The Joy of Running an Old Shed (Vol 2)
Discussion
bearman68 said:
The world of bear towers is of course not completely dominated by buying piles of old scrap metal in the hope of making it run. Occasioanlly I have to sell things as well.
The Astra that I have been boasting about is currently on the lift having a cam belt, and a general service, and all the usual gubbins.
It's a decent looking car, and one of my longer term female customers saw it, and has wanted to trade her Fiesta in for the Astra. I asked her to come with me to test drive the Fiesta to check it for the faults that she claimed. (None found).
During the journey, she was explaining why she 'needed' the Astra - she wants something to look good, because appearance is very important given the job she does. 'What do you do' I asked. Oh, I make adult entertainment videos.
Just so many questions, so many.
Anyway, we hastily agreed a deal, and the Astra is off next week to be a porn star. (Maybe I can get a little advertising sticker in somewhere).
I have lived a sheltered life - I've never met a porn star before.
Haha, brilliant!!The Astra that I have been boasting about is currently on the lift having a cam belt, and a general service, and all the usual gubbins.
It's a decent looking car, and one of my longer term female customers saw it, and has wanted to trade her Fiesta in for the Astra. I asked her to come with me to test drive the Fiesta to check it for the faults that she claimed. (None found).
During the journey, she was explaining why she 'needed' the Astra - she wants something to look good, because appearance is very important given the job she does. 'What do you do' I asked. Oh, I make adult entertainment videos.
Just so many questions, so many.
Anyway, we hastily agreed a deal, and the Astra is off next week to be a porn star. (Maybe I can get a little advertising sticker in somewhere).
I have lived a sheltered life - I've never met a porn star before.Love hearing these bargain hunting stories. I've been watching the new Car UK channel on YouTube too, fascinating stuff. Wish I had the skills you guys have, keeping viable cars going, providing cheap motoring for others. Top stuff.
Slow said:
Brother has a 2003 Mini Cooper manual with 130k miles, clutch done 2 years ago.
Interior is pretty messed up, door seals coming off, hole in carpet, door dented, bumper plastic splitter on with zip ties, rusty hole next to a rear light, speakers crackle on one side, boot latch temperamental about letting you open it.
Just a careless uni student who learnt to drive in it and served for 4 years without any love outside of services/things for mot.
Runs with no issues mechanically, 10 months mot.
What should he be trying to sell it for? Finishing uni shortly and has some money towards a new car but whatever he gets for it would help.
These first gen BMW minis are much more robust than the 2nd gen with dodgy engines. Rust around the rear lamps is a weak point. Depending on how bad it is, I'd be advertising around £1000Interior is pretty messed up, door seals coming off, hole in carpet, door dented, bumper plastic splitter on with zip ties, rusty hole next to a rear light, speakers crackle on one side, boot latch temperamental about letting you open it.
Just a careless uni student who learnt to drive in it and served for 4 years without any love outside of services/things for mot.
Runs with no issues mechanically, 10 months mot.
What should he be trying to sell it for? Finishing uni shortly and has some money towards a new car but whatever he gets for it would help.
Majorslow said:
I have been looking for a Yaris shed, but found non I liked the look of.
My son yesterday landed on his feet and bought his Grandmothers Titanium fiesta eco boost 5 door motor off her for £8k with a staggering 3270 miles on the clock on a 2015 plate!
So being a generous dad I gave him £2k for his 1.2 2010 VW polo with 103k on the clock to reduce the pressure of my beloved MX5 having to be on the roads during the now nearly ended winter. It has rotting on the front of the sills that didn't get picked up on it's recent MOT, and other than it gets a load of condensation on the windscreen is OK. Any ideas where this moisture is coming from?
I would have still preferred an old Yaris as (they appear to be bomb proof). But I know my son has looked after his car and drives like a granny so the car will be OK I hope for a few years yet, and better you know the history of something than buying a shed and having to fork out
Make sure that EcoBoost is serviced properly, no matter the mileage, the wet belt can disintegrate and clog the oil pickup. Rubber (mixed with other composites) really does not like being run in oil. My son yesterday landed on his feet and bought his Grandmothers Titanium fiesta eco boost 5 door motor off her for £8k with a staggering 3270 miles on the clock on a 2015 plate!
