Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 14:42:28

Title: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 14:42:28
Took my miggy for its MOT to halfords and it failed on 9 items. I fixed 5 of them myself and was planning on getting a garage to do the rest.

As the first test was a month ago I took the car to a different test station that was closer to home.

On the second MOT it failed on 16 items. :o :o :o

Some of the original fail items have magically fixed themselves. ::)

I'm really confused and peed off now as I don't know what to do.

Any suggestions?

Here are the fail sheets.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!3649&authkey=!ANJG25RjCCg1L-A&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!3649&authkey=!ANJG25RjCCg1L-A&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg)

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4357&authkey=!AHuccnvlM3-95fA&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4357&authkey=!AHuccnvlM3-95fA&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: zirk on 13 April 2016, 14:49:26
Well number 1 Kate, you took to Halfords, and number 2 why spend more money getting tested again at a different Tester.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 14:54:35
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=135358.0



You won't get much, maybe your bus fare home.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 14:56:00
Oh, hang on. They want complete ones. Sounds as if half of yours is missing.  :P
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 14:57:13
Should I take this miggy to the scrapyard? :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 14:59:27
Should I take this miggy to the scrapyard? :-\
Unless you want spend the money repairing it. A garage would charge you more than it would cost you for a half decent omega. Whether you know anyone who can do it for you or not.......... :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: zirk on 13 April 2016, 15:02:14
Why didn't you just fix or get fixed what was on the first MOT Fail list, take it back and they would have written out a new MOT.

Taking it to Halfords Kate, is a bit like going into KwiK Fxcks and asking them check your Tyres, Brakes and Exhaust System.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 15:30:24
Why didn't you just fix or get fixed what was on the first MOT Fail list, take it back and they would have written out a new MOT.

Taking it to Halfords Kate, is a bit like going into KwiK Fxcks and asking them check your Tyres, Brakes and Exhaust System.

But Halfords only failed it on 9 items.

My local garage failed it on 16. :o
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 15:49:55
Not sure what to say here  :-\

I think this is a showcase for not swapping and changing cars too often. Get one up to scratch and keep it, much cheaper in the long term.

Taking it to another garage was not a good idea really, you need to take it back to Halfords as they did first MOT. They would have no wriggle room on failing it on further items, as they saw it previously.

Not sure I would use your local garage either, as it's a case of them taking you for a ride or they are used to very new cars. I've never heard of an Omega failing for rear sub-frame bushes, mine on the 2.2 were shot. Original at 15 years old, but never as much as a warning on MOT's - Same can be said for our 3 other Omega's at the time!

You either need to take this all on and fix it yourself, as the cost of a garage to do this would be far too much. Looking at the most recent fail from your local...

1) Brake Pipes, I'd clean this up with a wirebush as often the corrosion is on the surface, then put some grease on them, this should resolve these issues. = £<5
2) Brake Discs, well other MOT said balance issue, so a new set of front discs would be a good investment. = £80 Approx for set of GM's on TC with Pads. (Cheaper ones can be had if wished)
3) Wiper Blades, Easy fix = £10-15
4) Rear Sub-Frame Bush - First I've heard of one failing personally (could be wrong) - Easy fix though = £50 for the pair

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-REAR-CROSS-MEMBER-FRONT-BUSH-/330439576840?hash=item4cefbbcd08 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-REAR-CROSS-MEMBER-FRONT-BUSH-/330439576840?hash=item4cefbbcd08)

5) Sub Frame Mounting - Wire brush and hammerite time = £10
6) Seat Belt Anchors - Needs closer inspection, is it surface rust? If so same as above applies using the same tin! = £0
7) Anti Roll Bars - Replace the pair, dead easy job = £25

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MEYLE-Front-Left-Stabiliser-anti-roll-bar-DROP-LINK-ROD-Part-No-616-060-5575-HD-/351180970554?fits=Model%3AOmega+B&hash=item51c4045a3a:g:X4IAAOSwQItUJZxi (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MEYLE-Front-Left-Stabiliser-anti-roll-bar-DROP-LINK-ROD-Part-No-616-060-5575-HD-/351180970554?fits=Model%3AOmega+B&hash=item51c4045a3a:g:X4IAAOSwQItUJZxi)

To fix it all up, you would need less than £200 notes, could all be done for £150 quite easily.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 16:22:57
I thought you had to take the car back for a retest within a certain period, a month is a bit too long, I think.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 16:27:03
Two options really, fix all fails listed from local place, drop back for a re-MOT within next two weeks.

Take it back to Halfords, pay for new MOT. See what they fail it on,  :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 16:37:42
http://mottesting.org.uk/mot-retest-information-fail.html
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 16:48:08
Thanks Tunnie for that excellent and detailed reply. :y

Should I complain to the DVSA about this?

Surely all MOT testers should give the same results. If all the test results are different then what's the point of it all? Surely a component is either faulty or it isn't?

Is it the case that if something has the slightest bit of surface rust then it's a fail?

The rear suspension arm failed the MOT standard last month but this month it's fine?
It's the same for the anti roll bar linkage.

Does this mean that these components are fine now or do they still need to be replaced?

I'm worried that I might get everything fixed and then the poor miggy fails on 16 different items. :o

Maybe I need to have a poll. Fix or scrap! ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 16:49:49
Thanks Tunnie for that excellent and detailed reply. :y

Should I complain to the DVSA about this?

Surely all MOT testers should give the same results. If all the test results are different then what's the point of it all? Surely a component is either faulty or it isn't?

Is it the case that if something has the slightest bit of surface rust then it's a fail?

The rear suspension arm failed the MOT standard last month but this month it's fine?
It's the same for the anti roll bar linkage.

Does this mean that these components are fine now or do they still need to be replaced?

I'm worried that I might get everything fixed and then the poor miggy fails on 16 different items. :o

Maybe I need to have a poll. Fix or scrap! ;D
I've already voted.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 16:51:47
Garages often fail cars on small items, to keep their stats up. A certain garage might be due a big failure.  ::)

Personally, the local garage list should be fixed. Although long, it's all straight forward work. Also the key items being replaced such as brake discs and drop links etc, are all good items to invest in which will get used.

