Magnet

Welcome Karl, Does this model have air suspension? If so, I wonder if the ‘motor’ they are referring to might be the compressor. If air suspension, have you noticed anything different in ride heights of late? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Greg, Treat this car like the local vicar would, to improve your chances of the clutch lasting as long as it does. Build up speed very gently when entering dual carriageway. Sorry, can’t resist this :- don’t do duels with dual carriageways! Good luck with getting it to last. Kind regards, Gareth.

Classic car clubs usually know of private enthusiasts who are capable of recommissioning. Well worth investigating. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Neil, We can only go with the information we are given, and that includes ‘Battery was tested by RAC’. Rest assured that if the breakdown services can (justifiably?) sell you a battery, they most certainly will! Not having done so, makes it pretty clear that they found the current battery to be serviceable.

Hello Neil, I’ve ruled out battery issues being the primary cause since Kelly has attempted to jump start it without any change. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Kelly, I think I get the situation that the starter motor isn’t actually turning the engine over (as it would normally do when you turn the key). By standers saying ‘it’s not even turning over…’ confirms my understanding. Who replaced the starter motor - not RAC-? Whoever, you need to get them back to sort it. Could be a number of wiring associated causes, so it sounds like an hour out with an auto electrician, or your friendly local garage. it’s likely the original starter motor wasn’t faulty. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Neil, and thanks for joining. It sounds as if it’s trying to lock the car, as it should do with the ‘drive away’ locking- or whatever it is called - whereby the vehicle locks itself at speeds above an arbitrary 8mph. Not sure, but my initial stab at it would be a suspect driver door lock - hopefully others might be more specific for you. All in all, it sounds like getting it plugged in for faults, and/or the need for the services of an auto electrician. Perhaps you could keep us posted Neil. Kind regards, Gareth.

Have you checked on EBay Chris? Also registered you want with on-line breaker link systems such as Partsfinder and others -? Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Kelly and thanks for joining. When you say it (still) doesn’t start, do you mean the starter motor still doesn’t turn the engine over, or it does turn it over but it won’t start the car? Either way, I think it’s going to be difficult to identify the cause without having the car to assess and test, but please let us have an answer to above first. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Jean, I would suggest you do a search for local classic car clubs around your area. If you cannot find a multi-make club, then it’s worth approaching say the local branch of the MG Owners, since they will have a larger club base. You can then talk to one of the club officials and ask their advice on what local garages are ‘sympathetic’ to classic cars. You can then approach these and outline your recommissioning requirements. Perhaps you could let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Chris, Re updating:- asked a couple of times. Objective:- your experience and our advice builds up the picture which will be of help to others in similar situations in the future. Without your updating, everything degenerates to no avail. Kind regards, Gareth.

I’m not sure why you visit the forum Chris- as recent as the 14th August - yet are not prepared to update us -?

Any chance you can comeback to us Daryl, and let us know how you got on - for the benefit of other members in the future. Many thanks, Gareth.

Great. Please let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks for coming back Jonathan, but sorry to hear you din’t get very far at your dealer. Did you actually visit them, armed with your photo and VIN, or did you make a telephone or perhaps an e-mail contact? Kind regards, Gareth.

Many thanks for coming back Matt. I can understand the VAG specialist wanting to fit genuine dealer parts, but if the vehicle is off the road (VOR) then fitting an aftermarket one - Hella for example- to return the car to the road, would seem to be an acceptable option, pending a dealer part coming back into stock. Full choice on EBay - from too cheap to reasonable price for quality. I think you will find there are numerous members on here who use reputable aftermarket parts to good effect. Just a thought Matt. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Richard, Estate springs are likely to be firmer that saloon ones, so you will be off to a good start on that. Worth having a word with the good folks at Parts in Motion down in your neck of the woods at Exeter. They will point you to a variety of available brands inc. Febi, Apec etc. I doubt - but could be wrong- that there are beefed up springs for towing. You will obviously enquire. If these new springs prove not to be ‘firm’ enough for your towing needs, then you could consider spring assisters - as mentioned. Keep us posted on what you intend to do Richard. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Jonathan, Try LLL Parts website. They may well have an exploded view of it - with its part no. May well be a dealer only part, so why not try there first? At least you will then be armed with what it is called, even if they won’t give you a part number. Kind regards, Gareth. p.s. Let us know how you get on.

Hello Benny, Sorry to hear that. Another option to consider:- Find a ‘volume’ importer of specialist vehicles on EBay:- example - Nissan Elgrandes are regularly imported from Japan, as are many of the low mileage Jaguar XJs - X350 models. These folks will know the ropes and may be prepared to give you some useful contact details. Worth a try, in my book. Perhaps you would let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Gareth.

Any answers James, and have you PM’d the original poster?

Thanks Stephen, Regrettably £110/hr. at substantial garages is about the norm. - whether we like it or not, and whether we can afford it or not - it is what it is. Options:- DIY. Some owners have the tools, equipment and knowledge to carryout most repairs on their vehicles. We on here, recommend sources of good value parts at reasonable prices, so overall costs are kept as low as possible. The level of DIY capabilities will obviously vary, so inevitably some repairs will need to be contacted out. Contracting out:- the smaller the garage, the lower the overheads, and consequently the lower the hourly rate. Local knowledge and asking about if the only way in which anyone is going to find such garages in their particular areas. Recommendations are great if you can find them. Least cost route:- find a local one man band fitter who does such jobs. Again only found via. local knowledge and enquiries. Hope this explains where we can be at with this Stephen. Summary:- find a local one man repairer who is prepared to do this at say c£50/hr. max. Ask if you can supply the parts. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Jessica, glad you are enjoying it. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Richard, A 17 year old estate car is likely to have been used to carry loads during its lifetime, and the springs will have deteriorated, and would obviously now benefit from renewal. Before doing this, I would be seeking advice from a local towing equipment specialist, who would be able to advise on additional aids such as sorting assisters etc. - in addition to the new springs. Uprated springs available? Whether fitting such would result in adverse ride conditions in normal non- tow situations? How often do you tow? Perhaps you could come back to us Richard.

Thanks for joining Malcolm. Pessimistic, but I doubt whether anyone on here would be able to recommend a suitable source in New Zealand. Have you conducted an on-line search for such a service? Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Andrew, I have removed your e-Mail address from the advert, since this is an open forum. Interested parties can contact you by PM on here. Apologies, but I inadvertently deleted all the photos - meant to reduce just to the one which is needed! Sorry. Could you please resubmit one of your choice. Good luck with the sale, and please let us know when it sells. Kind regards, Gareth.