and not well resolved. Having a firm ride is fine when it's been developed properly etc but this was just firm/harsh and it didn't translate to good handling, to me.
Engine used a bit of oil (which i think is normal).
Red paint (flat) was absolutely shockingly thin and you could almost look at it and it would stonechip.
Sounds like i'm having a downer - not really - it's an excellent and cleverly designed car which still looks great, to me. BUT....for the above reasons...i wouldn't rush out to get another.
In summary - if you aren't too bothered about the refinement aspect and the nothing special to drive aspect - get one, they're really good!
M1C said:
Engine may have delivered on the above but it didn't do it for me!
That'll be because they were actually a SOHC engine, believe it or not. I've had two, both red, one an '07' Sport, the other a '61' Si - the Sport was the much better car, and certainly very good on fuel, I do miss it. bearman68 said:
Pieman68 said:
Any ideas on a coolant leak? Am losing fluid but doesn't appear to be constant loss while standing so suggests it is when the engine is running - could it be a split pipe or water pump possibly?
It's also getting a service and some drop links this week
It's a 2007 1.4 16v Ibiza - a relative pup compared to some of you guys as it's only on 104k miles
Bottom of the radiator will be rotten. It's also getting a service and some drop links this week
It's a 2007 1.4 16v Ibiza - a relative pup compared to some of you guys as it's only on 104k miles
Well...That it!
Grotrod sat awaiting its fate.....being collected tomorrow AM.
Car take back offered me a very reasonable £344 so off it goes over the bridge.
Its Been an absolute gem of a shed for the last 5 years with only a few minor hiccups along the way and to be fair in reality I've abused it.
No servicing probably overloaded a few times and its just kept plodding on.
Goodbye Grotrod you won't be forgotten.
Supercell said:
Solid engine and gearbox, only let down by niggly faults:
-Boot leaks leaving a pool of water in the bottom of boot- caused by water ingress either through seam welds, across where the boot glass meets the clear plastic, or where wiring joins into boot. £3 silicone tube solves all this.
-They are a relatively hard ride so front drop links, lower arms and strut top bearings are consumables.
-Radio display missing pixels-10 min job to take out and then dab each solder pin.
-Prone to snapping driveshafts as there is a rubber dampener on the shaft which holds water and is thinner under it creating a weakness.
-Usual Jap car issues of poor handbrake usually caused by sticking calipers.
-Roof rust at leading edge of windscreen caused by factory weatherstrip rubbing into paint.
-Isolated incidents of rear axles rotting through, causing the wheel to collapse-but this is only on high mileage and the oldest ones.
-Expect a clutch to last around 100k, so bare this is mind, especially if its biting very low.
-AC rarely works in any of them, if you find one that does, you've hit the jackpot.
They like to consume a small amount of oil, and the coolant reservoir is low down in the passenger front engine bay.
Having said all that, they are bafflingly spacious including rear seat bases that can fold up, and a big boot. Chain driven and one of the most reliable sheds out there. I'd pick up another one if I found one cheap!
Well I really like my 58 diesel and guess I got lucky as the AC works, however the last owner did spend £650 on a new compressor a few months before I purchased it.-Boot leaks leaving a pool of water in the bottom of boot- caused by water ingress either through seam welds, across where the boot glass meets the clear plastic, or where wiring joins into boot. £3 silicone tube solves all this.
-They are a relatively hard ride so front drop links, lower arms and strut top bearings are consumables.
-Radio display missing pixels-10 min job to take out and then dab each solder pin.
-Prone to snapping driveshafts as there is a rubber dampener on the shaft which holds water and is thinner under it creating a weakness.
-Usual Jap car issues of poor handbrake usually caused by sticking calipers.
-Roof rust at leading edge of windscreen caused by factory weatherstrip rubbing into paint.
-Isolated incidents of rear axles rotting through, causing the wheel to collapse-but this is only on high mileage and the oldest ones.
-Expect a clutch to last around 100k, so bare this is mind, especially if its biting very low.
-AC rarely works in any of them, if you find one that does, you've hit the jackpot.
They like to consume a small amount of oil, and the coolant reservoir is low down in the passenger front engine bay.
Having said all that, they are bafflingly spacious including rear seat bases that can fold up, and a big boot. Chain driven and one of the most reliable sheds out there. I'd pick up another one if I found one cheap!
To be honest, I really like it so far it has a lot of miles 146k but for under a grand it is a lot of car for the money.
ryanchan said:
R50 BPS said:
Many, MANY swears... sort of a failed repair, here.
A now working headunit - however no sound and all that it's doing is still popping and cracking - more so than that Kellogg cereal.
Amplifier needs to come out next, I think!