Re-present it, at the same place within time frame allowed. They can only re-test what they failed it on.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 16:57:17
The tester told me to scrap it. He said it needed £1000-£1200 worth of welding.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 16:59:46
The tester told me to scrap it. He said it needed £1000-£1200 worth of welding.
Depends who's doing the welding.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 17:00:21
Has anyone got a welder I can borrow? ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 17:02:16
The tester told me to scrap it. He said it needed £1000-£1200 worth of welding.

Lost for words, you did not mention this earlier?

Need photos really of offending area around sub frame.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: aaronjb on 13 April 2016, 17:05:41
For rust to fail it you'd usually find a gaping hole (or certainly a gaping hole that opens up if you poke the crusty bits with a screwdriver).. that sounds like a long list of gaping holes.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 17:12:08
I've just  removed the sill cover and it does look quite bad.  :o

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4369&authkey=!ABLd18vblCyIABw&ithint=folder%2c (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4369&authkey=!ABLd18vblCyIABw&ithint=folder%2c)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 17:21:52
The tester told me to scrap it. He said it needed £1000-£1200 worth of welding.

Lost for words, you did not mention this earlier?

Need photos really of offending area around sub frame.

I just thought it must be a really expensive garage. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 17:24:21
Has anyone got a welder I can borrow? ;D
With a man attached to it?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 17:27:10
Has anyone got a welder I can borrow? ;D
With a man attached to it?

Yes please if you're offering. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 17:30:37
Has anyone got a welder I can borrow? ;D
With a man attached to it?

Yes please if you're offering. ;D
If I could weld, Kate, I'd do it in a flash (metaphorically  ;D) but I can't.
Ask my wife, I can't do any of these jobs that handy people do.  ::)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 13 April 2016, 17:34:49
If you were keeping it more than 5 minutes, then patch it up...

However, as I suspect this unlikely... I vote break it or pop it on ebay with a 99p start as a project :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 17:36:31
If you were keeping it more than 5 minutes, then patch it up...

However, as I suspect this unlikely... I vote break it or pop it on ebay with a 99p start as a project :y
It would be a pile of red dust before the auction ended.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Bigron on 13 April 2016, 17:38:23
Kate, may I suggest that you take it to a Council Depot for another MOT? They are obviously independent, no quota of fails to fill and, more importantly, no repair facilities so no need to find things for their workshops to do!
That rust? If the Council tester fails it, loads of Oofers with welding skills will rush to your aid......

Ron
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 13 April 2016, 17:42:07
Kate, may I suggest that you take it to a Council Depot for another MOT? They are obviously independent, no quota of fails to fill and, more importantly, no repair facilities so no need to find things for their workshops to do!
That rust? If the Council tester fails it, loads of Oofers with welding skills will rush to your aid......

Ron
That'll be c£120 spent on mot's, we're getting into the realms of 'money down the drain' here.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: terry paget on 13 April 2016, 17:55:54
As said before, when my Omegas rust I scrap them. There are still lots on e-bay and elsewhere, find one to your taste, look at rear wheel arches for rust, and buy a better one.
As another thread relates, this year I hope to get 8 cars through the MOT. To avoid unnecessary failures, I check the next due car for exhaust and tyres early to enable relaxed replacement, then pre-MOT it a week before test, then final examination, wash & tidy on morning of test day.
Be ruthless, Kate, look around for a better car. There was a 2001 manual 2.5CDX petrol saloon on e-bay 2 weeks ago, MOT till December, for £450, which then dropped to £395. I wanted to buy it as a spare, but the wife restrained me. There are still bargains about. Your being in Cornwall might make collection expensive, but regard it as a day out. Last year I bought a car in Plymouth and another in Clacton. Who needs holidays?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 17:57:06
I was hoping to keep this miggy for a long time. It's much more economical. Fuel costs have been a constant problem for me in the past.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: zirk on 13 April 2016, 18:22:56
I was hoping to keep this miggy for a long time. It's much more economical. Fuel costs have been a constant problem for me in the past.
Any car thats 13+ years old will have a potential life of 12 months, depending on 2 factors, the MOT and or how much its going to cost to get through one.  ;)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 13 April 2016, 18:24:23
When you see rust like this,it makes me a little twitchy about taking off the sill covers,think I'll get someone else to do it and save myself the shock :o :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 19:12:20
I'm always concerned my 2.2 is heading that way, as underneath it's rusting quite a bit.

Kate - Yup that's worse than I thought. That does indeed need a shed load of welding.

Unless you DIY, it will be a big bill.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: BazaJT on 13 April 2016, 19:34:46
mot tests can depend quite a bit on the testers discretion or interpretation of the rules.But yep that's pretty bad!Are new/pattern sills available for the Omega?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 19:43:21
I'm going to get a welder and give it a go. I gained some metalwork skills many years ago while at college so that might come in handy.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: BazaJT on 13 April 2016, 19:49:45
Good for you girl :y Go for it!  I admire your spirit and determination :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: TheBoy on 13 April 2016, 20:00:32
I'm going to get a welder and give it a go. I gained some metalwork skills many years ago while at college so that might come in handy.
Nothing to lose...

But poke it around with a screwdriver, I suspect those holes will become massive by the time you get back to metal you can weld...
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 13 April 2016, 20:12:34
I'm going to get a welder and give it a go. I gained some metalwork skills many years ago while at college so that might come in handy.
Nothing to lose...

But poke it around with a screwdriver, I suspect those holes will become massive by the time you get back to metal you can weld...


The screwdriver is a waste of time. Order new outer sills and lop the old ones off. Not only would that make a better repair, but it's quicker and easier to do than patching up what is there. What is necessary is a proper evaluation of the tester's comments on the subframe mounts.


Whether it's worth it is an entirely different question; I have all the gear necessary to do the work having done it before, but doubt I could justify the time and effort.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Webby the Bear on 13 April 2016, 20:21:35
That's some big arsed holes!!!

As TB mentioned you may be doing a lot more welding than is actually visible. Once welded and you're happy with it frost it with a it of under seal. I personally hate welding thin car body metal. I have only just got to the point where I can weld it without blowing shed loads of holes in it. But give it a go. You got nothing to lose.

I saw a post where you wanted to take on your own brake pipe replacement. If that's the case a set of discs n pads on the front n rear is achievable? Hopefully the imbalance is just a corroded disc or a stuck pad in the carrier. If not you may be buying a calliper too.

Interesting how the 2nd garage failed the subframe bushes yet put the OSF ARB link in the advisories, yet the 1st failed aforementioned ARB link and didn't mention about the subframe bushes lol

I'd personally attend to the hell frauds list of failures and take it back to them. Though if the welding doesn't go well it might be time to buy a new motor.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Webby the Bear on 13 April 2016, 20:23:28
Edit

Subframe mounting corrosion, not bushings.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Webby the Bear on 13 April 2016, 20:35:38
Edit again  ::)

Your subframe bushes were also a failure. Sorry. It's been a long day.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 21:03:46
No worries. It's been a shocking day for me. :o :o :o ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Lazydocker on 13 April 2016, 22:51:05
Interestingly, I think the MOT tester has removed the covers to spot those holes, which is against the rules :-X ::)

Plus, having failed it for dangerous disks he shouldn't have performed a brake test but there is no mention of it not being performed ::)

(Although my knowledge is old so things may have changed) :-\

Kate, if you can't do the work yourself, bin it. The car was given to you IIRC :-\ So not too much to lose
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 13 April 2016, 23:00:15
Wowsers! My opinion would be to scrap it. Sorry. But even getting a welder, discs, pads, metal plate etc etc is going to be £300-400 at least. Plus cost of another mot (doing all that work in 2 weeks is ambitious, it would take me longer than that to learn to weld!). Then, when you've done that, all you've bought yourself is 12 months. Cause you can bet your a$$ she'll fail again next year.

People are struggling to shift half decent omegas for £500, say you get £50 in scrap for yours (or keep for spares if you have space) and you're pretty much at the value of a different mig. Oh and you've saved yourself hours (days maybe) of agro.

In short, scrap it, but one with an mot.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 23:31:56
What type of welder would be best for all this work?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 13 April 2016, 23:36:34
What type of welder would be best for all this work?

MIG. You'll need gas, welding wire, PPE, an angle grinder, clamps, snips and other simple metalworking tools plus a load of practice. The £400 estimate is on the low side.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 13 April 2016, 23:50:51
You then have fun and games of making the new bit of metal fit the gap you want, I've seen a plasma cutter in action, ideally want one of those too. Makes lining up replacement sheet far easier to weld in place.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 23:52:32
Would gasless mig be ok?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 23:56:05
Would gasless mig be ok?

I'll ask my friend Noah for help, he has lots of welding experience. :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 13 April 2016, 23:56:38
He's an ark welder. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2016, 00:02:04
He's an ark welder. ;D

te dum tish!

Coat ...... door ......... --------->  ;) ;)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Steve B on 14 April 2016, 00:14:20
(http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/99ccd7de00db459199a18f9f4670558c/scrapyard-and-waste-metal-processing-and-recycling-plant-in-swindon-a51pa1.jpg)  :'( :'( 

Its a shame but i think thats the way to go on this one  :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 00:17:26
Was that an oof meet? ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Broomies Mate on 14 April 2016, 03:43:43
Sorry Kate, but the money you are about to invest in that rotten pear would be better off put towards a better example.  :'(

If fuel economy is an issue, why not get something which is actually efficient?  :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 14 April 2016, 05:53:06
Was that an oof meet? ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Very good.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 14 April 2016, 06:52:49
Sorry Kate, but the money you are about to invest in that rotten pear would be better off put towards a better example.  :'(

If fuel economy is an issue, why not get something which is actually efficient?  :-\

Agree :)  go on gum tree and buy a focus, or Astra, and stop faffing about, you keep buying cars that you can't repair, then waste money on them, then complain you have no money, in the past 12 months how much money have you wasted, STOP.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 14 April 2016, 08:46:45
No more mincing of words then.....good advice from Trevor,also take it from someone like myself who is an Omega klepto,and even though they are well sorted cars, they continue to cost money even at a couple of thousand miles each between MOT's. The list from tomorrow.....up to Serek's place for donut bushes,then next month new brake pipes throughout on two of the other cars,A/C not working on two of those cars after the winter,plus 2 new tyres also required, I could keep on adding to that list and undoubtedly as one problem is dealt with quite often another will be discovered because of the age of the components.So it comes down to the fact that if you're flogging the dead horse,there eventually comes a point in time that you have to step back and make a decision based on abilities i.e financial/practical, and if you can't satisfy one or both then it's time :'( Sorry.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 14 April 2016, 08:58:19
Would gasless mig be ok?

No.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 14 April 2016, 09:06:58
Kate is a girlie so all this talk about welding will be like a foreign language.

'I'd drop everything' to help her if I was slightly more local. :) :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: henryd on 14 April 2016, 10:30:09
Sorry Kate, but the money you are about to invest in that rotten pear would be better off put towards a better example.  :'(

If fuel economy is an issue, why not get something which is actually efficient?  :-\

+1,not worth the bother when for similar outlay you could another or something else with probably a years ticket.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 10:41:55
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another Omega would be a much better option.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 14 April 2016, 10:50:22
Five pages to get to where we were on reply number three.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 10:55:52
Five pages to get to where we were on reply number three.

Yes it has been great to promote a healthy discussion.  ;D

I've changed my mind actually. I'm off to hire a welder. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 11:54:19
I think I'll advertise this poor old miggy for spares to try and get some money back that I paid out for train fares and the parts I bought.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4391&authkey=!ALP8xS33No1Xot8&ithint=folder%2c (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4391&authkey=!ALP8xS33No1Xot8&ithint=folder%2c)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 14 April 2016, 12:04:13
On the outside that looks a tidy example, shudder what to think my 2.2's sills are like  :-[  :'(
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 12:08:27
It's such a shame as she's lovely to drive and the engine and gearbox are great.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 14 April 2016, 12:38:28
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another  Omega ] would be a much better option.

No no no. Every bloody omega you buy is a money pit, buy something that's newer, and  doesn't. Need constant maintenance.
 The newest Omega is 13 years old, not 13 bloody months, buy something else. :(.

I know it's hard but listen to what people with experience and knowledgeable are telling you.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 14 April 2016, 12:43:34
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another  Omega ] would be a much better option.

No no no. Every bloody omega you buy is a money pit, buy something that's newer, and  doesn't. Need constant maintenance.
 The newest Omega is 13 years old, not 13 bloody months, buy something else. :(.

I know it's hard but listen to what people with experience and knowledgeable are telling you.

