Biting the bullet.

[steve_m]

So, where do you draw the line?
I've spent a fair bit on the X Type since I bought it and it is running really well. Unfortunately the transfer box is on its last legs and leaking all the over the exhaust. Managed to drain a bit out; it must have been well overfilled and what came out bore very little similarity to anything that would useful as a lubricant. Grey doesn't cover it.
I'm looking at £875 to have the transfer box replaced with a used unit.
Add on another £440 to change the clutch (saving £450 over a stand alone clutch job) plus £52 to replace the crank seal which is leaking.
Then another £75 to change out the a/c compressor (again) and £45 for a re-gas.
Add in a gear box oil change, say £50 and I am up to just over £1500.
This is on a car which will be worth a max of £2000 I guess. Still, it should be a good car again.
I have spent hours trolling the classifieds looking at Subaru Outbacks (good cars) and Mitsubishi Outlanders, all available for around that money but generally with higher mileage (mine is nearly on 115,000).
I would really like to change to an auto but if I spend that much on repairs I'll have to hang on to it.

[J44EAG]

Sorry Steve.

In my opinion, that is a uneconomical and none viable list of repairs required to keep this vehicle moving. Every dog has its day. I`d PX the thing in for a vehicle in better condition and perhaps somewhat newer.

Mike.

[steve_m]

What is an X Type with a knackered transfer box worth?
A good one and you will be lucky to get £700 for a trade in.
The rest of the car is in really good condition.
Buying another car is fraught with its own problems as we all know.
At least if I get these things done I know I won't have to worry about them again.

[J44EAG]

Good in theory.....what happens in reality?

You really do need to be certain that the rest of the car is not about to fall to pieces. Remember the X-type is legendary for sill rot. You also have to ask yourself if you will still want to drive an aged car for another five years. Personally, that is the length of time I would expect to be getting in extended life if I were to spend £1500 on repairs.

I once saw an lovely X-type on the ramp at Jagcare. John said to come and have a look at it. I thought that old 308R I owned for a very brief period was bad. This X-type was terminal and easily three times as bad. Look hard enough on Trovit Cars and you will turn up a vehicle in better condition. Keep the cash in your pocket. keep the present X-type for spares and gash the two vehicles together if needed. That is how I used to run Rover SD1 V8`s. Eventually, I cobbled together quite a good car!

Mike

[steve_m]

If you put the £1500 into perspective, £440 of that could be considered preventative maintenance; I am being charged that to do the clutch at the same time whereas that would cost £890 as a stand alone job. I have no idea how long a clutch lasts and it may be unnecessary but then again it could go next week.The crank seal is another £52.
So basically £900 to keep the car going or £1500 to keep it going for a lot longer.
I was under it today (handy having a mechanic with a lift right across the road!) and the sills are fine.
The car is in great condition, just these mechanical niggles letting it down.
As for driving an older car, the youngest I have ever had was 9 years old when I bought it (an XJR6).
Got another one now as back up for the X Type!