AnnoyingPentium

These Superbs are... well... Superb. Have driven both a fairly decent spec 2018 Superb estate in the work and a remapped 2004 9-5 Aero HOT estate belonging to a member of another forum I'm on. Both cars have been amazing, and agree that the Superb is a wonderful modern choice over the 9-5. Can't wait to see how your project unfolds.

Ahem... I think you will find it is a thinking man's Audi. See that's great in principle, but at nearly 150k, anything will **** out it's clutch. I've been looking at an 80k mile Nissan Almera that is needing some small work, but nothing major. Same (ish) age as the Fabia but will still require upkeep. Regardless of what you buy at this age/budget, it may last a long time or go boom in minutes. It's a gamble. I sympathise with being upset that the clutch has failed. However, it's possible on any car really at that mileage or depending on previous owners' driving habits.

It's on 147k miles. If that's the original clutch then it's lasted well, IMO. I wouldn't be as shocked as you are that a car of this age and mileage needs work done. Even mine on 65k has needed some work done on it, such is life when running cars between 15 and 22 years old... I feel old now.

The one going from the battery to the front wing seemed the most problematic. Disconnect the battery then remove the earth at the wing end and clean it with an abrasive like a nail file or sandpaper.

I will screech this like a banshee till I'm blue in the face... CHECK YER EARTHS.

Ah **** I'm offski at the moment unfortunately. Sorry!

Hoping so. Low mileage seems to be what would help it to sell as everyone seems to go "ermahgerd low mileage" these days regardless of how a car may have been looked after.

Pretty much. Ideal runaround/shopping car as well. I've been trying that but prices are all over the place. I'm aiming between £1,300/£1,400 I reckon.

Cheers for the feedback, Nigel. The official advert will definitely not be like that. That's just for presenting honestly for valuation purposes etc. Likewise for the photos, new ones of the emptier car will be taken before sale ad goes up. I'm in no rush for it to go as the replacement won't be ready for a little while. I've got a lot of time to put things right too. I'll maybe provide a more detailed response in the morning to each individual point you've made here as it's rather late now.

@DieselMonte is better elaborating as to what they are. Meant to be like a more mild RARB, but without as much of the strength of one, plus cheaper. Also meant to say that they've yet to be fitted. Got them here though along with the polybushes.

Probably more than the car is worth to put it right, at least in the eyes of the insurance. With the right knowhow of qualified professionals that could probably be put right provided it isn't completely FUBAR underneath etc. That sucks though, man. Glad you're okay.

Not a for sale post. Going to be punting this on soon (or so I claim) but was wanting to pick the brains of yous on thoughts of values etc. The Good: Low mileage. 65,100 miles or thereabouts. Has had money spent on it. Got a big fat ****ing booklet thing to confirm that. Nice shiny alloy wheels from a Bohemia. Steels are available for now. It hasn't been put through a hedge (touch wood). It's a whole car, which given some of the absolute rotheaps you see on the road, is very good. Hunner an' eighty quid VED. 40+ MPG (resolving fuelling issues at time of writing typing) Nice shiny new headlights. "Angry" (not my words, those of someone else) sounding three pot engine. (1.2 12v BME, manual) Good spec... heated mirrors, front fog lights, ABS, two air bags, Skoda Symphony HU (or VW Gamma) with 8 speakers (all four mids have been upgraded for Pioneers). Handles well. Rear beam clamps (Edit: soon to be fitted). Soon to have front console bushes polybushed. Air con that... well... cons the air. The Bad: Air con makes weird noises while running. Something is clunking (WIP). Overfuelling (WIP). Driver's seat padding is a bit poor. Service history... uhhhhhhh moving on. Seriously though, it's got two services documented, both by me so you know they're good . Looked to have been recently serviced when I did it the first time. The Ugly (being honest, see pics): Dents Scratches Key marks Small lacquer peels Mild surface rust on rear sills. General nonsense: Cosmetics are what let this car down. So if you're a vain and shallow buyer who obsesses over cosmetic ****e, then this is not for you. Otherwise, buy and drive without worrying (just not yet). Has many interior and exterior modifications including new gearknob gaiter, mudguards, wind deflectors, alloy wheels (as mentioned), pre-facelift rear lights and so on. I honestly have no idea what it's worth. But a rough estimate would be quite nice. It's just a simple, honest car. 'Nuff said. Photos below:

And here's me... backing ****e up to floppy disks.

If your car is anything like me, it's just having a moment at having to think too much.

Yes, and Ford Focii (one Focus, two Focii) in "RS" spec, allegedly.

I'm still getting overtaken by ****wits in Mk1 Fabias and Boras on smoke maps.

Just to add that the unbranded one in Coylton is actually a Thames garage. The cheapest is either Allardyce's in Auchinleck (a Jet garage, 1.689 a litre) or Pace at the back of Cumnock heading for Logan, Lugar, and Muirkirk (1.729 a litre).

At the moment the BP opposite the Station Hotel is cheaper than Morrisons though, according to my Granda.

What he said. I did this job with my Grampa. What we did first was park the car up facing the garage door (any brick wall will do) and then turned the lights on, marking a line where the beams are on the old lights. Replaced the lights. At this point the bumper got removed too in order to make the headlight fitting much easier, plus it allowed me to sort out the hideous panel gaps (which still aren't right, but closer). Fitted new lights, adjusted them to suit the beam pattern of the old ones and it's been fine since. No issues at the MOT either... Well no issues with the headlights at least. I don't know about you, but I was too OCD to replace the one headlight, so did both. Looks better too. EDIT: I've found this photograph from when I changed the headlights. The difference in lenses is quite something, especially when driving at night. You don't have to remove the bumper and sit it elsewhere, just wriggle it forward enough to have a workable space.

How are things going with your Octy now?

Each one adds 5 bhp, mind.

Och aye... the Scottish Special Edition, is it not?

@Stewartasb - I wouldn't worry about killing time till something goes wrong... it's only a matter of time before something goes anyway on a Mk1 Fabia. Fingers crossed mine has got me to Perth today... just getting back, new noises too...

Frankly, I prefer this John Shuttleworth masterpiece...