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[crystalgrand]

Just bought what I believed to be a really nice 2.5 cdx auto (1999 on a V plate), with 115k miles. I paid £800 for it with short mot and 5 months road tax.
The exterior and interior are mint and it drives a treat. Black leather seats are like new. I really enjoy driving this car after many years of owning older Jag xj6's.

THE PROBLEMS.

Went to get a new mot yesterday. The mechanic who I know says it needs:  Timing belt changed because I cannot find out when it was last changed and I suggested renewing water pump at same time. Cost including labour £215. Needs front wishbones replaced £220 including labour.  This takes my total outlay to around £1300 including 12 month MOT. This seems a lot for a 1999 on a V plate.  I do like the car but I wonder if this is just the start of spending fortunes to continue driving this fine executive car.

I wonder if any members could tell me what they think.

Barry in Bearsden. Glasgow

[TheBoy]

The wishbones in particular sound expensive.  Should be able to get some for £30-£40 each, not hard to fit.

Cambelt kit should be around £70-£80 for a quality kit.  The GM v6 cambelt cannot be changed without using a proper GM locking/timing kit, whatever anyone may tell you

[feeutfo]

all part of car ownership mate, all cam belts need changing, numerous cars have bushes fail, mates 03 bmw e39, father in laws 01 volvo c70 all been done recently, if your had bought any other car of similar age youd be doing similar on that instead sooner or later.

 If you really need to save cash, diy...?

Wishbones can be had 50 a pair, make sure they are torqued with car on the ground, suspension loaded. :-)

[damon80]

First of all, welcome  

All 2nd hand motors, like as been previously explained, need jobs doing to them.

Having the cambelt and waterpump done is something all us Miggy owners do religiously every 40k miles/4 years - a £200+ outlay is much less than staring down the barrel of a full engine rebuild.

I suppose it's a bit late to suggest looking at one of the buyers guides, which would have advised you to check the Serv Hist for evidence of cambelt change - if no evidence, then you could have used it as a bargaining point.

But put it this way - once the belt, pump and wishbones are sorted, you'll have a car that'll be extremely comfortable, satisfying and reliable.  And if you ever do have any problems with it - you've already found the best bunch of folks to help you out  

[feeutfo]

sorry, manners, welcome to oof by the way. :-)

Had a similar chat with my Dad. He asked me to look at sisters 98 punto. Needed cam belt, pas and alt belts, 4 tires(3 points if shed been stopped) plugs, leads, stat, temp sender, oil and filters, 3 wipers,a rubber inlet pipe and a flexi joint in the exhaust. Total £600. He nearly died. I said hang on, the car has not had a penny spent on it in 2 years, the tires should have been changed at least 8 months ago and the cam belt was 2 years over due, so thats 300ish you would not be paying now if done on time.... Still needs 2 rear shocks.

Cars wear out, esp puntos...