Motoring Discussion > Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT
Thread Author: RattleandSmoke	Replies: 58

New Wed 24 Feb 10 12:33   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

The government has allocated the remaining funds and they now have 7 cars per dealer to register. Since my car dosn't qualify until the 26th of March it is looking very impossible. Second hand small cars are going for silly money at the moment and I am not paying £5-£6k for a 3 year old Fiesta it is madness. So I am now confused again. I have ruled out a second hand small cheap car, the best example I saw was a 1 owner Fiesta on a Y plate and FSH for £2k but that is just stupid money because it will just rust at that age. I wanted a small car because all I do is city driving but I am no longer willing to pay a premium which now makes me think about Mondeos or even an old early 90's Merc 190. The problem is I don't know how easily I could get a loan for a second hand car at a decent APR rate. I still really want a brand new car and keep it for several years for piece of mind etc and it occcured to me since the dealers have to find £1k anyway towards a scrappage car could I get them to simply add £1k onto the scrappage price? I reckon I could sell my Corsa for £500 with blown head gasket which would mean I am £400 out of pocket. I've looked at the brooker websites but I have worked out I can source a Panda cheaper for £6400 via ArnoldClarke the problem is it is in Portsmouth but they may be able to deliver to a nearer branch. The other alternative is to see what Hyundai say, they were willing to give me £2k for my Corsa a couple of weeks ago but that may have changed now. I need to get moving on this as I am now carless as I cannot afford to keep paying two lots of insurances and my Corsa is just sat there. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 12:39   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

The Hyundai scheme is still on and I had been trying to decide which car to go for as they are both pretty much equal but different. I am too busy trying to get this website done today before my client sticks a large garden gnome in me but tomorrow after my jobs I will try and play the dealers against each other once I get finance secured against the Hyundai FIAT already know I am serious I just don't know if they will drop the price down from £7700 to £5995 (it was a special offer at £4995 on the scrappage) I am simply offering them the same deal but I will pay the £1k instead of the govenment. It is looking more likely I will be getting the Hyundai though and if they are still in stock I could have it on 1st of March :) Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Wed 24 Feb 10 at 12:40 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 12:40   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

A lot on here have already mentioned swappage scheme. This isn't part of the government scheme then. What's your dad's car like at the moment?? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 12:46   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Its drivable but the bushes have at the rear so it clonks like mad, the brakes seem to have a lot of resistance (it might just be because its a different car) and one of the side light bulbs have gone and unlike my Corsa its a garage job although won't cost any more than £5. My dads car has a decent engine, clutch and gearbox but everything else needs replacing. The problem is I can't drive it under my insurance because I need it for business use, which means I have to be a named driver which adds about £20 a week on to the premium, and I am paying nearly £70 a month for the insurance on the Corsa. Most the jobs at the moment are from home so not having a car for business hasn't been a major problem (just luck with timing). My temp insurance on it ran out yesterday. Hyundai is the only one that actually seems to be doing a decent swappage scheme, the rest of the schemes like Vauxhall are a joke as their list prices are so high. I could buy a Panda without any scheme cheaper than what Vauxhall could sell me a new car for. That said the dealer is just 10 minutes walk from my house so I will pop down there thid afternoon in case they have any decent swappage offers on. Edit it seems the basic Hyundai i10 without the Kappa engine is not under 120kg/m so it will be more expensive to tax and insure. So the Panda will be a lot cheaper to run. There is the 1.2 but it costs quite a bit more, but then its chain driven. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Wed 24 Feb 10 at 12:50 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 14:04   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

Oh dear, not having much luck are you. (I take it that the financing came through OK?) What about trying to persuade a dealer to hold one of his scrappage places until 27 March? If you put the deposit down now, it'll be a sale he doesn't have to make in March. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 14:20   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Finance is no problem but the problem is insurance is quite a bit cheaper for the FIAT (well about £200 a year cheaper) but that is actually a very good idea about holding a place. I am not sure if they can do that though but I will phone and ask. If I put down £500 deposit they will know I am not messing them about. I don't want to be in a situatioon where I am paying over £200 a month to run a car which the Hyundai would put me in including insurance but then I have worked out that I have peen paying more than that anyway including insurance and really all I need to pay for it is one extra job a week so it is not a fortune. I just want make sure I won't miss the money because as mentioned in the other site earlier on I could resent it if it becomes just a big loan. I am moving out some time this year too hopefully to a modern secure flat. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Wed 24 Feb 10 at 14:21 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 15:20   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Oops it turns out the information I got was correct but it was an internal FIAT thing and it is not public knowledge yet. They told me there is nothing they can do but I have a feeling they will soon change their mind in March when all their orders have tried up. There is away round this, if I can get a cash loan I could buy the Panda cash in my dads name using his Fiesta and then transfer ownership but then I would have a brand new car with one previous owner. Going to Hyundai now to look at different finance options. It seems that BMW/Audio et al have lots of places left but Kia and other cheap brands have completly run out. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 16:07   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - PR

Fiat have just closed all their Italian factories for 2 weeks (not sure about the Polish one where they make the Pando/500 though), in preparation for the ending of scrappage incentives, particularly in Italy, their 2nd biggest market! People have recommended Fiatsupersaver (not sure on the spelling) they may be worth a try? Last edited by: PR on Wed 24 Feb 10 at 16:07 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 16:13   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

If you do buy it in your father's name and transfer it, make sure the warranty & any GAP insurance etc. etc. are all transferrable and correctly in place. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 16:51   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Just had a look at my car and there is oil on the walls of the header tank. That means that the engine itself is probably now worn so even if I get the head gasket done the valves and piston rings may be damaged. My mum suggested having my dads car which is an idea but its rusting badly on of the arches and will need about £300 spending on it to get it up to a properly road worthy condition according to the law. It needs two new pads, discs, bushes, two tyres and even then its starting to rust on the sills so its pointless. If it wasn't for the rust I would be happy to spend £300 on it as we have done 20k in the car and the only thing we have ever touched on the engine was the spark plugs and thermostat. There is the option of a new engine for my Corsa but that will be a lot of hassle. I think I now need to put an add on ebay for my Corsa selling as it is and make clear about the head gasket etc. A very very respected person on the Corsa site has been looking for a sub £2000 for a while and he has found nothing. The scrappage has basicaly removed them from the market. The most sensible thing is now to probably buy a Mondeo sized car which has been well looked aftered but has lost the majority of its value. I will still go for a new car at a later date when the market has calmed down and I am earning more money but for now I just need a cheap run around and I have learnt an expensive lesson never let your heart rule when going to see a car. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:00   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - FotheringtonTomas

>> oil on the walls of the header tank. That means that the engine itself is probably >> now worn >> A very very respected person on the Corsa site has been looking for a sub >> £2000 for a while and he has found nothing. Where do you *get* this stuff from? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:06   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

What stuff? My header has some very thick stuff all round the side of it, e.g the walls it is oil. The oil itself is runny. For that reason the oil in the engine cannot have been doing its job properly. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:10   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - FotheringtonTomas

a) Re your engine, I doubt it's knackered, you've only done about 10 miles in the car, and for several of those it could have been OK. b) Re sub-£2,000 Corsas, there are about 1,000 on Autotrader alone, so your respected chappie couldn'tve looked very hard. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:24   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Not sure if it was a Corsa he was looking at. He said he was just wasting his time seeing sheds but he may have had high standards. I suspect my head gasket has gone earlier than I had realised but put it down to condensation due to short trips. It sounds very tappety when it first starts up which is why I am suspecting oil problems, I really wish cars had oil preasure gauges. Seen a Skoda Fabia 49k and FSH for £1700 on an 02 plate which might be worth a look. I have a feeling I may end up just using the money from my Corsa to get the repairs done on my dads then at least I have a cheap car which works and is legal. I have been told I can have my dads car for free. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Wed 24 Feb 10 at 17:24 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:28   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