+1 especially if it's going to be sold in a few weeks/months time. Doesn't make any sense.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 14 April 2016, 13:06:08
Quote Trevor.....''every Omega is a money pit''  say's it all really :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 14 April 2016, 13:17:14
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another  Omega ] would be a much better option.

No no no. Every bloody omega you buy is a money pit, buy something that's newer, and  doesn't. Need constant maintenance.
 The newest Omega is 13 years old, not 13 bloody months, buy something else. :(.

I know it's hard but listen to what people with experience and knowledgeable are telling you.
My Focus, 17 years old, just done 100k miles, 6 months ticket and still just about hits the official combined mpg figure of 31 mpg... (nearly 12mpg more than the black 3.2)... it saves me £25-30 every fill as it easily manages 330 miles per tank, about 50 miles more than either Omega I had.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: EMD on 14 April 2016, 13:47:10
No no no , fix it up and sell it to me for 99p  :D ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 14 April 2016, 14:00:45
Yup, if you are after cheap motoring, you can't beat either an astra or a focus. Cheap, simple mechanics, decent economy, even from the petrols.

Cases in point:

Astra (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603131925480?make=vauxhall&search-target=usedcars&radius=1500&postcode=bl09ue&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&model=astra&price-to=1000&sort=default&maximum-mileage=up_to_80000_miles&searchcontext=default&page=1&logcode=p)

 Another Astra (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201604022566129?maximum-mileage=up_to_80000_miles&make=vauxhall&sort=default&postcode=BL0%209UE&model=astra&radius=1500&price-to=1000&page=2&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&search-target=usedcars&searchcontext=default&logcode=p)

 Focus  (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201604082767569?make=ford&radius=1500&sort=default&maximum-mileage=up_to_80000_miles&page=1&searchcontext=default&postcode=bl09ue&model=focus&search-target=usedcars&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&price-to=1000&logcode=p)

Of those, I'd opt for the astra with new cambelt and pump.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 14 April 2016, 14:51:06
But don't buy a green one.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 14 April 2016, 15:42:19
STEMO; there's green and then there's GREEN
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 14 April 2016, 15:44:01
Quote Trevor.....''every Omega Kate has is a money pit''  say's it all really :)

There corrected ken :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 14 April 2016, 15:51:51
STEMO; there's green and then there's GREEN

and there is SNOT green  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 14 April 2016, 15:57:53
And what is wrong with snot green...pray tell? 8)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Shackeng on 14 April 2016, 16:01:44
And if it snot green, what colour is it??? :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 14 April 2016, 16:15:23
That's silky shadow green, if you don't mind. Have a look at the car people advert, there's one in the opening sequence. Very nice it is too.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: TheBoy on 14 April 2016, 18:05:26
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another  Omega ] would be a much better option.

No no no. Every bloody omega you buy is a money pit, buy something that's newer, and  doesn't. Need constant maintenance.
 The newest Omega is 13 years old, not 13 bloody months, buy something else. :(.

I know it's hard but listen to what people with experience and knowledgeable are telling you.
My Focus, 17 years old, just done 100k miles, 6 months ticket and still just about hits the official combined mpg figure of 31 mpg... (nearly 12mpg more than the black 3.2)... it saves me £25-30 every fill as it easily manages 330 miles per tank, about 50 miles more than either Omega I had.
That's because the 3.2 is shite. I'm sure I've mentioned it before :P
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Steve B on 14 April 2016, 18:08:13
Thanks Doc. :y

Having slept on it I think that the work is too much for me. Another  Omega ] would be a much better option.

No no no. Every bloody omega you buy is a money pit, buy something that's newer, and  doesn't. Need constant maintenance.
 The newest Omega is 13 years old, not 13 bloody months, buy something else. :(.

I know it's hard but listen to what people with experience and knowledgeable are telling you.
My Focus, 17 years old, just done 100k miles, 6 months ticket and still just about hits the official combined mpg figure of 31 mpg... (nearly 12mpg more than the black 3.2)... it saves me £25-30 every fill as it easily manages 330 miles per tank, about 50 miles more than either Omega I had.
That's because the 3.2 is shite. I'm sure I've mentioned it before :P
Think you did mention it  ;D ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: TheBoy on 14 April 2016, 18:12:24
Quote Trevor.....''every Omega is a money pit''  say's it all really :)
I actually disagree. Apart from service items, that are dirt cheap mostly, neither of mine seem to need much, insurance is dirt cheap, and I pay 54.9ppl (Mrs TB gets it well under 50p, bitch ;D).

I've been looking around, seeing as my commute will increase to just shy of 140m/day, but I'm really stuck finding anything that will be cheaper to run, even ignoring purchase price.


That said, I doubt I'll own another big Vauxhall in the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 14 April 2016, 18:36:13
I like the look of those Land Rover Freelanders. I don't know anything about them mind. My Chihuahua would fit in the back I'm sure. :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 14 April 2016, 18:39:13
I like the look of those Land Rover Freelanders. I don't know anything about them mind. My Chihuahua would fit in the back I'm sure. :)


You do have a knack for picking potentially decent cars with expensive issues, Kate!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: aaronjb on 14 April 2016, 18:51:28
I like the look of those Land Rover Freelanders. I don't know anything about them mind. My Chihuahua would fit in the back I'm sure. :)

You'll be out of the frying pan but standing in the fire.

Friend of mine had one with a K-series. She loved it until the inevitable happened and the head gasket ate itself. She has a Fiat 500 now.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 14 April 2016, 19:32:43
Quote Trevor.....''every Omega is a money pit''  say's it all really :)
I actually disagree. Apart from service items, that are dirt cheap mostly, neither of mine seem to need much, insurance is dirt cheap, and I pay 54.9ppl (Mrs TB gets it well under 50p, bitch ;D).

I've been looking around, seeing as my commute will increase to just shy of 140m/day, but I'm really stuck finding anything that will be cheaper to run, even ignoring purchase price.


That said, I doubt I'll own another big Vauxhall in the foreseeable future.

My reason was, for those of us capable of doing the work they are cheap,but to those who lack the skill and require the services of a garage like Kate then NO.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Entwood on 14 April 2016, 19:59:49
Tad late to this one .. but regarding the sills .. as posted here ..

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=133980.0

post #43 summarises the final solution ...

