Big mileage log...
Discussion
Been a while since my last post... Sorry! Been busy changes jobs.
She's still running a treat but is now officially up for sale as I'm having to cut my cloth accordingly. Sadly the expanding family are more comfortable in the A4 or S-Max so it's time to say cheerio.
Recent work on her includes brand new front discs and suspension springs. I'd been meaning to swap out the older corroded ones but had been dragging my heels. Add this to the cam belt change, new battery, alternator, bulbs, full set of tyres and general TLC and someone is in for a treat. Open to offers if you are interested.
She's still running a treat but is now officially up for sale as I'm having to cut my cloth accordingly. Sadly the expanding family are more comfortable in the A4 or S-Max so it's time to say cheerio.
Recent work on her includes brand new front discs and suspension springs. I'd been meaning to swap out the older corroded ones but had been dragging my heels. Add this to the cam belt change, new battery, alternator, bulbs, full set of tyres and general TLC and someone is in for a treat. Open to offers if you are interested.
So... the period in the sidings was a little longer than expected. Money talks... and I've kept the belt well and truly tightened whilst the A4 and the S-Max have been the default options. HOWEVER...
We've had to say cheerio to the A4 after an unfortunate coming together with a non section 170-compliant motorist and an innocent parked car... #ouch. The good news is we have our ready made (...ish) standby plan in the TT. Sadly, the RAC could not provide a swift start-up... try as they might. And they really did give it everything. Really impressed with the chaps dedication. He was genuinely gutted he couldn't get her going after a mammoth stint under the hood giving it absolutely everything.
The Mk.1 is currently on the ramps undergoing a thorough service, MOT and spring clean in ready for her big return to business. Whilst she was sat under cover, the corrosion in the rear springs led them to collapse when being towed to the garage. In addition, the starter motor seized (water/oxidisation), the battery ran totally flat leading to ABS/TCS warning lights and there's corrosion on the brake lines. A few other minor issues that will complicate the MOT but a thorough service and tweak will sort (fluids, rubber etc). The guys at VGS (VAG specialists I was introduced to by the super helpful RAC chap) near Biggin Hill are currently performing said surgery. Updates on costs etc. to follow but looking at £500-ish.
I'm expecting her back on the driveway, taxed, insured, MOT'd, serviced and raring to go as my daily runaround tomorrow.
We've had to say cheerio to the A4 after an unfortunate coming together with a non section 170-compliant motorist and an innocent parked car... #ouch. The good news is we have our ready made (...ish) standby plan in the TT. Sadly, the RAC could not provide a swift start-up... try as they might. And they really did give it everything. Really impressed with the chaps dedication. He was genuinely gutted he couldn't get her going after a mammoth stint under the hood giving it absolutely everything.
The Mk.1 is currently on the ramps undergoing a thorough service, MOT and spring clean in ready for her big return to business. Whilst she was sat under cover, the corrosion in the rear springs led them to collapse when being towed to the garage. In addition, the starter motor seized (water/oxidisation), the battery ran totally flat leading to ABS/TCS warning lights and there's corrosion on the brake lines. A few other minor issues that will complicate the MOT but a thorough service and tweak will sort (fluids, rubber etc). The guys at VGS (VAG specialists I was introduced to by the super helpful RAC chap) near Biggin Hill are currently performing said surgery. Updates on costs etc. to follow but looking at £500-ish.
I'm expecting her back on the driveway, taxed, insured, MOT'd, serviced and raring to go as my daily runaround tomorrow.
Up at the crack of sparrows today. Using the various school runs as an excuse to give the TT a run through a mixture of clear country lanes and... suburban standing traffic.
Wheel alignment needs sorting (pesky warning lights = spend!) and is booked in tomorrow. All four need adjusting apparently as '...it's a Quattro and all four could have now been changed in quick succession without the required wheel adjustments'.
Driving lovely this morning. She's now crossed the 190k barrier.
Clearly recent spend has jacked up the economy of running her but given this was self inflicted (stood still for a year) I believe that to be a false economy so happy to crack on.
It was a real thrill to open the curtains this morning and see the TT parked on the driveway and ready to go. A year of more sedate / practical motoring will do that to you I guess! Either way, she looked stunning in the early morning sun.
Wheel alignment needs sorting (pesky warning lights = spend!) and is booked in tomorrow. All four need adjusting apparently as '...it's a Quattro and all four could have now been changed in quick succession without the required wheel adjustments'.
Driving lovely this morning. She's now crossed the 190k barrier.
Clearly recent spend has jacked up the economy of running her but given this was self inflicted (stood still for a year) I believe that to be a false economy so happy to crack on.
It was a real thrill to open the curtains this morning and see the TT parked on the driveway and ready to go. A year of more sedate / practical motoring will do that to you I guess! Either way, she looked stunning in the early morning sun.