Despite the V70 testing my patience with the rattle and the still broken (but sort of fixed) headunit, I've treated it to a bit of protection for winter - a ceramic infused snowfoam (Auto Finesse Lavish), with a ceramic detailing spray (Angel Wax Enigma QED) over the top - nothing sticks to it now!
Had the same with the HU850 in mine, took it apart and used a hairdryer on the internals.. Worked for a day and stopped again so gave up and just fitted the cheapest halfords Sony unit I could find! A now working headunit - however no sound and all that it's doing is still popping and cracking - more so than that Kellogg cereal.
Amplifier needs to come out next, I think!
Despite the V70 testing my patience with the rattle and the still broken (but sort of fixed) headunit, I've treated it to a bit of protection for winter - a ceramic infused snowfoam (Auto Finesse Lavish), with a ceramic detailing spray (Angel Wax Enigma QED) over the top - nothing sticks to it now!
Edited by R50 BPS on Wednesday 20th October 22:19
Daveb257 said:
ryanchan said:
R50 BPS said:
Many, MANY swears... sort of a failed repair, here.
A now working headunit - however no sound and all that it's doing is still popping and cracking - more so than that Kellogg cereal.
Amplifier needs to come out next, I think!
Despite the V70 testing my patience with the rattle and the still broken (but sort of fixed) headunit, I've treated it to a bit of protection for winter - a ceramic infused snowfoam (Auto Finesse Lavish), with a ceramic detailing spray (Angel Wax Enigma QED) over the top - nothing sticks to it now!
Had the same with the HU850 in mine, took it apart and used a hairdryer on the internals.. Worked for a day and stopped again so gave up and just fitted the cheapest halfords Sony unit I could find! A now working headunit - however no sound and all that it's doing is still popping and cracking - more so than that Kellogg cereal.
Amplifier needs to come out next, I think!
Despite the V70 testing my patience with the rattle and the still broken (but sort of fixed) headunit, I've treated it to a bit of protection for winter - a ceramic infused snowfoam (Auto Finesse Lavish), with a ceramic detailing spray (Angel Wax Enigma QED) over the top - nothing sticks to it now!
Edited by R50 BPS on Wednesday 20th October 22:19
andrebar said:
Lord Cunnington Smythe said:
Had use of the son's 14 plate Dacia last couple of days, it's decent enough but I prefer my old Peugeot TBH, I can't get on with the 3 cylinder engine I find these so unrefined and gruff, my daughters 14,000 mile C1 is the same, its like driving a 1970's diesel, no power, noisy and slow, pug in comparison is as smooth as a baby's backside.
My mum hated her 107 until she learned to drive it like she stole it. Now she can’t be persuaded to part with itSupercell said:
bodhi said:
Must admit I'm very tempted to get back into shed ownership - we're moving house shortly to somewhere a bit further out of town, so will be looking for a general station/tip run/B&Q and other odd job car to keep the miles off my 1 Series. I'd be looking for a 5 door Japanese petrol hatchback, and I'm increasingly drawn to the FN model Honda Civic. I'm seeing a few 1.8's with over 100k on PH and the Trader - what are they like? Anything in particular to look out for?
Solid engine and gearbox, only let down by niggly faults:-Boot leaks leaving a pool of water in the bottom of boot- caused by water ingress either through seam welds, across where the boot glass meets the clear plastic, or where wiring joins into boot. £3 silicone tube solves all this.
-They are a relatively hard ride so front drop links, lower arms and strut top bearings are consumables.
-Radio display missing pixels-10 min job to take out and then dab each solder pin.
-Prone to snapping driveshafts as there is a rubber dampener on the shaft which holds water and is thinner under it creating a weakness.
-Usual Jap car issues of poor handbrake usually caused by sticking calipers.
-Roof rust at leading edge of windscreen caused by factory weatherstrip rubbing into paint.
-Isolated incidents of rear axles rotting through, causing the wheel to collapse-but this is only on high mileage and the oldest ones.
-Expect a clutch to last around 100k, so bare this is mind, especially if its biting very low.
-AC rarely works in any of them, if you find one that does, you've hit the jackpot.
They like to consume a small amount of oil, and the coolant reservoir is low down in the passenger front engine bay.
Having said all that, they are bafflingly spacious including rear seat bases that can fold up, and a big boot. Chain driven and one of the most reliable sheds out there. I'd pick up another one if I found one cheap!
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 09:57
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 10:00
Edited by Supercell on Thursday 21st October 10:02
Just need to get this house purchase through, and hopefully I shall be posting again with one of these sitting on the drive. To be continued....
Shed Saab going for tyres this weekend. In standard shed fashion, it will be getting dressed with part worn Ying Yong Sunny Days. Probably make a few on here wince and cry bloody murder mind.
