I've started this as i took another thread slightly off topic, i know thats unusual here..;)

Ifithelps and i had started a little discussion on the possibility of old fashioned repair not replace methods coming back very soon as this recession worsens.

[[ But all we hear at the moment is "it's ten years old and not worth spending 50p on". ]]

I wonder if we might be glad to buy that 15 year old carina soon, older fashioned but basically sound design.

[[ Part of the reason is I'm sure parts are now much more expensive in relation to cars. ]]

But are parts really more expensive now, or have we got lazy or is that so many parts are no longer 'user serviceable' like washing machines, can we even obtain those parts now?

Over the years i've done loads of cheap fixes, re rubber complete braking systems instead of replacing master cyls and calipers, having clutch plates relined instead of a complete clutch assembly, slipping new bushes/brush packs into alternators and starters. All of these fixes reducing £100 to £500 bills to £10 to £50 bills.
Engine starts smoking/knocking? Quick strip down, decoke, regrind valves and new valve stem seals, possibly re-ring and shell if needed, £thousands reduced to £hundreds.
Last set of diesel injectors i had overhauled for £40 the lot (Renault 21), seems almost a lifetime now, and the costs i hear of similar work runs to ridiculous figures.

Obviously the newer computerised everything cars will be almost impossible to fix without the use and knowledge of very complex equipment, will we see a renewed demand for those superb easy to work on a well designed cars of 80's/90's, carina/corolla/primera/cavalier/405/loads more contenders.

Are all those parts available any more, like most here i've been enjoying the more favourable economy and have run the types of vehicles i only dreamed of 25 years ago, so i'm out of touch, but i wonder if we might be going to find out soon.


{Putting words inside the symbols "<>" makes them invisible. Post amended using [[ ]] instead} Read more

Settled on replacing SWMBO's 1.3 Corolla with a Focus, which fulfils her criteria of not being showy, cheap to run, reliable and big enough but not too big. 1.6 engine.

It will do 8,000 miles a year, and I calculate (allowing for differentials in fuel costs, servicing, mpg, road tax) that Drivethedeal's prices would allow us to recoup the additional premium for a diesel car over a petrol one in 3 years. These calcs based on a Zetec.

So ... which is it to be? Do we take the "guaranteed" savings a diesel will bring after three years, and gamble on the engine and DMF lasting well, or do we go for the simpler petrol engine and running costs without the prospect of big surprises?

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looking for a 12v battery feed in the boot to wire up a canbus relay. does anyone know where i might find one? Read more

I see in the news section that us motorists that play by the rules and keep ourselves legal are paying over the odds for our car insurance as a direct result.
I dare say that's stating the obvious anyway.

Forgive my memory here but i seem to remember when i were but a young pup that being caught without car insurance would mean being banned and rightly so, but these days its just a few points and the crushing of the worthless vehicle.

Preaching to the converted here but isn't it about time this offence was raised to a much more serious 'criminal' level, with many thousands of pounds fine's followed immediately by bailiffs instructed to remove anything of value to recover.
At the moment the penalty is cheaper than insuring. Read more

Bond Equipe FH in faded red going thro Northampton - driven by older fella in shirt and tie.
I was dead chuffed as never seen one on the road before. Read more