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. Cills were made up as nowhere seems to sell replacements.

HTH

Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2016, 21:51:45
Ford Focus/Vx Astra - cheap and cheap - £200 will buy you a good one.  Running costs next to nothing - anything major costwise, chuck it away and buy another.

Freelander is NOT for you!!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2016, 22:15:52
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Entwood on 14 April 2016, 22:29:08
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, and as a "keeper" worth doing .. plus I'll have my money back in 4000 miles (3 months) of motoring ...  :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2016, 22:31:34
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Entwood on 14 April 2016, 22:35:13
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

Think mine is worth a tad more than that .. quite a large "tad" as well ..  :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2016, 22:42:05
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

Think mine is worth a tad more than that .. quite a large "tad" as well ..  :)
Sorry about my estimate - we're talking about £1K?  If you had to spend £400 on rust repairs to sills, there will be rust elsewhere, and there comes a point, I guess, where further rust repair costs just not economic. 

My point above re % cost of repairs against value of car still applicable. ;)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 14 April 2016, 22:44:48
It's a tough call sometimes, depends how much spare cash you have too. Also if you can DIY or not, because if not then that turns the tables.

Also vs the cost of what else you can find with similar running costs, LPG helps here for cause to fix due to it's cheap on fuel. To get same else where you are looking at very, very old diesels.

Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Andy B on 14 April 2016, 23:01:39
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

That depends on how you define worth & value ...... cars are worth what people are willing to pay or what they mean to the owner  :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 14 April 2016, 23:05:04
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

That depends on how you define worth & value ...... cars are worth what people are willing to pay or what they mean to the owner  :y

Also how do you get accurate value, when I put my 2.2 into webuyanycar, they offered me £50  :-[  :D

So on the face of that, two new rear tyres are worth 3x the value of the car.   ;D ;D

Even normal Autotrader prices, I could at absolute best get £300 for my 2.2? That's about the same, as 4 new tyres. Which I will have done by this time next month.  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: joshwyatt on 14 April 2016, 23:09:14
Kate, I think we need to ascertain a few things to give you the best advice!

Especially in reference to what vehicle you have next;

1) What is your main demand/need of it?
2) Mileage per month, on average?
3) What is a realistic budget for outright purchase, or a monthly outlay you could afford?
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2016, 23:19:13
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

That depends on how you define worth & value ...... cars are worth what people are willing to pay or what they mean to the owner  :y

Also how do you get accurate value, when I put my 2.2 into webuyanycar, they offered me £50  :-[  :D

So on the face of that, two new rear tyres are worth 3x the value of the car.   ;D ;D

Even normal Autotrader prices, I could at absolute best get £300 for my 2.2? That's about the same, as 4 new tyres. Which I will have done by this time next month.  ;D

Yep, but consumeables are consumables, and applicable to any car whatever its worth.  Just put new tyres on SWIMBOs Omega Estate - £250, car worth around £700, but they are consumables, and, until I replace her car (awaiting her choice of similar sized Estate), she needs tyres to get about.  If her car was excessively rusty, then I wouldn't consider spending £400 on it, as advancing rust won't get better, only worse.  At that point her decision would would probably be more forthcoming.

Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 14 April 2016, 23:33:37
Knowing what my two sold for yous have alot to learn about Omega retail prices ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 14 April 2016, 23:47:50
Don't think so - you just have a lot to learn - what age are you? and still living with your mother - say no more!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: aaronjb on 15 April 2016, 09:49:48
Jesus that's something of a low blow, there.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 April 2016, 10:01:30
Don't think so - you just have a lot to learn - what age are you? and still living with your mother - say no more!
???
I wasn't going to bother responding to this, as I believe you to simply be trying to provoke an outburst, perhaps with a view to getting me banned...

Perhaps one day you'll stop being a practising Onanist.

Not that it's anyones business, least of all yours, the main reason I am still living at home is actually due to my mothers gradually failing health. Whilst I freely admit that the dirt cheap rent is nice, living at home actually comes at quite a high personal cost.

So please, judge away if that helps you sleep at night. :-X

Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: BazaJT on 15 April 2016, 10:26:28
Personally if mine were that bad I'd scrap it.Having said that whilst the sills are structurally important they are not a complicated structure to knock up out of suitable thickness plate and as they're covered by the skirts then they don't have to be absolutely perfectly formed unless you're a stickler for correct detail.The major cost would then come in removing/replacing them.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Tick Tock on 15 April 2016, 10:39:13
Knowing what my two sold for yous have alot to learn about Omega retail prices ;D

Arris, without wanting to big you up..... your recent sales were perhaps a cut above in one way or another. I think a budget of £500 will get something half decent with a long test ticket, even if it does just end up as a pile of rust in a couple of years.  :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 15 April 2016, 10:44:51
I personally look at the price of a dirt cheap piece of Korean somethingorother, at let's say £180 / month, and the reduced fuel costs, a modern ecnomicial 4-pot vs my V6.

If I spend £150 a month on my Omega, I reckon I'm paying about the same as I would in the above scenario. Yes, 'trouble-free' [we hope] motoring on a new car, but what I currently have is a car with electric everything, comfy, spacious, a cavern of a boot, takes all my tools and still room for a small family to live in, bum warmers, and a lovely noise when I push the right pedal.

That's my 'theoretical' budget. I don't, practically, spend anywhere near that per month, of course; but I use it as a figure to work to, if that helps  :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 15 April 2016, 10:51:35
And re: sills...  I'm looking into using Carlton sills, which seem to be in much more abundance than Omega ones. However, I really need to sit a Carlton/Senny sill next to an Omega one to see the physical differences. The little lugs for the sill covers will be one difference, but these can be added, without too much trouble, if required.

I know a guy who used Mk 2 Cavalier arches on his Monza. You look at the queue of people who spot that. Its not exactly a long one.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 15 April 2016, 11:57:51
8 pages, and still going, might catch the 0-60 thread up :o
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 15 April 2016, 12:06:44
8 pages, and still going, might catch the 0-60 thread up :o

Possibly not, but I suspect it may out-live the car that's being discussed  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 15 April 2016, 12:17:53
Don't think so - you just have a lot to learn - what age are you? and still living with your mother - say no more!
???
I wasn't going to bother responding to this, as I believe you to simply be trying to provoke an outburst, perhaps with a view to getting me banned...