I'm half certain it's now using or losing coolant. I got a coolant warning several weeks back but with no visual indication as from where, though I did replace the heater bypass about 8 months ago but it still appears dry. For now I'll top it up. Approaching 15,000 miles and 12 months for £700 initial investment and probably a further £200 in odds and sods. £75 a month to buy and run a car for a year (not including fuel, clearly)
Also, thanks to Saab for making the car produce a "Check oil level" warning that is triggered just by time and has nothing to do with the actual oil level, but serves as a friendly reminder. Made me s
t myself at 70mph on the A64.
I'm half certain it's now using or losing coolant. I got a coolant warning several weeks back but with no visual indication as from where, though I did replace the heater bypass about 8 months ago but it still appears dry. For now I'll top it up. Approaching 15,000 miles and 12 months for £700 initial investment and probably a further £200 in odds and sods. £75 a month to buy and run a car for a year (not including fuel, clearly)
Also, thanks to Saab for making the car produce a "Check oil level" warning that is triggered just by time and has nothing to do with the actual oil level, but serves as a friendly reminder. Made me s
t myself at 70mph on the A64. Lord Cunnington Smythe said:
andrebar said:
Lord Cunnington Smythe said:
Had use of the son's 14 plate Dacia last couple of days, it's decent enough but I prefer my old Peugeot TBH, I can't get on with the 3 cylinder engine I find these so unrefined and gruff, my daughters 14,000 mile C1 is the same, its like driving a 1970's diesel, no power, noisy and slow, pug in comparison is as smooth as a baby's backside.
My mum hated her 107 until she learned to drive it like she stole it. Now she can’t be persuaded to part with itBut as soon as I pulled away I hated it, if I had been taking it for a test drive I would have got out there and then and handed back the keys. It wasn't the car as such I just absolutely hated the engine. First of all, as you say the engine was unrefined and gruff and I found it very difficult to change gear smoothly. It has absolutely zero power off boost so is difficult to pull away and then the turbo just starts to kick in when you change gear.
The ECO button was a joke, it was virtually undriveable with it on. 3 up on a dual carriageway on a slight incline with my foot welded to the floor in 5th it literally would not accelerate. It is not even as if you get decent fuel economy in return for a gutless engine, I think it struggled to get 40MPG when I can easily get 60 to 65 with the 1.5 DCI.
Getting back into my shed Megane with the 1.5 DCi felt like heaven after driving that car. I would pick the 4 cylinder diesel over the 3 cylinder petrol any day of the week.
Joey Deacon said:
Lord Cunnington Smythe said:
andrebar said:
Lord Cunnington Smythe said:
Had use of the son's 14 plate Dacia last couple of days, it's decent enough but I prefer my old Peugeot TBH, I can't get on with the 3 cylinder engine I find these so unrefined and gruff, my daughters 14,000 mile C1 is the same, its like driving a 1970's diesel, no power, noisy and slow, pug in comparison is as smooth as a baby's backside.
My mum hated her 107 until she learned to drive it like she stole it. Now she can’t be persuaded to part with itBut as soon as I pulled away I hated it, if I had been taking it for a test drive I would have got out there and then and handed back the keys. It wasn't the car as such I just absolutely hated the engine. First of all, as you say the engine was unrefined and gruff and I found it very difficult to change gear smoothly. It has absolutely zero power off boost so is difficult to pull away and then the turbo just starts to kick in when you change gear.
The ECO button was a joke, it was virtually undriveable with it on. 3 up on a dual carriageway on a slight incline with my foot welded to the floor in 5th it literally would not accelerate. It is not even as if you get decent fuel economy in return for a gutless engine, I think it struggled to get 40MPG when I can easily get 60 to 65 with the 1.5 DCI.
Getting back into my shed Megane with the 1.5 DCi felt like heaven after driving that car. I would pick the 4 cylinder diesel over the 3 cylinder petrol any day of the week.
magpie215 said:
Well...That it!
Grotrod sat awaiting its fate.....being collected tomorrow AM.
Car take back offered me a very reasonable £344 so off it goes over the bridge.
Its Been an absolute gem of a shed for the last 5 years with only a few minor hiccups along the way and to be fair in reality I've abused it.
No servicing probably overloaded a few times and its just kept plodding on.
Goodbye Grotrod you won't be forgotten.
Steve421 said:
I bought this in need of a bit of TLC for £600. Spent £254 having it transported from Kent to Newcastle and have spent around £200 in servicing items and consumables since. It's nice tooling round in something that the bank doesn't own.
That looks way to nice to be treated as a shed but pragmatically the price indicates differently Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff