www.iva.co.uk

Think Car has given up Ghost today- think I'm going to try and live without one-my only regret is going to be unable to visit Car Boot Sales when they start again and the inconvience of catching a bus to visit friends and family within 6 miles.

DK that's not good at all! How are you going to manage without one? I know I couldn't!!

Well Jan -my car needs a new tyre,battery,suepension and due for a service. Tax also needs renewing at end of month,Car has 1.6 engine,can't justify paying insurance for a car used as a runaround,work is ten minute walk away. won't get much for it as scrap, will have to save for a cheap 1.1

That's a big ouch! for repairs!!

At least you can get to work easily.

Dinky,

I'm gonna make an assumption that you're car is reasonably old, due to its having 'given up the ghost'. So here's a few sugestions which may help.

1) Service: Realisticly speaking, a service on an older car is simply changing a few bits. Is it possible you could do this yourself (or have a friend who could help)? An air filter, oil filter, spark plugs and some oil should come in at under £40. (Remember a new sump plug washer too!)

2) Tyre, Battery: If you have a local breakers (scrapyard) these bits could be sourced much more cheaply. The tyre may even be mounted on a wheel for your car, meaning its a simple job of changing a wheel.

3) Suspension: Not a lot I can suggest about this one, unless you're mechanically minded. Although i'd try and get a couple of 'second opinions' from trusted garages just to make sure you're not having your leg lifted.

4) Insurance: If you only use the car as a runaround, try limiting the mileage on your insurance, the real break is at 3000 miles per year. Also, if you could walk to work, take 'commuting' off your policy, this tells your insurer that the car isnt on the road during rush hour, when most accidents happen and could reduce your premium.

Finally, beware of falling into the trap of changing your car to save money, it false economy. I'm a car salesman and regularly see customer do just that, and in the end it saves them nothing as the money spent buying the new car could have been spent repairing the one they have that they know the history of.

Hope this comes across as helpful and not condescending.

DK

Do you know what needs doing to the Suspension ?
the others bit will need changing on any car over the next 5 years.
I look after a few friends cars one of them is 15 years old, and is a good as any newer car.

I would love to not have to be a slave to the car! But simply couldn't be without it!

Paul

Me neither!!!

I've really lost confidence in my car lately,It has a 1.6 engine which means my insurance is high regardless of 10yrs NCB. Needed Jump starting the other day and all the lights on dashboard won't go out now,it's full of rust and I can't afford replacing it at the moment!

Does sound as though it's had it's day DK!!

Sorry to hear about your car Dunkynuts..hopefully once you're in full swing of the IVA you'll be able to make some savings..that or you could sweet talk your folks into making it an extra special and early xmas present!!
Oh and have you had your paperwork through yet confirming everything? I haven't but am assured its on its way!! x

No sign of Paperwork yet,Vimto

It should be with you soon.

Thanks Jan


words of wisdom as usual x

Go for it dunkynuts! My car went to the scrapyard in the sky and I lived without one for a while. It was a little inconvenient but my thighs were firmer from all the walking and I didn't have the worry and expense of keeping an old car on the road.

The only reason I got my car back is because I spent over £400 per month on public transport and my commute was horrible. ..bus, tube, bus each way LOL.

In your circumstance, I would defo have another go living without a car!! [:)]