http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201604163033379/usedcars?logcode=visc

Wheels must be worth £100

I know he'll take a ton to get rid of it, as I called him. Stepson was interested.

What would be the most important issues to look for (rot or drivetrain)?

MOT history

Cam belt, clutch, history and servicing.

The link for the MOT history isn't working so here's total car check.

https://totalcarcheck.co.uk/FreeCheck?vdm=s850lgw

Inspect that corrosion that keeps getting flagged.

A bit ropey looking but you can't argue with the price

Dent removal guy to sort the dent - £75-100.

Add side trim £50.

Tart up the rusty wing.

Good valet.

Might it be on the V car register with the side damage? - edit, clearly not as its shown on MOT history as an advisory for last few years.

Easy worth £500-1000 after that.

My only concerns would be structural corrosion and a terminal drivetrain problem, but at that price you'd probably make your money back if you broke it for bits.

If it was up to me, I'd go and look at it, but I don't think MrsC would be too impressed, even though I told her she could do a paint job on it...

ETA: Next cheapest on Autotrader is £990...

Cheaper than a hire car, especially if it lasts until the end of September when the MOT expires - summer fun with the top down!

If ever you needed a definition of unloved, this must be it

Got a quote from MoreThan - just to see... £450 to insure it TPFT? 50-year-old with 9 years' NCB. Having a laugh!

Direct Line a more reasonable £200...

So MoreThan are more than Direct Line? Nice to see them living up to their name!


Have you tried:
http://www.comparethemarket.com/

No. I always assumed I'd have to shoot myself if I ever had anything to do with that advert.

ETA: Direct line cheaper by £28.

Going to see it tomorrow. The bloke said he couldn't hold it, because at that price he just wants it off his pitch!

Personally I wouldn't waste your time. It's had any number of serious advisories over the years. If the car was anything like, the dealer wouldn't be asking £100. I think you'd be lucky to make it home.

Disagree. Look at the size of the guys forecourt. Its never something he would retail and its a cheap px car he has priced as scrap.

At that price, provided when you go the car starts drives and stops and isn't too far I would say it was worth a punt.

As long as it hasn't gone this afternoon, I'm going to see it and if it isn't made of cheese and "starts, drives and stops" as jonno says, then I think I'll take a punt.
The flaw in my plan is that I can't drive both cars home, so are there any FCCUK-types near Poole who can host a shagged Golf until the weekend?

Wish I could help with the logistics, Jim. The Merc and the trailer are here if they help.

That's a very kind offer, Rich. It could be a great solution if you don't mind...

I'll pm you...

Yes definitely a punt for £100! Especially as it has mot. Why not indeed

It'll probably be sold!

Looking forward to the next installment of "buy a banger with uncle Jim"

Hope Ed China is involved.

Just keep in mind that a MOT is essentially worthless. All it means is that for 30 minutes or so enough of the car was able to meet the minimum standards. You may find yourself having to do work so you can legally drive it.

You'll want to check the exhaust is still attached and that you have chance to start the car hot and cold. The emissions have been flagged on 2 occasions.

Well, having slept on it and looked again at a) the sums and b) the pictures, I've decided to give it a miss after all.

It's a four-hour round trip and I think it's just too shabby to polish up and sell for a profit and I don't want to get into hundreds of pounds of repairs that I'll never make back.

Oh well, there will undoubtedly be another scheme...!

Well I for one am absolutely gutted with your hasty overnight decision Jim

After the Mercedes experience and the unforgettable LDV journey you had I really was looking forward to a Summer of 'Help Jim' threads.

However, how about a Pininfarina-styled cabrio..... to work your magic on??

Thanks bezzer; it means a lot knowing that I can always rely on you for support.

@bezzer It's Jim's threads I come to for entertainment

I have a later version of one of those Pininfarina-styled cabrios, will be selling it soon, hopefully I'll get more for it than that

Ah, I see. You mean that's a bit tame. Ok, here is a real challenge for you..!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-FIAT-PAND...725.m3641.l6368

Even comes with its own "emergency exit" rear window (or you can also escape through the hole in the chassis)

I'm also disappointed here - would love to see someone take this on! Still time to change your mind again Jim.

Having said that, the 306 is a much better looking car.

The problem is that once I've added up all the costs of fetching and fettling it, it is going to owe me more than other newer, lower mileage, nicer examples.

If we just wanted a cheap runabout, it would be different, but we can't justify it for the hell of it. Sadly, because I'd still love to do it for the craic.

Find me a van for similar money and I'd do it!

ETA: I've always liked the 306 Cabrio, but MrsC threatened Jimexit over it...

Is that a challenge Mr C?

That depends; are you asking me before or after I speak to MrsC?

Well we certainly don't want to see any kind of Jimexit, so maybe a little word in her ear first.