A reconditioned engine might not cost as much as you fear. And due to scrappage there may be a few sat around. Have you looked into the cost of a reconditioned engine. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:42   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

I am doing as I speak but for now I think my dads is the best option my dad reckons he won't be able to drive for at least another six months or more and I reckon with what I can get for mine I can get sume new rubber, brakes and bushes on the Fiesta to get it back into a good working order then in six months time I so I would have saved up more cash for either a brand new one or a second hand car. At the moment we have two cars none of us are driving, both run out tax at the end of the month, my Corsas MOT runs out on the 15th and we both paying insurance for cars we are not using. I know whats wrong with my dads car as we have done over 20,000 miles in it in the past 26 months or so and the engine itself is very healthy it also needs a damn good vallet as its disgusting inside but its all easy stuff. A new engine for mine is the other choice but it is hard finding one, I believe Ted is still having problems getting a replacement one for his son's Astra. This is what it looks like when its all cleaned up so its not too bad. i167.photobucket.com/albums/u141/amazingtrade/newcarmsall.jpg Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:48   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

I did say earlier what about your dad's car. I know he cannot drive so I meant sell yours and take over using his. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 17:56   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Yep I think I replied that it needs working doing, but then I it dawned on me that the work it needs doing is actually very little and hassle free. I think it was you that put the idea into my head :). It only has 6 months MOT but the chasis is solid (which is unusual for a Fiesta of this age) but it will need welding at some point but hopefully not until August 2011 and I won't have it by then anyway. Just makes a lot of sense really. There is a split vacumn pipe in the engine but I can fix that myself other than it idles very quitely for an old push rod engine. It will be my third Fiesta I have owned though. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 18:25   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

Makes sense to sell the Corsa to me, buy the Fiesta from your father (he will appreciate the cash) and fix it. Cheaper than a new car and one less car to park outside your house too. I had assumed your father was going to be driving soon though until you posted above. Scrappage I disagree with. I am sure a 1999 Golf (T plate) does not need to be scrapped for example. They will still be pretty sound. Same goes for a lot of other cars. But do check out recon engines. I had one in a Fiesta once and it wasn't a huge amount of money (hundreds but this was about 14 years ago mind) - they get your engine back as part of the deal. Then you'd keep the Corsa going instead. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 18:40   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Yep the problem is my engine is a little rare. It was one of the first of the engines which ended up in the C, I believe mine was made from mid 1998 to early 2000 after that they were made for the C. The problem as although the block is more less the same the C version has completly different engine mountings and ECU etc so I have to find a 1.2 16v out of a Corsa B. I don't want to buy a random engine of ebay unless I can actually see it running and check for things like the HG, chain, valves, piston rings etc. Just been trying to work out how much my dads will be to repair, it needs two new tyres (the other two could do with being changed but are perfectly legal so will leave them) and they are £60+ each because they are low profile (185/55/14). It does seem daft if my dads will end up costing £500 to repair as I could get my HG done for that possibly but repairing my dads seems to be the less risky option e.g the work it needs are all simple jobs. Just getting quotes on it now as its a group 5 car being a flipping Ghia :(. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 18:44   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

I would think if scrappage worked properly then the engines are available in 'scrap yards'. I know a lot will have been crushed. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 18:47   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

I remember reading that in Autoexpress. I have just got a quote for the Fiesta and its £30 a month more expensive than the Corsa to insure but I am checking other companies now, I am sure I can find another company much cheaper even if I just pay the extra till October to gain two years no claim. I will phone round engine companies tomorrow too, the bloke at Ted's garage didn't seem that keen on the new engine idea though because of the risk but then I may be able to find a bloke down the pub which will do it as its a much easier job than a head gasket. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 18:52   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Seems nobody wants to insure a Ford with a Ghia badge with my postcode :( its all coming back about £300-£400 more than I am currently paying. Every way round this I just keep hitting a brick wall. How can a 13 year old Fiesta cost more to insure than a brand new Panda? Its madness. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 19:16   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

