Well it was a saga...

The alternator belt had "just snapped" the guy said

I drove it off anyway, little realising that it powered the water pump for the cooling too :mrgreen:

Cue a short journey, clouds of steam and a call to Mr RAC.

Ive got a temorary belt fitted and numb hands from sitting in the cold. But by God does that car go like stink Love it. Anyone want a Clio?

Getting the MOT and 60k service done on it.

All that car for Ã,£950 (got Ã,£50 off because of the alternator belt)  

Sounds like a bargain.

We demand pictures.

Quote from: Clockd 0NeIve got a temorary belt fitted and numb hands from sitting in the cold. But by God does that car go like stink Love it. Anyone want a Clio?

Exactly what maxi and I said

50p for the Clio?  :mrgreen:

Pics!

Ive had to get a bit of work done following my alternator problem:

new thermo housing
new alternator belts
new alternator pulley

Ã,£170 inc VAT with labour

Still a bargain mind, even if I did get screwed on the alternator.

Pics to come soon!

Better an alternator than a blown head gasket or struts. Sounds like a reasonable charge for such parts and labor.

Did ya get the 1.6 or 1.8L model?

Its the 1.6L, seems in good shape given how thorough the garage checkover was, but Ill get it MOTd and serviced properly next month. Will cost me a bit, bit if I keep it well looked after Ill get years of faithful drivetime from the bad boy.  

On a side, what I love about the garage is that they invite you out through the workshop to show you and explain the problems to you and point out things in the engine, its great for someone like me to see whats gone wrong, why and get good advice. Top marks. The full alternator would have been Ã,£130 on its own, they recommended against it as it seems to be running alright save for the rusted pulley - they could have just said "yeah get a new one in".

Mate, even if you have to spend Ã,£800 on it youve still got a bargain.

Definately a good purchase.

Ive looked at getting one a couple of times but I am always tempted away by a new car w/ free insurance and/or 0% apr.

Maybe, as Im close to hitting 30, Ill have an eairly crisis and get one before I settle down

just get a new mx5 with 0% apr!

Quote from: Clockd 0NeIts the 1.6L, seems in good shape given how thorough the garage checkover was, but Ill get it MOTd and serviced properly next month. Will cost me a bit, bit if I keep it well looked after Ill get years of faithful drivetime from the bad boy.  

On a side, what I love about the garage is that they invite you out through the workshop to show you and explain the problems to you and point out things in the engine, its great for someone like me to see whats gone wrong, why and get good advice. Top marks. The full alternator would have been Ã,£130 on its own, they recommended against it as it seems to be running alright save for the rusted pulley - they could have just said "yeah get a new one in".

Sounds like a great shop!

Never driven the 1.6 as its a Euro-only engine for insurance purposes (AFAIK), but the 1.8 is a riot to drive. Its not that its supercar fast, though plenty nippy, its the whole combo of light weight, weight distribution, low stance, shifter, and basically sitting on the ground that give a go-cart feel. Im sure the 1.6 is plenty of engine for such a little car.

Its plenty enough for me. Ive used half a tank testing the throttle already :mrgreen: I think the 1.8L would burn too big a hole in my pocket guzzling the petrol. Small steps... Im finding I didnt realise just how aggressive my driving was until I felt the throttle and steering response. Driving a knackered Clio with heavy controls and 0 acceleration basically kept me with my foot the floor on most journeys. Ive found myself having to keep a careful eye on my speed now

I used to be the same with a car I had years ago... slow as hell and would top out at 60.... so I just drive at 60 constantly, because I knew if i slowed down it would take a week to get up to speed again


glad you like the car, youll have to take me for a spin some time

If you get a spare few quid get the wheel alignment checked.

edit: and be careful in the wet

Quote from: sdpIf you get a spare few quid get the wheel alignment checked.

edit: and be careful in the wet

Listen to that man, one of the women from work planted her first one into a tree on a roundabout in the wet due to a little over-enthusiasm in a RW-drive machine.