Perhaps one day you'll stop being a practising Onanist.

Not that it's anyones business, least of all yours, the main reason I am still living at home is actually due to my mothers gradually failing health. Whilst I freely admit that the dirt cheap rent is nice, living at home actually comes at quite a high personal cost.

So please, judge away if that helps you sleep at night. :-X
Is that it? No fisticuffs? Pah  :(
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 15 April 2016, 14:21:08
Would a Daewoo Matiz but any good for me do you think? :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 15 April 2016, 14:23:46
Would a Daewoo Matiz but any good for me do you think? :-\

Yes...with an auto box. :y

That way you won't have to worry your pretty little head about changing those nasty gears. :y :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 April 2016, 14:48:22
8 pages, and still going, might catch the 0-60 thread up :o
Well it's accelerating as quickly as an auto 2.5 :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 15 April 2016, 17:01:34
Would a Daewoo Matiz but any good for me do you think? :-\

Funny Astra or focus. You've listened then
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 15 April 2016, 18:43:49
Why does it have to be an Astra or Focus? They are a bit boring. I like interesting cars.

There's an Alfa Romeo 156 for sale near me that looks really nice. My friend had an Alfa years ago and it was really nice. Has anyone got any experience of these cars?

Thanks for all the advice. :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 15 April 2016, 19:15:06
I've only driven a new model Alfa and it had that feature of switching the engine off at traffic lights,I know the feature can be overridden...but not for me :-\ As to your next choice of weapon....I guess it's got to be wether it's going to meet your needs as to your budget, the practicability factor of carrying your stuff around,fuel choice and economy,service costs and parts availability and wether it's got the dreaded tin worm hidden away,but I'm pretty sure you won't get caught on that one again.
There are some good deals to be had on new cars i.e interest free for 3-4 years,but that may not be an option for yourself if you aren't looking to the long term.I'm sure that some of the other OOFers will be along shortly to chip in with some tips and advice :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 15 April 2016, 19:24:24
The reason for most saying Astra or focus, is
They are cheap, if looked after, reliable, and cheap to run, part availability is simples, don't buy French.
But then people are only trying to help, who have some knowledge.
You could always buy a van, that would cover everything for you,.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: EMD on 15 April 2016, 19:25:29
Would a Daewoo Matiz but any good for me do you think? :-\

Tin worm likes the Matiz and everything snaps if you look at it  ::) Worse than a 106 Pug made of cheese  :(

Plenty Omega out there with full mot cheap as chips  :) You can have mine for £3k  ;D You wont need to do anything to it as its had it all done ....

(http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/money/smileys-money-702364.gif)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 15 April 2016, 19:31:00
Sadly when my old girl gives up the ghost I think I'll find myself driving a Focus estate.......  :(

The thought of that however will keep her going for a bit longer!  :y  As long as the sill covers stay on that is...  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: henryd on 15 April 2016, 19:37:52
Sadly when my old girl gives up the ghost I think I'll find myself driving a Focus estate.......  :(

The thought of that however will keep her going for a bit longer!  :y  As long as the sill covers stay on that is...  ::)  ;D

Bond the sill covers on with sikaflex,they will be the sills then  :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 15 April 2016, 19:49:47
Why does it have to be an Astra or Focus? They are a bit boring. I like interesting cars.

There's an Alfa Romeo 156 for sale near me that looks really nice. My friend had an Alfa years ago and it was really nice. Has anyone got any experience of these cars?

Thanks for all the advice. :y


Lots of people have experience of Alfas. None of those experiences are good. They are automotive masochism.


An Astra or Focus is only boring because they are cheap to buy and own. Even the problems are boring and cheap. Buy an Omega for a few hundred quid and that's just the start of your expenditure. Buy an Astra for a few hundred quid, spend £50 on service parts and you probably won't need to open the bonnet for a couple of years.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 15 April 2016, 19:56:39
I had an Alfa 166, pearlescent blue with red leather, 3.2 V6.......sounded lovely.


The headlamps permanently pointed at the floor 2ft in front of the car, the windscreen wipers use to just turn themselves on, but wouldn't work when it rained, the indicator and light stalks felt like the gear change in a BL front wheel drive.....stirring porridge, if you tried to indicate or flash your headlights, you didn't really know which one you were doing.....erm......Great car as long as it was daytime, not raining and there was no one else on the road.  :y
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Tick Tock on 15 April 2016, 19:57:18
Sadly when my old girl gives up the ghost I think I'll find myself driving a Focus estate.......  :(

The thought of that however will keep her going for a bit longer!  :y  As long as the sill covers stay on that is...  ::)  ;D

Bond the sill covers on with sikaflex,they will be the sills then  :D

Probably won't be the first time that's been done!!  :-\
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: baggers on 15 April 2016, 19:57:56
The tester told me to scrap it. He said it needed £1000-£1200 worth of welding.
Depends who's doing the welding.

And whether you want a proper job doing or plate and cover just to get it through but then it will just come back as a bigger job and a lot more expensive.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 15 April 2016, 19:59:02
I had an Alfa 166, pearlescent blue with red leather, 3.2 V6.......sounded lovely.


The headlamps permanently pointed at the floor 2ft in front of the car, the windscreen wipers use to just turn themselves on, but wouldn't work when it rained, the indicator and light stalks felt like the gear change in a BL front wheel drive.....stirring porridge, if you tried to indicate or flash your headlights, you didn't really know which one you were doing.....erm......Great car as long as it was daytime, not raining and there was no one else on the road.  :y

Italian brio beats German practicality any day. :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: ted_one on 15 April 2016, 20:00:24
I've got to say that since looking at those pictures of the rust,I've just been on the Carz2 website checking on the availability of replacement sills,just in case,mind you if my cars were to be in that condition ...then they'll be on a one way trip up to Nottingham for the attention of Nigel (Omegas52) :'(
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: baggers on 15 April 2016, 20:07:33
Quote Trevor.....''every Omega is a money pit''  say's it all really :)

Sorry but I have to strongly disagree.

A good Omega well looked after doesn't cost the earth.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: baggers on 15 April 2016, 20:17:05
.....

It cost £400 to have the old cills removed, new cills made up, and welded on. .....