It seems my insurance has gone up regardless so both cars are equal. Probably do with that window claim and the fact insurance has gone up a lot due to all that snow and ice, for most people that is £50 a year or so but when you're high risk to start with it is £100s. :( Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 21:23   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Aaron C. Rescue

Rattle- isn't leasing an option? I think I know a lady who would quote you? ACR Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 21:27   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

She's told him before now she never would I believe. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 21:32   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Yep she told me on another forum point blank that she would never lease a car to me! Said I would be paranoid or something to that effect! Actually she was a lot more blunt than that. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 22:14   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Ted

>> I believe Ted is still having problems getting a replacement one for his son's Astra. The only problem, really was identifying the engine code we needed. The first firm I rang had an accident damaged Astra sport and he showed me pictures to prove the car was just shunted up the rear. The engine was £350 delivered to the garage for Andy to stick in. I'm sure he has Corsa stuff but I agree, Dad's car is the way to go, it doesn't look too bad and it's a chain engine...well tried and tested. Cheap and easy to maintain. If you wanted to change to a bigger S/H car, I would look at the Almeira or Tino. The little indy dealer down by McDonald's has some nice looking cheapos of vaious makes from a Grand Espace down to a nice looking '97 Escort. Ted Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 24 Feb 10 22:30   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Yeah saw some of them cars but at that age they will all be as bad as my dads. The biggest problem with my dads is those low profile tyres, I wish I had kept my old Fiesta now as its off it would have been useful. I still itend to get a much newer car it just makes sense to wait a bit even if it is just a few months. I may also try the block seal as if my car is now scrap I have nothing to loose if it works I can get my car through the MOT with change from £100 if it dosn't then I will stick my car on ebay needing a new engine. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 09:43   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

If you take the Fiesta it will cost you: A set of low profile tyres. £250? £360 of extra insurance a year. One or two other bits, say £800 (being what you have spent on your current motor over the last year). Given (1) no scrappage and (2) propensity for your cars to be vandalised, it must be worth fixing the Corsa. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 10:03   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - FotheringtonTomas

I shouldn't worry about it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 11:16   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

Your very respected person on the Corsa forum should have tried eBay. £990 2000 40k 1.0, 12V 12 months MOT Selby item # 200439641320 £2,000 2004 1.1 16V Cleveland # 270533102892 £350 1996 120k 1.2 12 months MOT Southport # 110498701240 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 11:41   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - FotheringtonTomas

Or any of the nearly 1,000 sub-£2,000 Corsas on Autotrader. Come to that, one Ebay there're quite frequently Corsa engines complete for sale quite reasonably. They're also available from online breakers quite reasonably, and with enough guarantee to check they're OK. I'm quite sure none of these engines or cars would turn out to be suitable, though. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 11:53   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

Just a thought on the Panda 1.1 option (if still an option) Not sure how long it`s going to be available with that simple, non interference Fire engine. I bet in the near future it`s going to be fitted with a potentially more worrying solonoid operated inlet valves, twin. Interference belt driven exhaust camshaft I bet too. I see it as a chance to buy simplicity, with scrap yard parts availability as it ages and cheap parts across Europe. Also the galvanizing issue. Sorry if the Panda is now out of context - I have not read all the threads All the best with your choice Rattle Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 12:24   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Ted

