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Paulnz -> RE: BBC property programmes make me angry (10/18/2008 11:23:54 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Aneirin
I would have to disagree with your statement that if you don't have money, buy something like a Beetle, which even if 40 years old will still be a good runner, as I ran a VW air cooled motor for ten years, what skills were lacking in Modern Britain to keep such a simple engine in good order, I had to learn myself, as garages other than expensive specialist air cooled garages, were useless. The other thing, it rains in Britain, in fact it rains a lot, and these 40 year old machines rot and rot fast. The yearly pre MOT servicing usually includes the use of a MIG welder, and the same tool again after the vehicle has failed the MOT to get the bits you missed in the pre MOT servicing.
Oh, yes, they are also thirsty engines, 19 mpg was the norm for my 1600, and I used to drive it in accordance with a vacuum guage/ economy guage.
They are reliable, but the engines are past their best at 70k, most vee dubs around seem to be running if on their origial engines, circa 200k. My first engine was 260k before it self destructed on a hill and set fire to the road.
I'd agree that any cheap old car means you have to be handy with a spanner. The VW is relatively simple and can be kept going more easily than other cars. The expertise with the engine can usually be covered by finding guys who specialise, and they're not found in the main service centres, but more likely through VW clubs. Cars do rot, but if that is taken care of immediately when found, the car can be kept going indefinitely. I'm not saying they're maintenance free, just relatively cheap and uncomplicated.
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