So being a generous dad I gave him £2k for his 1.2 2010 VW polo with 103k on the clock to reduce the pressure of my beloved MX5 having to be on the roads during the now nearly ended winter. It has rotting on the front of the sills that didn't get picked up on it's recent MOT, and other than it gets a load of condensation on the windscreen is OK. Any ideas where this moisture is coming from?
I would have still preferred an old Yaris as (they appear to be bomb proof). But I know my son has looked after his car and drives like a granny so the car will be OK I hope for a few years yet, and better you know the history of something than buying a shed and having to fork out
BenS94 said:
Make sure that EcoBoost is serviced properly, no matter the mileage, the wet belt can disintegrate and clog the oil pickup. Rubber (mixed with other composites) really does not like being run in oil.
Are they all 'wet belt' on those engines? I was seriously considering something with that engine, but read too many stories about sudden engine failure that it put me off a bit: I'm happy to do all my own servicing and extra oil changes, change the cambelt, etc immediately after purchase, but if there is a fundamental issue with that engine type I could still come unstuck. Gordon Hill said:
I know of 3 people who have had that engine fail on them. Mechanics that I know hold that engine in derision, I'm sure lack of servicing contributes to it's early demise but it is by all accounts an absolute stinker.
That's my worry; even with a FSH you can't always be totally sure (I've had enough company cars dealer serviced in the past to be cynical). I can reconcile myself with buying a car that has a known weak spot that you deal with immediately after purchase (the oil pickup pipe on a car I can't recall the model now as an example): Sort out that weak spot, then keep servicing regularly and you should be good. I know you can be unlucky and there will always be someone who could tell a horror story about any particular car you care to think of, but I'd prefer to try to play with cards stacked in my favour. Shame because the power vs economy/general running costs look a good balance and a Fiesta is a big enough car for my local use case (I know as my son has the older 1.25 Zetec engine version).
OldSkoolRS said:
BenS94 said:
Make sure that EcoBoost is serviced properly, no matter the mileage, the wet belt can disintegrate and clog the oil pickup. Rubber (mixed with other composites) really does not like being run in oil.
Are they all 'wet belt' on those engines? I was seriously considering something with that engine, but read too many stories about sudden engine failure that it put me off a bit: I'm happy to do all my own servicing and extra oil changes, change the cambelt, etc immediately after purchase, but if there is a fundamental issue with that engine type I could still come unstuck. Girl in our office had to scrap a 6 year old example that she'd just finished paying for at 55,000 miles, she's not that well paid and was justifiably distraught, I put her on to a mechanic friend of mine to see what he could do he just shrugged his shoulders and muttered eco boost, what did you expect, he's not known for people skills or compassion. She now has a Micra.
Bigger N/A (unstressed) 1.6/1.8/2.0 petrols are best for shedding simplicity I think, if you can get past the VED on some models (but then this seems to make them EVEN cheaper), doesn't work out too bad if you keep it a while according to my spreadsheet "nerd alert'
Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
7 5 7 said:
Bigger N/A (unstressed) 1.6/1.8/2.0 petrols are best for shedding simplicity I think, if you can get past the VED on some models (but then this seems to make them EVEN cheaper), doesn't work out too bad if you keep it a while according to my spreadsheet "nerd alert'
Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
I'd echo this sentiment. The only reason that I went from petrol to diesel is because my last car died suddenly on Christmas eve, I needed a car quickly when I went back to work and a client virtually gave me a free E Class diesel. That being said I've sort of got used to the lazy 3 litre lump and seamless auto gearbox even though it has over 200k on it. When and not if it expires I will be looking for a 1.6/1.8 petrol shed to replace it but for now it ain't half a nice way of getting about. Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
7 5 7 said:
Bigger N/A (unstressed) 1.6/1.8/2.0 petrols are best for shedding simplicity I think, if you can get past the VED on some models (but then this seems to make them EVEN cheaper), doesn't work out too bad if you keep it a while according to my spreadsheet "nerd alert'
Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
Agree with this. Spent way too much on a 2011 Toyota diesel which just kept killing injectors, DPF, turbo, dumping diesel in the oil when failing to regen...just a nightmare to manage.Always wondered what the smaller 1.0T etc cars were like when they get older and more wear, doesn't bode well by sounds of things.
