Car repairs - what would you do?

[DebbieE]

I got bit of a nasty shock yesterday when I took my car to the garage to look into a couple of warning lights that came on at the weekend. Basically my ABS control unit has gone kapput & will cost about £900 to replace it incl VAT & labour.

Now - what do peeps think of the options

1. Do I pay & keep hold of the car for a couple of years, or
2. Part exchange it for another car (I have seen a similar car only 2 years old)

My car is prob worth about £1200 (p/ex) but do garages look at the condition or mechanical condition when p/ex-ing? I think not but DH reckons they should be told of any problems.

The garage have told me that the car is still safe to drive but obviously without ABS working. Also said that it would fail an MOT with this fault. Luckily MOT is not due until Nov so I have a bit of time. Interested in peoples thoughts.

As far as money is concerned we can't easily afford either but I don't want to start chucking money at something that's just not worth it iyswim.

[mhoc]

Please can we have the make, model and condition?

Also is it the sole car in your house and do you use it for vital things like work and school runs?

[DebbieE]

The car is essential as I use it for work & school runs. DH has is own car for work.
Mine is 8 years old quite clean & has been a good car - I don't think the model's too relevant

[obscure]

8 yrs old and this may be the start of a list of things going wrong. Mine has just reached the same point! ONe good thing about the credit crunch is that garages are geting desperate, so it is probably as good a time as any to change it. I am thinking of doing the same.

I would be careful with the part ex, you will be taking it to a different garage I hope? They will see the ABS warning light so I dont think you can hide it. However, as they are getting desperate you never know what they may offer....... Worth a try, they never make much on the part ex cars AFAIK, so may not care. If you dont get what you are looking for then get it mended and you have not lost anything :)

Check that part ex is the best deal though, as they are landed with the old car they dont give such deep discounts, if the car is only worth £1000 you might get more off for a non-part ex deal than that. Ask about both, you can sell the old one privately then too even if not perfect.

I hope it works out for you

[MissMolly]

If it was a 'main dealer' you went to, I'd ask around to see if anyone knows of a good local mechanic who'd prob be able to do the job for a lot less....

good luck :D

[mhoc]

OH says that there are plenty of places to get a control unit for a lot less than that and to try the internet

(that does not sound very helpful, still have to get someone to fit it.)

[DebbieE]

All helpful stuff - thanks

I have had a look on the 'web but not sure of best sites to try but I may also suggest if they can get hold of a reconditioned one.

The garage I went to don't buy/sell cars - just repairs/MOT/servicing.

Also thought that about credit crunch being best time to buy. Seen 1 car, 2 yrs old for just under £5k.

The chap said it would be an hours labour at £50 but the main cost was of the unit (& pump I think). Did a search last night & found a forum that had a few peeps over the last 2 yrs where same thing went wrong & they were quoted a similar (or higher) price