I've had a look through a number of the coolant related issues on here but haven't found one that matches what's happening on my vrs:

 

The coolant level checks out ok in the bottle - I can then drive the car for say 10 miles and then coolant light comes on.  Pop the bonnet and check the level - sure enough it's dropped down.  Open the coolant reservoir and the coolant rushes back into the bottle and the level is ok again.  It'll then be ok for a few miles before doing the same again.  Any ideas what's going on?  I'm a bit confused! 

The system is pressurising, when you release the pressure the coolant returns to the correct level, you have a head gasket problem.

Thanks for the quick reply - thought that might be the issue.  Question is - is it worth fixing - the car has 136K on it and the bodywork and interior are tired.

Thanks for the quick reply - thought that might be the issue.  Question is - is it worth fixing - the car has 136K on it and the bodywork and interior are tired.

 

If you can afford to replace the car and sell it for spares or repair then no, it's not worth the cost and the aggro.

If you can afford to replace the car and sell it for spares or repair then no, it's not worth the cost and the aggro.

 

I can just about afford a replacement - I was planning on running it for another year and then chopping it in against something else but I can bring the replacement forward.  Chopping the car in isn't really an option now - I don't have the cheek to turn up with a car that's dropping water on the ground and steaming from the expansion tank  :p

 

I guess I can cherry pick the good bits and flog them off then scrap the rest.  Gutted really.  It's been a great car for the 7 years I've had it and I've just had four new tyres and new discs and pads all round (less than 500 miles ago).  Anybody want a knackered Fabia?  :p

I can just about afford a replacement - I was planning on running it for another year and then chopping it in against something else but I can bring the replacement forward.  Chopping the car in isn't really an option now - I don't have the cheek to turn up with a car that's dropping water on the ground and steaming from the expansion tank  :p

 

I guess I can cherry pick the good bits and flog them off then scrap the rest.  Gutted really.  It's been a great car for the 7 years I've had it and I've just had four new tyres and new discs and pads all round (less than 500 miles ago).  Anybody want a knackered Fabia?  :p

 

Stick it on the bay as drive-away spares or repair, declare the HG fault and you're golden, someone will buy it and fix it up themselves if you leave enough meat on the bone to make it worth their while.

Stick it on the bay as drive-away spares or repair, declare the HG fault and you're golden, someone will buy it and fix it up themselves if you leave enough meat on the bone to make it worth their while.

 

Probably my best option - the tyres / discs / pads have done less than 500 miles so that's got to be worth something.