Going to be hard for me to go back to a turbo, or anything, like a diesel, managing so far so good with my 1.8 N/A shed, even the fuel economy isn't too bad if you change your driving style.
BenS94 said:
Only 2020 onwards EcoBoosts are timing chain, and are much better in many ways. You only have to take the Focus for example - I'm noticing virtually identical 1.0T and 1.6s being vastly different in price - the 1.6 being dearer to buy as it's a tried and trusted unit.
So what's the crack with the 1.0 then? Has ecoboost and the 1.6 doesn't? Me and the missus have said for a while about sharing a car and the one I'm most in favour of is the zetec s and would rather the 1.6 over the 1.0 for power but should the 1.0 be avoided anyway??Ryyy said:
Off to see a 1.8 petrol insignia tomorrow, low miles and a shed price 
Hopefully this is the one because I'm sick of having no vehicle. Any pointers to be looking out for?
It's now sat on my drive Hopefully this is the one because I'm sick of having no vehicle. Any pointers to be looking out for?
few niggles with it got me a bit of a haggling position so met at £1350, happy days...hopefully 
will get a photo up when the rain stops.Also if a500 Leroy sees this, I think my new purchase fits the bill, as above I have only just got it but enjoyed the comfort on the m/way, doesn't seem such an effort to get in and out of and that's coming from a caddy which is like sitting at your dining table, even when lowered. Can have it for £2500
Edited by Ryyy on Saturday 25th March 16:13
Ryyy said:
Ryyy said:
Off to see a 1.8 petrol insignia tomorrow, low miles and a shed price Hopefully this is the one because I'm sick of having no vehicle. Any pointers to be looking out for?
It's now sat on my drive Hopefully this is the one because I'm sick of having no vehicle. Any pointers to be looking out for? few niggles with it got me a bit of a haggling position so met at £1350, happy days...hopefully will get a photo up when the rain stops.Edited by Ryyy on Saturday 25th March 16:13
Baked_bean said:
I have recently been shedding across a variety of cars and have two very different sheds, not sure which one to keep…enjoy this thread so wanted to get involved.
I have a Mondeo ST TDCI that has just passed its MOT, smokes a little on cold start, but is a solid efficient cruiser…owes me very little.
I also have a mk3 MX5 which is a lot of fun, but not very efficient and can be a little tiresome on long journeys- it is the 1.8 5 speed.
What would you keep?
Keep both!I have a Mondeo ST TDCI that has just passed its MOT, smokes a little on cold start, but is a solid efficient cruiser…owes me very little.
I also have a mk3 MX5 which is a lot of fun, but not very efficient and can be a little tiresome on long journeys- it is the 1.8 5 speed.
What would you keep?
I have a similar set-up at home,and can't be more pleased. My girlfriend keep on pushing me to sell the MX5, but after few regas, the aircon still doesn't work on my saloon... So, I explained her that the MX5 is my A/C
Can't imagine living without a saloon and a funny small car. It is such a great pair to have
bearman68 said:
In the interests of looking after the company assets, I too have been spending some time looking for the Astra.
It's a Black 60 plate H SRi (rare enough in it's own right), with 18 inch silver wheels.
Should you find it, you must of course post it, so we can all admire the bodywork, and the short throw gear lever.
I was looking for one! Exactly this year and this trim level! It's a Black 60 plate H SRi (rare enough in it's own right), with 18 inch silver wheels.
Should you find it, you must of course post it, so we can all admire the bodywork, and the short throw gear lever.
Would you share her detail with me? So I can pop over to.... negotiate?
Always fun to read your shed's life
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