Joys of motorin

captain zed

captain zed

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Feb 16, 2009
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Hi folks....me blue bomber failed the NCT(irish version of MOT) last week so i left it int garage today.
Problems.....i'll say!!

High emissions
Headlamp misalignment
Forward movement in rear bushings
Front wishbones both need replacing as joints cannot be bought seperately.
ABS light not working.

Anyway,the reason the ABS light wasn't working was cos the last owner disconnected the lights at the back of the dashboard were they meet the ECU.
Because the cars srs airbag had been triggered it was disconnected (ECU) and removed. This would stop the lights from alerting the would be buyer to the issue.
Long and short of it is Eu525 plus v.a.t for the new ECU plus one hours fitting and then on to the repairs which in total is 1460.
I'm out for 2 grand and i wanted to replace the Timing belt this year, which is probably another 700 give or take a few squid.It will have to wait til next year i'm afraid.
It's at this stage i need to ask myself if its going to be worth it and i really just don't know.
 
It's probably not worth it imo.

What's the car and how old is it?

Those are contributory factors when making a decision.
 
captain zed said:
i need to ask myself if its going to be worth it
Click to expand...

Unless you are REALLY emotionally attached to the car in some strange psychological way then it has to be NO. Obviously if the car is needing a MOT then it must be at least three years old so you're unlikely to get a return on your outlay.
 
Hi folks....i guess i'm "REALLY emotionally attached to the car in some strange psychological way"
cos i love it. It's an 2000 Alfa Romeo t-spark 1.8 and it rides like the wind, and i'm gonna keep it another year or two lol.
I know i must be mad....take a looksee
laughingsmiley.gif


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3926057918_32f00cd0d9_b.jpg
 
captain zed said:
Because the cars srs airbag had been triggered it was disconnected (ECU) and removed. This would stop the lights from alerting the would be buyer to the issue.
Long and short of it is Eu525 plus v.a.t for the new ECU plus one hours fitting and then on to the repairs which in total is 1460.
.
Click to expand...

Sorry Zed I'd say take it to another shop and have them have a look...1400 Euro to replace an ECU ..? Erm why do they want to replace an ECU for disconnected warning lights..? Erm I think somebody is trying a fast one on you. And as for 700 Euro for a timing chain/belt, even with fitting that shouldn't be more than £350, whatever that is in Euro's Get it to another shop to be checked out.
Them Alpha's are good lil motors.
 
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Sorry MadX,
I think i may have confused things a tad.
The new ECU costs 525 and all the other work, wish bones, lamda sensor, rear bushings etc costs another 1400 on top.
The mechanic reckons the last owner got a tip in the front and this triggered the airbag. Rather than replace the airbag the b*****d just removed the ecu which controls the warning lights on the dashboard.
Anyway, its in getting done but i will try and get his price down a bit. I will also challenge his 700 price for fitting the timing belt.
I'm afraid i'm at the mercy of garages these days cos i just can't be bothered fixing cars meself anymore.
Hate to say it but i'm getting too old for that lark lol
 
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