At least they can still be fixed.

[Oldspanners]

A few weeks back the MK2 Golf GTD we've had since new 31 years ago failed its CT (French mot) for the first time because of corrosion on the engine cross member. The previous time I had cut out a section and re-welded it which the owner of the centre commented on as a good repair.
This time however the regulations had changed and it's not permitted to repair a structural member. The tester suggested I try a breaker for another part but the chances of finding one in suitable condition after so long I reckoned was zero.
Anyhow I thought that was it and started to think of something new but spending upwards of €10,000 for a second "shopping car" didn't thrill me. Anyhow after a quick look on ebay I found there were new cross members for €100, which I thought was worth a try.
Arrived in three days, was well made and everything lined up perfectly. After dropping the old one out without a great deal of hassle (lower suspension arms, anti-roll bar, steering rack, engine mounts and cross member mounting bolts) considering it was there for 30 years. I reassembled the new one, taking the chance to change the engine mounts and after a little jiggling all was back together.
Goods as new? I can't remember that far back but for less than €150 and about six hours I'll say yes. But what to get when a replacement becomes necessary, nothing out there at the moment.

 

[peterws1957]

Very satisfying when you can bring a car back from the (almost) dead. I guess most owners won't have your skills to do it though. Well done!

 

[ajlsl600]

Yup frogs a bit pedantic about welding up underside of yr car. If you do it make sure it looks right.

 

[Oldspanners]

Yup frogs a bit pedantic about welding up underside of yr car. If you do it make sure it looks right.

Unfortunately I was told it didn't matter whether it looked right and was structurally sound you can't repair the part. Getting old cars off the road is part of the drive, if I'd to pay for the labour it would have been a new car.
Apparently I could apply for registration as a "voiture de collection" but that comes with restrictions on KMs and staying in your own department.

 

[ajlsl600]

You can, before CT if he can't see a welded reoair he can't fail it, and believe me I have seen a good number. And I have welded all the rotten jacking points on lovelies a classAnyway you solved yr prob and yr car keeps going. Grand. Fair play to you.

 

[grahamcol]

Well done for keeping an old car going. I actually prefer the older cars. I've recently changed to a relatively modern 209 CLK and it's a lovely car really. Somehow though l don't feel entirely comfortable with all the modern electrickery it has and l almost have a fixation that something or other is about to fail. Maybe l need to learn to relax with it. I had no such feelings with the 4 202's l previously owned.

 

[ajlsl600]

You can collect a Lot of info on yr model, problems and fixes. Which one hopes never to need. I am a great believer in forwarned is forarmed.

 

[Frontstep]

My car (known as triggers brush) has had many things replaced many times, MB seemed to build in some weak points but often the answer is out there to keep it going.

Some i have done myself others I get done.

What drives some of us to persist with older cars is perhaps one for the phycologists.

I don't really know why I do it, upbringing,laziness,mean, or is it just a reasonable thing to do ?

I am often asked why I don't, why I haven't, bought a new one.

 

[ajlsl600]

Similar. But new cars have been built to a different criteria, parts are considerably more expensive and makers design to make diy far more difficult, even the dealers struggle. I think as modern cars go the Dacia duster is near as good as gets for relative simplicity. The French love them. In about 2 yrs I will have a good look at one it means lowering expectations, frankly if that leaves me the chance to fix it easily and at little cost I think I might be able to live with the downsize. If was on index linked pension I would think differently.

 

[LostKiwi]

My car (known as triggers brush) has had many things replaced many times, MB seemed to build in some weak points but often the answer is out there to keep it going.

Some i have done myself others I get done.

What drives some of us to persist with older cars is perhaps one for the phycologists.

I don't really know why I do it, upbringing,laziness,mean, or is it just a reasonable thing to do ?

I am often asked why I don't, why I haven't, bought a new one.

Agreed.
Our 210 has 160k miles, still runs well. Still comfortable. Still fits our needs.
It's got rust, dents, scrapes and lacquer peel in places but it just does the job and keeps doing it.
Nicest thing is not having to be precious about where it's parked.
It's also relatively simple to fix with minimal electronics and has a bit of that era of MB build quality.

 

[Oldspanners]

Well done for keeping an old car going. I actually prefer the older cars. I've recently changed to a relatively modern 209 CLK and it's a lovely car really. Somehow though l don't feel entirely comfortable with all the modern electrickery it has and l almost have a fixation that something or other is about to fail. Maybe l need to learn to relax with it. I had no such feelings with the 4 202's l previously owned.

