Motoring Advice needed on old car

[`mongoose]

Dear All

We have an old V plate merc a190. It's lovely. It's old however. It's also done alot of miles (100k plus)

The gearbox is about shot on it and it's an automatic. It's a £1200 job to get done and the car's just not worth it.

What's the best way to go about disposing of said automobile? Should I consider selling it spares and repairs or am I better off just scrapping it?

The body work is perfect. Engine is fine - it's been a fantastic little runner tbh. We'd be keeping it if it weren't for the gear box.

I've looked at the scrappage scheme and what with my wife now being a full time mother we can't afford a new car so that's out.

M

 

[Chilly]

scrap it, buy a new car, get £2k back. simple

 

[Malecheon]

I've looked at the scrappage scheme and what with my wife now being a full time mother we can't afford a new car so that's out.

M

scrap it, buy a new car, get £2k back. simple

Reading comprehension is your friend...

 

[Chilly]

ahem

 

[Bob007]

Considered 2nd hand gearbox ? try local scrap yards/car breaker or hit the web, Car Transplants be a good place to start. Bare in mind some places are sold as seen. Try to get someone to give you a warranty even if its only 90 days and do a full oil change on it when it goes in.

 

[Tom]

What is the fault on the gearbox? Is it just displaying certain symptoms, or have bits fallen into the pan?

A £1200 repair can quickly turn into a £100 repair if the fault is correctly diagnosed. I suggest you ask here - Engine, Drivetrain, Fuel and Exhaust - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums (I'm a member there).

Also, for a good second opinion (and alternative price) use this site - Federation of Automatic Transmission Engineers FATE automatic gearbox specialists - they will be able to point you in the direction of a trustworthy gearbox place. You might get a reconned unit for £800 or thereabouts.

Finally, 100k miles + is not high mileage. Mine (E-class) is on 227,500 and its just worn in

 

[`mongoose]

Thanks tom

I'll check it out. It might be an idea to try before we sell it

M

 

[Edmond]

i need a new van, but rather than spending £6k on a second hand one i dont know the history of, i would rather spend £1000 to repair mine that i do know the in's and out's of. Its only worth £2000, but it will get me another few years, especially as the way things are with the credit crunch

 

[Tom]

Pretty much the way I feel. I fancied getting shut of mine and spending 10 grand on a newer Merc, but frankly £1500 will see mine restored to look like new, and I know the engine and gearbox are fine and will easily last another couple of years.