Right, my boy ! Corsa, head gasket...couple of hundred quid, No insurance hike....no debt.....you like the car, it's in good nick. Our 1400 Blingo van was weeping oil into the water...just gasket fail, no overheating, didn't need a head skim. Seemples ! Sorry! Ted Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 13:34   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Ted Andy (I think its him I get him and the MOT guy mixed up) quoted me £500-£600 for the job as it will need a new chain and tensioners etc. It isn't just as simple as replacing the gasket :( If it was £200-£300 I would just get the head gasket repaired no question. So really its £600 to repair the head gasket, £100 for the MOT or more :(. My prefered option is to get my Corsa fixed but not at £700. There is the new engine option but then how much is labour? There is no point on doing all this without an MOT first because they could find terminal rust or something and the last thing I want to do is pay for a head gasket repair only for it to need welding. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Thu 25 Feb 10 at 13:38 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 13:56   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

>> it will need a new chain and tensioners etc. Because you're paranoid about them, or because it's part of the HG repair. Surely I remember you've been going on about having the chain changed for about a year anyway. And the £100 for an MOT... round my way, MOTs are £40. £700 is less than you've spent on that Corsa over the last year - and less than you'll spend on paintshop jobs on your new Panda what with your neighbours. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 15:05   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

He dosn't want to do the job basically. Just been to see him and he is worried about the complications of it not having an MOT as there is no way to test the emissions. He thinks there is a chance the lamdba sensor and cat could be damaged too. I am going to try and sell my car for £300 or so and then either get my dads fixed or buy something newer. I have seen a few cars which look good on Autotrader so will go and see a few to see whats there and if not then its time to get my dads fixed. I think what he was saying if we knew it was £600 it is worth fixing mine up but I have seen Corsas for less than £1k with a full MOT for less than £1k with lower milleage etc. The only other option is to pay a dodgy bloke down the pub do the work but that also has its risks. Meant to have a look at my dads speedo this afternoon to see if I can fix but unusualy for Manchester it has started to rain. Last edited by: RattleandSmoke on Thu 25 Feb 10 at 15:07 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 17:41   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Mapmaker

Let's just remind ourselves of the position at 16:51 on 24 February: >>A very very respected person on the Corsa site has been looking for a sub £2000 for a >>while and he has found nothing. The scrappage has basicaly removed them from the >>market. Happily, not 24 hours later, by 15:05 on 25 February Rattle has >>seen Corsas for less than £1k with a full MOT for less than £1k with lower >>milleage etc. Problem solved. What were we worrying about? It's lucky the scrappage scheme has come to an end, isn't it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 18:15   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

An update its all happened very quickly. Sold the car to a trader for £280 its less than what I would have liked but the with the tax due and the constant insurance payments I am happy with it. Problem is I have another guy looking at it at the car at 7:30 he witheld is number and I stupidly forgot to ask for his. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 18:35   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

Good job you never bothered greasing the brake lines Rattle. It would have been a waste of Grease ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 18:37   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Runfer D'Hills

You are just teasing us now Karen.... Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 18:57   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Runfer D'Hills

So what's the plan now Rattle? Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 19:51   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

My plan is now to go to the docs before I have a nervious break down and I am not joking. I feel like I have been robbed but at the same time I have sold a piece of metal which is 11 years old, no tax or MOT and in need of a cylinder head gasket. The repair would have cost £700 so I am £1000 richer than would have been if I had gone via the repair route. I am now in the same frame of mind that I really don't want another old car. I am upset but relieved at the same time. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 19:56   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - midlifecrisis

The Simpsons are on TV this very minute and Homer has just said "don't cry..it could be worse" ;) Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:00   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Runfer D'Hills

I think Rattle should buy a one owner, well cared for March 2004 Ka myself. Especially one which will have a new MOT next week and has done fewer than 30k miles. The best colour is the very dark blue/black in my opinion. Just so happens....... ;-) Last edited by: Humph D'bout on Thu 25 Feb 10 at 20:03 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:12   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Something like that would be ideal :) Probably too far away though. I am just going to wait to see what comes really. I still can actually afford a brand new car if I put a large deposit down and with no car to run and no insurance to pay I can save a fortune towards it, unless a good car comes to me first. I am just a bit upset because although I only had the car 11 months I have a lot of good and bad memories of it. I was so pleased when I bought it I thought I was sorted for a few years. I am also sorry for annoying people with my constant posts I just can't seem to make decisions any more and keep changing my mind every two minutes, its why I sold my car so quickly. It was sold within the hour of places the add. I should have sold it to Bellboy but oh well. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:48   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