Though on the face of it, that's not exactly back pocket change, in the grand scheme of things, that's not too bad considering you could easily spend that sort of money on dealer servicing ...... eg it cost me £265 for a new thermostat fitted to that green French thing of SWMBO's (just one of the failures on this 27500 mile car)

Agreed, though is it worth it on a £500 car - your £265 spent is, I guess, a lot lower % cost of your car's value.

That depends on how you define worth & value ...... cars are worth what people are willing to pay or what they mean to the owner  :y

Also how do you get accurate value, when I put my 2.2 into webuyanycar, they offered me £50  :-[  :D

So on the face of that, two new rear tyres are worth 3x the value of the car.   ;D ;D

Even normal Autotrader prices, I could at absolute best get £300 for my 2.2? That's about the same, as 4 new tyres. Which I will have done by this time next month.  ;D

A lot of prices you see are ridiculously cheap for what can be a really good car.  Book prices for really nice examples are a total joke.
It's worth what someone is prepared to pay when they know there is a minter staring them in the face like new, then take a look at a newer car £k's more that doesn't compare to the Omega your selling.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: baggers on 15 April 2016, 20:20:02
And re: sills...  I'm looking into using Carlton sills, which seem to be in much more abundance than Omega ones. However, I really need to sit a Carlton/Senny sill next to an Omega one to see the physical differences. The little lugs for the sill covers will be one difference, but these can be added, without too much trouble, if required.

I know a guy who used Mk 2 Cavalier arches on his Monza. You look at the queue of people who spot that. Its not exactly a long one.

I have some genuine Senator full sills that have stashed away for if ever the Omega requires any.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: baggers on 15 April 2016, 20:21:36
Would a Daewoo Matiz but any good for me do you think? :-\

Not unless you want more trouble.  Assuming it's an early Daewoo your looking at.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 15 April 2016, 21:39:31
Okay then a Focus or Astra would be perfect. Thanks for the advice. :y

What about a Beetle though? VW are supposed to be reliable aren't they?
I know they tell pork pies sometimes but they are good quality cars surely? :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Stargazer57N on 16 April 2016, 09:09:02
I thought you had to take the car back for a retest within a certain period, a month is a bit too long, I think.

The retest period is 10 working days, so 14 days if the garage you use doesn't test on a weekend.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Stargazer57N on 16 April 2016, 09:21:06
Hi Kate, it looks to me as if the first tester missed some corrosion hence the prescribed  area fails. And maybe the second tester was being a little bit OTT with his tolerances. You could contact the DVSA and appeal the decision. Or probably  better take it back to Halfords for a full re-test and see if they fail the corrosion and if they do ask them why it was not picked up on the previous test, and if they get funny ask for a DVSA appeals form. you might get the cost of your MOT's back at least.
I,ve been a MOT test for 30 years and it annoys me when things like this happen as it give us testers a bad name but more importantly it costs car owners money for nothing.

Pete
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 16 April 2016, 10:31:48
I see on guntree there is a weasel estate for sale in kernow,
Done something right at least :)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Stargazer57N on 16 April 2016, 15:15:11
I thought you had to take the car back for a retest within a certain period, a month is a bit too long, I think.

The car has to be taken back within 14 working days for a partial retest, only the failed items need to be tested. After that time  it a full retest, basically a fresh MOT test.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: BazaJT on 16 April 2016, 16:42:07
Regardless of which make/model you name you'll probably find someone who knows a horror story about it.New cars are not immune from breakdowns the number of manufacturer recalls is quite frightening but they're fixed for free and other breakdowns should be covered under warranty.Set your budget then decide what you want from the car e.g. interior space,economy comfort,style,size etc.Then scan such as e-bay with your budget and see what sort of thing is listed.I'm not saying you should or shouldn't buy from the bay it's just that it's likely to throw up a whole range of options to choose from.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 16 April 2016, 23:31:28
Thanks again for all the advice. :y

Yes I advertised in on gumtree and a guy offered me 150 as he wants the engine. He's collecting on Monday (hopefully).
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 16 April 2016, 23:35:09
Focus or Astra saloon if you want quirky, Astra Coupes can be got cheaply enough if you're prepared to get your hands dirty...
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 18 April 2016, 20:47:52
My new vehicle. :y

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4610&authkey=!ALCKYdMVlAeLypQ&v=3&ithint=photo%2cJPG (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=CFCF2657E747879F!4610&authkey=!ALCKYdMVlAeLypQ&v=3&ithint=photo%2cJPG)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Broomies Mate on 18 April 2016, 20:52:58
YAY!  A nice, cheap, economical, reliable runaround.  Just the ticket, that!  ;D

EDIT:  Please tell us it's Diesel.  :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 18 April 2016, 21:07:34
Oh dear. Sweep stake on when head gasket goes if it's petrol   ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 18 April 2016, 21:16:57
Oh dear. Sweep stake on when head gasket goes if it's petrol   ;D

Mmm it might be a minter :o
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 18 April 2016, 21:21:06
Oh dear. Sweep stake on when head gasket goes if it's petrol   ;D

Mmm it might be a minter :o

I'll just ask that squadron of flying pigs which just landed in my back garden....  :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 18 April 2016, 21:22:36
It was cheap. I bought it off a farmer near me. He used it to move sheep around. Omg I have never seen a vehicle so dirty inside. :o

It's like Biff's car off back to the future. ;D

It was only £150 though.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 18 April 2016, 21:24:48
YAY!  A nice, cheap, economical, reliable runaround.  Just the ticket, that!  ;D

EDIT:  Please tell us it's Diesel.  :o :o :o :o


Diesel Freelanders don't suffer from the headgasket issues that petrol ones do. Which is good. But, they do have 3 fuel pumps, and the electric ones are a common and fairly costly problem. That's without all the usual old diesel faults.


Plus, the diesels do seem to stress the transfer box and diff more than the petrol ones. And it's really common to find FWD only Freelanders. You can always tell, as the propshaft will have been removed due to the cost of a proper fix.

At £150, that's actually a pretty good bet!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 18 April 2016, 21:25:32
It was cheap. I bought it off a farmer near me. He used it to move sheep around. Omg I have never seen a vehicle so dirty inside. :o

It's like Biff's car off back to the future. ;D

It was only £150 though.

At that price you can't complain  :y But...

