Using a Mondeo st200 as a daily...

[mgmrw]

Mar 5, 2016 22:44:09 GMT mjphotography2016 said:

if you think the ST is bad try running and owning an oddball mercedes, £150 Each for rear brake Disc's £200+ vat for a distributor cap £90+ vat for the rotor arm £1,286 + vat for the HT Lead set!!!

at least your ford dealer knows what car it is, i went to ford years ago looking for mk2 granada parts there computer system never even listed the granada yet alone any parts for one then there was the 2.9 xr4x4 sierra, try finding front (down pipe) sections

Agree with this. Dad has 1984 280ce (w123) and a good chunk of parts are dealer only. 6-12 week back order, from Germany. Usually some basic trim pieces and seals means parting with £100s.

His 1964 230sl is easier to get bits for by miles.

My 1991 Rover 220 GTI is either feast or famine... Tonnes of some bits at £3 such as filters, stat, water pump etc.. But then items like engine mounts are discontinued and if they do exist you're looking at £200+

Exhaust? You got 2 choices, cheap kak such as bosal which last 12 months if lucky. Or part with £650+ for stainless.

All of these pale into insignificant £ amounts compared to maintaining my derv Saab 9-3 on 20,000 miles a year. Its appetite for £££ is awe inspiring.

Makes dads DB7 look low fuss....

[theheap]

I'm glad it's not just me suffering lol

[darrenh]

i keep reminding myself that this is the path we chose. if we wanted "easy" we'd be driving round in a toyota aygo

[theheap]

I have alread considered parking this up and getting something "normal".
I was going to buy a punto last Saturday. Spoke to my insurance and they won't insure it! The option they gave me was a new policy at £1280 and a £30 cancellation fee as I'll be staying with them. So I got a quote elsewhere for £475 with another insurer but my insurer will want £125 for cancelling and leaving them!!

This would still work out cheap although a serious ssip take in my eyes. So I thought sod it I'll stick with the Mondeo.

[mgmrw]

Mar 8, 2016 13:09:38 GMT darrenh said:

i keep reminding myself that this is the path we chose. if we wanted "easy" we'd be driving round in a toyota aygo

Had this very discussion with my wife a few times of late. She's from proper non-car folk family, so a car is something you change as soon as it costs more than an MOT and some super cheap 13" budgets.

I've now got far too used to some poke under my right foot, handling when needed, and space for my big ass body behind the wheel to go down the "white goods" route.

Thank god for credit cards, eBay and the internet.

[s1105117]

I went back to full time education a while back, (don't worry i still work too!) and with a young family now as well. I have very empty pockets... would I want an easy modern? No!!! I'll admit my retro (a mondeo) isnt expensive really, but still it costs but hey new cars cost more!! And I have so many friends who's newer cars are bust at an astronomical cost to them. But ultimately if you like old cars, find one you really like, can afford and enjoy it! People who paint cant complain about the costs of brushes! :-) stillbi do feel the pain of spending the cash! :-)