A few years back (as far as I can remember) I did an engine rebuild for a friend on a Austin 10 after which (as a thank you) we went on a owners club drive. Four of us in a Austin 10 on a rainy day reminded me just how comfortable a modern car is but those of the last decade seem to invent problems to have technology cure them. The result is an over complex and heavy machine that needs specialist and expensive maintenance and repair.
I like the Golf because it was well made, still comfortable, interesting to drive, parts are available and in truth if it had air con it would have everything I need in a car.
The W203 is about the limit for me in technology that I'm comfortable with working on, I just don't like being held hostage by dealers for maintenance and repair that only they can do.
I think when it gets to the stage when I am no longer capable, technologically or physically to do repairs, I'll just hire a car. But I still want a 3 or a 3.5 CLK W209!

 

[Oldspanners]

Similar. But new cars have been built to a different criteria, parts are considerably more expensive and makers design to make diy far more difficult, even the dealers struggle. I think as modern cars go the Dacia duster is near as good as gets for relative simplicity. The French love them. In about 2 yrs I will have a good look at one it means lowering expectations, frankly if that leaves me the chance to fix it easily and at little cost I think I might be able to live with the downsize. If was on index linked pension I would think differently.

If it's anything like around here you'll need to get one that still has manufacturer's warranty as after that they just drive them until something breaks or they fail the CT, lucky if they get an oil change.
I looked at a few different makes at dealers and wouldn't touch any of them at the prices quoted. A trip back to the UK to buy and re-registration is still my preference but the end of December may close that option.

 

[daibevan]

This is the first car I've ever bought when the previous car was not "Beyond economic repair", though it was a close call. Economic repair always included second hand parts and zero labour. I think (I hope ), that I will be able to keep my W203 going for a fair few years yet, as I get frightened by some of the tales of woe with some of the newer cars on here.

 

[ajlsl600]

If it's anything like around here you'll need to get one that still has manufacturer's warranty as after that they just drive them until something breaks or they fail the CT, lucky if they get an oil change.
I looked at a few different makes at dealers and wouldn't touch any of them at the prices quoted. A trip back to the UK to buy and re-registration is still my preference but the end of December may close that option.

I have 2 cars here ex uk and re reg. And 2 cars staying on uk plates. As you say, 2nd hand cars here don't take the kick in the balks that happens in the UK. Good if yr French. Always amazes me the state of some older cars here, holes, smoke ect, how they get a CT is a mystery....

 

[LostKiwi]

I have 2 cars here ex uk and re reg. And 2 cars staying on uk plates. As you say, 2nd hand cars here don't take the kick in the balks that happens in the UK. Good if yr French. Always amazes me the state of some older cars here, holes, smoke ect, how they get a CT is a mystery....

Maybe they don't.....
We encountered an expat near us who runs a UK registered car that hasn't had an MOT in years.....

 

[Oldspanners]

Maybe they don't.....
We encountered an expat near us who runs a UK registered car that hasn't had an MOT in years.....

A few UK immigrants around here doing the same.
Interesting when they have an accident and no insurance.

 

[umblecumbuz]

No current tax on a UK-registered car on Malta?
You get towed, and the car ends up in a compound. You won't get either the compound's location or your car back until you get UK road tax.
The way round it is to make sure you don't get caught (it seldom happens and it's pure chance), or do the paperwork by post, then wait for your new road tax to arrive. Then you get clearance to collect your car. Not a straightforward exercise.
Of course, if you have no Mot either, it gets more complicated.
Once bitten, etc ....

 

[ajlsl600]

Maybe they don't.....
We encountered an expat near us who runs a UK registered car that hasn't had an MOT in years.....

We know a guy uses his car here. Cancels his road tax as soon as arrives tax again if going back, somehow arranges mot by phone? No idea how
I think after next yr the French might start checking this. I can't take the risk..

 

[LostKiwi]

Have to say it's a pretty stupid thing to do. I bet they'd be top of the list complaining about untaxed foreign vehicles in the UK.

 

[peterws1957]

We know a guy uses his car here. Cancels his road tax as soon as arrives tax again if going back, somehow arranges mot by phone? No idea how
I think after next yr the French might start checking this. I can't take the risk..

If you know where to go it's apparently possible to get an MOT on anything, although it'll cost. Grossly stupid thing to do both on the part of the owner and the MOT station.