YAY!  A nice, cheap, economical, reliable runaround.  Just the ticket, that!  ;D

EDIT:  Please tell us it's Diesel.  :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Broomies Mate on 18 April 2016, 21:26:39
Bought from a Farmer - It's bound to be Derv..... full of Red-Stuff, I expect.  :P
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 18 April 2016, 21:31:58
No it's petrol. It drives fine, no problems apart from the smell.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: tunnie on 18 April 2016, 21:40:02
No it's petrol. It drives fine, no problems apart from the smell.

Well at £150 its a disposable car, if you get 6 months out of it be quids in. Just don't be surprised when it blows the HG  :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 18 April 2016, 21:43:14
HG on a k-series isn't  bad though if you watch them and catch em early. Also iirc an Uprated gasket is available that helps prevent the issue re-occurring.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: biggriffin on 18 April 2016, 21:44:12
No it's petrol. It drives fine, no problems apart from the smell.

Well at £150 its a disposable car, if you get 6 weeks out of it be quids in. Just don't be surprised when it blows the HG  :D

There fixed it. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 18 April 2016, 21:51:35
It's tested until September. I just couldn't bare another mot.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Viral_Jim on 18 April 2016, 22:03:21
For 150 notes. Yup I would say a bargain!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: terry paget on 19 April 2016, 09:03:11
HG on a k-series isn't  bad though if you watch them and catch em early. Also iirc an Uprated gasket is available that helps prevent the issue re-occurring.
I suspect it's the same engine as in daughter-in-law's Rover Streetwise, alloy block with wet liners, plastic inlet manifold, HG failed on Emma's car before she met Ben, and a roving mechanic replaced it with the new 'superior' laminated stainless steel gasket. She was always topping up the coolant, and she kept it going until Tom was born, when it stood unused for 4 weeks. Then engine would not start, or even turn over. With help from this forum I found water in no. 1, so took it apart.

I found the cylinder liners were flush with the block, not proud of it, so replaced the gasket with an elastomer gasket, as advised by Streetwise Forum. Car is still holding coolant 14 months later. HG kit cost £80, easier job than on Jonny's Omega 2.2.

I drove a Freelander in Canada, nice car, Kate. I hope it lasts you many years.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 19 April 2016, 09:51:41
Thanks Terry.

There a lots of roads were I live which are narrow and in terrible condition. I was out in the Freelander yesterday, on some of these bad roads, and it handled them really well. I thinks it's a good choice of vehicle for here.

This is one of the better roads.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/A_Very_Narrow_Road_-_geograph.org.uk_-_215950.jpg)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 19 April 2016, 09:56:07
Can you even class that as a road  :o ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: zirk on 19 April 2016, 10:00:09
Why has it got a clothes dryer bolted to the roof rack.

or is a Multi Frequency Aerial for calling International Rescue.  :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 19 April 2016, 11:29:13
That's my CB radio aerial. ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: terry paget on 19 April 2016, 12:15:07
Thanks Terry.

There a lots of roads were I live which are narrow and in terrible condition. I was out in the Freelander yesterday, on some of these bad roads, and it handled them really well. I thinks it's a good choice of vehicle for here.

This is one of the better roads.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/A_Very_Narrow_Road_-_geograph.org.uk_-_215950.jpg)
That's the sort of road I recall from my rallying days. We young fools spent our weekends racing around such lanes, usually at night. If the car got a bit sideways it left the gravelly bit and wandered on to the green stuff it went out of control and through the hedge. At least in that deep lane it would be contained.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Kate on 19 April 2016, 14:50:26
Is this you Terry? ;D



(https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/ad_196187124.jpg?w=748&h=578&crop=1)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: BazaJT on 19 April 2016, 18:54:56
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 19 April 2016, 19:02:00
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D


The public are good at it. Then when you arrive with a truck to 'rescue' them the first thing they say is how are you going to get it out of there without damaging it? The correct answer is I guarantee I won't damage the truck!!! 8)
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: STEMO on 19 April 2016, 19:59:38
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D
Obviously it wasn't the Renault drivers fault because the Astra driver is female.
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 19 April 2016, 20:06:35
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D


The public are good at it. Then when you arrive with a truck to 'rescue' them the first thing they say is how are you going to get it out of there without damaging it? The correct answer is I guarantee I won't damage the truck!!! 8)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Really makes me laugh when the recovery truck arrives Nick's right, the faces on the numpties involved when their cars get ripped apart loaded on to the truck.  :D Even when the bump they've been involved in has completely trashed their car they don't want it to be 'damaged'  ;D
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Nick W on 19 April 2016, 21:02:12
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D


The public are good at it. Then when you arrive with a truck to 'rescue' them the first thing they say is how are you going to get it out of there without damaging it? The correct answer is I guarantee I won't damage the truck!!! 8)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Really makes me laugh when the recovery truck arrives Nick's right, the faces on the numpties involved when their cars get ripped apart loaded on to the truck.  :D Even when the bump they've been involved in has completely trashed their car they don't want it to be 'damaged'  ;D


Numpty is not the recovery industry term!
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 19 April 2016, 21:07:18
Absolutely amazing :o Wonder what if anything was going through their minds to make them believe that was a good idea :D :D


The public are good at it. Then when you arrive with a truck to 'rescue' them the first thing they say is how are you going to get it out of there without damaging it? The correct answer is I guarantee I won't damage the truck!!! 8)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Really makes me laugh when the recovery truck arrives Nick's right, the faces on the numpties involved when their cars get ripped apart loaded on to the truck.  :D Even when the bump they've been involved in has completely trashed their car they don't want it to be 'damaged'  ;D


Numpty is not the recovery industry term!

Twonk???
Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: dbug on 21 April 2016, 02:57:15
Knowing what my two sold for yous have alot to learn about Omega retail prices ;D

For sale 54 3.2 manual Ex plod Estate with Extras.

£1600.00 ovno as is

Then £1,500 ono...

Then Open to offers over £1000...


And sold for £770 on ebay incl the "police" bits

So I'm not so far off on Omega retail prices  ;)

And as for your "practising Onanist" comment, suggest you look closer to home - I live with my partner, not my mother, and despite my advancing years, she and I have no problems in that area.  My eyesight is good, but suggest you may be in need of an eye test!!!  ;) ::)


Title: Re: MOT Madness
Post by: 05omegav6 on 21 April 2016, 03:30:45
That's right judge away...

Doesn't seem to help the sleeping though ;D