Rattle, you and Humph do not live a million miles apart.... Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:00   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

Yes, nothing mechanical to worry about at the moment - and how many of us can say that? Sleep well Rattle Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:05   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Bellboy

well i for one am relieved that rattle has sold the only 16 valve corsa in existance that was no damm good Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:16   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

It was actually a good car but I think the previous owners servicing left a lot to be disered so I had to pick up the bills, buying a car with 80k on the clock which had nothing spent on it for the past four years was a bit dumb. I just got stiched up badly with the head gasket thing. I got a bit upset but as my mother said I can replace it with a better one, what a 14 year old rust bucket was my reply. Just a quick question if I cancel my insurance now (it won;t cost a penny) but will I loose my no claims? I realise I will loose out on month premium. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:49   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

>> Just a quick question if I cancel my insurance now (it won't cost a penny) but will I loose >> my no claims? I realise I will loose out on month premium. You will not accrue any no claims for the time this policy has run. Ask Humph about that Ka first ;-) Last edited by: welshy on Thu 25 Feb 10 at 20:50 Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 20:17   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Its pathetic but as it was my first proper car I actually used (well on average 45 minutes a day) I got really quite attached to it. I am too nice with people so get walked all over at times. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 21:11   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

That`s a lot better than having a personality that shafts other people and has no remorse. I think it`s possible to `over think` things too sometimes and that the choices and options presented by discussion can make it worse. We bought that white Panda a couple of hours after calling in at the dealer and seeing it in the showroom. But I thought about it (car choice) solidly for a couple of day`s before that and felt stress levels rising. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 21:15   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Runfer D'Hills

How's the Panda shaping up in daily use K ? Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 21:22   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

Flawless, Hump. No faults and 47mpg on that stop start work. That`s filling to the neck measurements too and letting it warm on the drive to defrost the screen. It raises the possibility that the MPG may be better than the old 1.D in Summer and with a few more miles under it`s belt. Karen Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 25 Feb 10 21:40   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - rtj70

>> Karen Anything else you're not telling us Kharon? Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 26 Feb 10 06:02   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - Vicar of Bray

Euripides, Alcestis 252 ff (trans. Vellacott) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) : "Alkestis: I see him there at the oars of his little boat in the lake, the ferryman of the dead, Kharon, with his hand upon the oar and he calls me now. `What keeps you? Hurry, you hold us back.' He is urging me on in angry impatience." Says it all really, it`s a steady job and more relaxing than what went before ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 26 Feb 10 16:56   Back to square one - scrappage run out at FIAT - RattleandSmoke

Just given my dads car a good check over and its not in bad nick just a few minor rust patches I can sort myself, the chasis is actually surprisingly very solid. I suspect the tyres are legal too but may ask questions about that for another day. Also been to see the bloke who works on my dads car and he said it is just the rear top mount bushes which is causing the clonking so its a very cheap and easy job to sort, he said all the otehr bushes have been replaced. He said its actually one of the better Fiestas of that age as the chasis and engine are both very good. The engine is queiter than my Corsas but this engine is an Endura which are known to be noisy! Also got the insurance sorted out very cheaply under my current policy, they just wanted £15. The break in as actually added £500 to any future policy though but I suspect after a few months if I have no further trouble the risk will come down. I plan to keep this car for a few months help my dad out by doing the repairs (its not just about money) then keep an eye out for deals on brand new cars. It passed its last MOT with a few advisories but the advisories have already been sorted. I actually didn't want a car at all for now if I had a choice but as we are moving house soon and I am the only driver in the family it is essential that I have a car. Reply to this message | Report message