£82 this morning at SRS Tyres of Bromley for wheel alignment and a repair to the central exhaust coupling. The latter was snapped when I bought it. As it was on the ramps I thought let's get another annoying little rattle dealt with.
It was good to have a nose around under the car too. All looks much 'cleaner' that I expected. Far less corrosion than I would have associated with a car of this age.
There is an outstanding issue with the slight un-alignment of the rear near-side wheel that I am told will cause a little uneven wear to the outside edge. SRS we're not able to adjust/repair today and said this requires an upgrade of something or other but I have to be honest, it was early on a Saturday morning, I was low on caffeine and wasn't really listening! All I was listening out for was 'it's definitely safe', 'it won't affect the ABS/TCS/Quattro' and 'not urgent'.
Annoying ABS light is now extinguished and no faults remain on my VAGcom.
What has just started however is the interior light has decided to remain permanently on. Looking this up, it's a common issue with TTs and an easy fix. I'm hoping ten mins with YouTube later will have this sorted.
It was good to have a nose around under the car too. All looks much 'cleaner' that I expected. Far less corrosion than I would have associated with a car of this age.
There is an outstanding issue with the slight un-alignment of the rear near-side wheel that I am told will cause a little uneven wear to the outside edge. SRS we're not able to adjust/repair today and said this requires an upgrade of something or other but I have to be honest, it was early on a Saturday morning, I was low on caffeine and wasn't really listening! All I was listening out for was 'it's definitely safe', 'it won't affect the ABS/TCS/Quattro' and 'not urgent'.
Annoying ABS light is now extinguished and no faults remain on my VAGcom.
What has just started however is the interior light has decided to remain permanently on. Looking this up, it's a common issue with TTs and an easy fix. I'm hoping ten mins with YouTube later will have this sorted.
Anyone had any joy with WD-40 as a trim enhancer?
I was given the tip today. A brilliant, low-cost equivalent.
I've had a shot and it looks absolutely brilliant. It's also brought the headlights back to a nice clear presentation.
I suspect it'll last all of two minutes but thought I'd throw it out there.
I'd put up some pics but the light was failing. Maybe tomorrow if I get some time for a tinker.
I was given the tip today. A brilliant, low-cost equivalent.
I've had a shot and it looks absolutely brilliant. It's also brought the headlights back to a nice clear presentation.
I suspect it'll last all of two minutes but thought I'd throw it out there.
I'd put up some pics but the light was failing. Maybe tomorrow if I get some time for a tinker.
Cheers, Dave. Really enjoying keeping it going. When I cast my mind back to the day I bought it, it's fair to say she has surpassed expectation. That said, I did think that spending £700 on her over the last couple of weeks meant it's become a bit of a 'Trigger's Broom' scenario!
Glad to say the WD40 sheen is as good today as it was upon application. No grit or otherwise sticking to it despite a good 100 miles of motorway mileage this week.
Engine has been purring too. No coughing or spluttering or smoking despite the long stint dormant. I can't honestly say that I have noticed any particular improvements post additives. I remain an additive cynic!
The car has a lovely sturdiness to it thanks to the 4 x new coils. Feels like it's on rails taking corners and bends with a nice bit of pace.
Just started gathering quotes to have the front bumper repaired and resprayed. The cracks are screwing with my OCD!
Glad to say the WD40 sheen is as good today as it was upon application. No grit or otherwise sticking to it despite a good 100 miles of motorway mileage this week.
Engine has been purring too. No coughing or spluttering or smoking despite the long stint dormant. I can't honestly say that I have noticed any particular improvements post additives. I remain an additive cynic!
The car has a lovely sturdiness to it thanks to the 4 x new coils. Feels like it's on rails taking corners and bends with a nice bit of pace.
Just started gathering quotes to have the front bumper repaired and resprayed. The cracks are screwing with my OCD!
I installed Bluetooth calls and music capability in the old girl today. Sick and tired of the tape player and non-functioning CD multi-changer.
I've cheated though! I bought a UE Megaboom Bluetooth speaker and bungee rope.
I poked the bungee rope between the rear seats to make a loop. Fastened the loop around the Megaboom and connected to the ciggie lighter via a 2m micro USB cable running down, under the front seats and up to the socket.
Mobile phone attached to the windscreen by a Grip Go cradle.
£140 all in.
Ok, so Bose it ain't but it's a flexible (and portable... and removable... and cheap!) retrofit audio option.
I've cheated though! I bought a UE Megaboom Bluetooth speaker and bungee rope.
I poked the bungee rope between the rear seats to make a loop. Fastened the loop around the Megaboom and connected to the ciggie lighter via a 2m micro USB cable running down, under the front seats and up to the socket.
Mobile phone attached to the windscreen by a Grip Go cradle.
£140 all in.
Ok, so Bose it ain't but it's a flexible (and portable... and removable... and cheap!) retrofit audio option.
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