I've had the current chariot for 3 years, a 2010 3.6 TDV8 VSE. Now has 64k miles and in three years I've had to replace a fuel tank sender and an EGR valve under warranty, plus the usual servicing. It drives well, has no rusting anywhere and I get silly grin every time I drive it. But...... Within the next month or so it will need a major service and based on wear last time, will need discs and pads all round. On top of that will be 4x Pirelli Scorpions and to finish off, I need to get the rear wash wipe fixed (I don't have the patience, time or skill to DIY) and replace the front off side headlamp washer jet , which has snapped off and apparently is a bumper off repair.

So, I reckon I'm in for at least £3k's worth of work there, plus taxing it. I have the money, but should I chop it in and get a newer one. Problem with that is when I look, I can never find one that ticks all the boxes. The cuurent car has loads of goodies which I'd want on any replacement. To further complicate things, the outstanding finance is about £15k against a p/x of £18k ish, so quite a bit to ponder!

My inclination is to get the work done, pay off the finance and just enjoy. But, paying out near on £20k is a deposit on a L405!

So fellow FFRR folk, what would you do?

Spooky, without seeing this post, just created one that might resonate!

It was imminent £2-3k bill that tipped me into L405 ownership

I'd DIM it (myself rather than yourself).

I've started doing my own servicing which is pretty straight forward, draining the engine oil can get a bit messy but on a normal service that's the most difficult part.

The front washer yet is a bumper off but I reckon I could do it in well under an hour. Rear wiper depends on what needs doing but again nothing complex.

Brake discs and pads again are straight forward, bear in mind most garages tend to do scaremongering about disc thickness. Fundamentally if there's still material and the backing plates aren't touching then they'll still perform. Case in point LR approved service centre moaned about worn brake discs on mine 2 years ago, 2 years later and still no mention of them on MoTs or other garages when they look at them.

But if you're not of the ilk to do things yourself then can't really help

Can't imagine all that costing £3k though Ed

Thanks Sako. If I could DIM, I would. My problem is I don't have a driveway or garage/ outbuilding to work in and lack anything like the dexterity to do car fettling. I used to be able to cope with my old mini, but that was simple, non electronic and didn't need much in the way of skill. But even with that any really technical was left to a proper mechanic. I judt know if Intried I'd make a huge balls up of it and have to shell out to rectify.

Even so Andy - 3K!!! you can do a lot with 3K.

Ive just been quoted £450 inc vat for a major B service on my 4.4 TDV8, Tyres £100 each. Bumper off repair 2 hours - my indie is on £60 ph so say 180 all in, Brake discs say £400 all in.... by my reckoning that will leave you £1570 to repair the rear wash wipe . - I'll do it for half that

Keep it!!!  405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

It seems a shame to chop it in when it's what you want. I did my rear wiper motor, arm and blade in 20 mins. Measuring the disks would take about the same, just popping the odd wheel off. Seriously, this is not hard.

Tell you what - I'm in Hertfordshire, so not a million miles from you. Assuming yours is the same rear wiper as my 2003, I'll do it for you if you bring some biscuits PM me your number and we'll have a chat about what's wrong, I can tell you what you'll need to order and get it done. Apart from anything else you'll be able to sell it privately or get a better PX if it's all sorted. And I'll show you what to do (on my car if you're nervous) so you can see what you can tackle yourself in the future - or make sure you don't get ripped off at least.

Ian

Andy S wrote:

Thanks Sako. If I could DIM, I would. My problem is I don't have a driveway or garage/ outbuilding to work in and lack anything like the dexterity to do car fettling. I used to be able to cope with my old mini, but that was simple, non electronic and didn't need much in the way of skill. But even with that any really technical was left to a proper mechanic. I judt know if Intried I'd make a huge balls up of it and have to shell out to rectify.

Pack it in you lot, he's just used some man maths to justify getting a new one and you lot are acting like his Mrs....

I say, cut your losses, chop it in and get a new one..... Job done....  Pete

__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

When did you meet my wife? Just treated her car to a new clutch and fly wheel too, so wallet took a bit of a hammering there....

Problem with a new FFRR is laying out so much on a car which spends 90% of the time just sitting there. Mrs S 'helpfully' pointed out that a new one would involve me paying out £7k a year from taxed income. My protestations that I could afford it didn't persuade, but it did make me think. She also really likes the current FF!

Get a new one! You sound like you have already made your mind up!

Sensible hat on (well I'm currently wearing a Kangaroo leather wide brimmed hat). I would always say better the devil you know.  Ed

Are you married Ed?

Only to the Land Rovers  Ed