Advice please.

[Digg3r]

Hello fellow Aygo owners. I have just passed my driving test at 42 after being a biker for many years. Yesterday I bought an old banger just as a run around as I get used to driving. The old banger in question is a 2006 semi automatic Aygo. And has....wait for it.... 130k miles. It was cheap and I'm skint due to being made redundant through ill health please don't judge me. Any who,  I have a full service and new tyres booked for tomorrow which it definitely needs but after purchasing it I took it for a once over at my local garage (a kind of pre MOT) the garage said there is some corrosion on the nearside axle mount that could ideally do with welding. My question is, is this safe to do and common practice. I'm worried the car isn't safe. I know very very little with regards to car mechanics and wonder if I have messed up. The only advisory on the existing MOT was tyres and drop pins or something which are on the list tomorrow. Sorry for the long winded post. I just found this forum and thought if anyone knows it's you guys. Thank you 

[Roy124]

Carl, congratulations and commiserations.  I see no problem with a properly done weld repair.

[Digg3r]

5 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Carl, congratulations and commiserations.  I see no problem with a properly done weld repair.

Really? That's a relief. I knew the rear axle had surface rust I expect nothing else from an 18 year old car. I just intended to wire brush it and treat it with an anti rust solution. When they said it needs welding I instantly panicked. I feel reassured now. 

[Agent Orange]

Hi Carl and welcome to the board. 

As Roy says, there is nothing to worry about with a well executed welding job....I get your worries with it being on the axle mount but your garage said that it could ideally do with welding which says to me that it isn't as bad as some cars that they have seen.

If you're worried that you have messed up, then don't....I have seen plenty of 55/56 reg Aygos that look pretty mint, compare them with other cars of the same vintage and they age really well. I wouldn't even worry about the mileage too much either, just keep a close eye on the dipstick as they tend to use a bit more oil with higher miles on the clock.

If you get it serviced, get the MOT advisories done and a new set of boots on it, you will have yourself a grand little car that won't depreciate much more (if at all!!!) and you'll soon realise what a great little car the Aygo is.

I hope that your health improves but if you are able, spend the summer (when and if we get one!) doing any little cosmetic jobs it might need (touch ups, waxoil or similar for underneath, giving it a wash and a wax etc) and your efforts will be repaid.

I don't know too much about the semi automatic box as mine is a manual but they do seem to be liked by the folk on here that have them (or have had them in the past)

Take care, Carl and happy motoring! 

 

[Digg3r]

@Agent Orange thank you for your kind words and reassurance it is much appreciated. I quite like the mmt, I have read mixed reviews but after realising it cannot be driven like an auto for example easing off the gas prior to gear changes and using manual mode approaching junctions to prevent the dreaded first gear clunky, it is actually a fun car to drive. I can't wait to have the service and little jobs done so I can stop stressing and actually enjoy it 🙂

[Agent Orange]

Hi again Carl,

It looks like you've done your homework and know the ropes when it comes to the mmt box, like I say a lot of members on here have had them and like them.

You say the car was cheap but I reckon that you can polish some profit into it (think "Wheeler Dealers" on Quest TV) or just break even if and when your finances and health improve....You can't say that about many "Bangers" can you? 

You are so right, it is a fun car to drive, that's why I've had mine for 12 years now, try a tankful of Shell v-power after the service (I run mine on it all the time), keep your eye on the oil level, check the boot for water ingress (a common problem that has been covered many times on here).....And reelaaax....aah, that's better isn't it?

Oh, if it's 5 door, check the glue attaching the rear side windows, there was a recall a few years back to improve the problem, so it's probably been done and is fine.

Really, apart from those few things, there really aren't that many stock faults....it even has a timing chain so there aren't any belts to change.

As you say, stop stressing and start enjoying! 

Cheers, Carl