Honest advise guys!!

[ponydust]

Hi all

I have a dilemma.

I have a 2003 (52) cupra r in red, just turned on 58000 miles. I know it will need a service soon including cambelt, water pump etc so do i:

1) Get it serviced spending in the region of £500 and keep it or:

2) Sell it private now and put £1000 in the fund and get a newer plate??

Also, what would be the estimated value? I've seen a couple on autotrader that are comparable for around £9300, is that fair?? Also is it essential to get the cambelt done at 60k? I've heard 70 or 80k is also fine?

Help!!

Thanks

Mark

 

[Kris]

How has the car been? If its been reliable keep it and do the work, you can't beat a reliable car no mater what numbers/letters are on the front and back!

 

[Kris]

If you don't do the cambelt now you will only have to do it when the waterpump goes! Usually the same month of you wifes b'day and your family holiday. I don't like expensive surprises!

 

[RobM]

Even if you do decide to sell it, getting it serviced will make it much easier to sell and will give people or traders one less reason to haggle the price down too. So in any case, get it serviced.

Plus you never know what may happen, finding a new car might take longer than you expect and you really don't want to miss a service if you're still depending on it.

But to be honest, I'd keep the car. The mileage is still reasonable, so if it's been reliable and you're happy with it, keep it. I don't see the point in chopping it in for a new car which you will lose more money on in depreciation. Perhaps when your car hits 80+k miles, but not at 50k, that's nothing for a good German engine!

 

[del 77]

i had mine in at seat yesterday, mine has done 57k (cupra turbo) i asked about the cam belt and was told it doesnt need changing till 120K

 

[RobM]

i had mine in at seat yesterday, mine has done 57k (cupra turbo) i asked about the cam belt and was told it doesnt need changing till 120K

Get that in writing! Seriously. Ask for the garage to confirm that in writing, as if it snaps before then you're in for one hell of a big bill. But if they confirm it in writing you have some comeback, as it will almost certainly need changing long before then!

 

[Kris]

I have been told 120K before but....

Would you want to risk it!

up 80k would be the most i'd do

 

[ponydust]

How has the car been? If its been reliable keep it and do the work, you can't beat a reliable car no mater what numbers/letters are on the front and back!

Yer, it's been fine Kris, just the usual - replaced the tempreture switch with the new green topped one, apart from that nothing!! (ohh and the fabia rear wiper, but that was me being anal!!)

 

[Kris]

I might be shot for this but...

The biuld quality on the newer VAG cars is getting a bit shoddy!
My 2000 leon was better put together that some 2005 leons I have seen.

Worth considering?

 

[del 77]

Get that in writing! Seriously. Ask for the garage to confirm that in writing, as if it snaps before then you're in for one hell of a big bill. But if they confirm it in writing you have some comeback, as it will almost certainly need changing long before then!

will have it out with them, when im next there, and will definately ask for it in writing if they say it again.

 

[Kris]

Is the real truth that your bored with the car a fancy a new one?!

And you want us to justify you getting a new one?

I get bored within 1 year of owning a car.

 

[ajoellew]

I doubt an extra grand will buy you a significantly newer/lower milegage car. You'd probably just find yourself in the same situation in 6 months time! Any remotely savvy buyer will use the fact it needs a new cambelt to knock you down on price anyway.

I'd stick with it and get the work done yourself.

 

[Tallpaul]

will have it out with them, when im next there, and will definately ask for it in writing if they say it again.

Just get it done. Even if you get it in writing and it breaks, you'll still have to pay for the cost of replacing the cambelt and associated labour but the dealer/SEAT UK *should* pay for any damage caused from the failure. But then you'll have the hassle of breaking down somewhere, getting the car to the dealer, arguing the toss over who's liable and waiting weeks for it to be resolved.

If price is an issue an independant VAG specialist will happily do the job for £200 - 250.

Anyone that waits more than 5yrs/60k is asking for trouble, whatever the numpty dealer tells you.

 

[andycupra]

your planning to spend £1,000 on a newer car to avoid spending £500 on servicing...?

the new car will need servicing at some point. it will also perhaps have more depreciation.
although it all depends on mileage etc.

i think if you can get a GOOD price for yours and pick up a newer one for a bargain price then why not.


one option would be to part exchange it for another. a garage will most likely worry less about it needing the service than a private buyer.
on other hand you may sell it privately to someone whos not done their research...
all comes down to how much you get for it?

try selling it for high money then if no bites trade it in?

 

[cliveyp]

i had mine in at seat yesterday, mine has done 57k (cupra turbo) i asked about the cam belt and was told it doesnt need changing till 120K

I was told 4 years regardless of mileage is the recommended when mine was in for a service last month.

 

[Hicks]

I was told (by the local dealer) it was 80k for the cambelt change.

 

[ponydust]

Is the real truth that your bored with the car a fancy a new one?!

And you want us to justify you getting a new one?

I get bored within 1 year of owning a car.

Yer, i suppose so!! I just get nervous when cars reach the 60k mark, i thought if i sold it now i could get a lower mileage one and be happy!!

 

[Nathanio]

60k is no mileage for a VAG car! Thats peanuts! Its only just been run in! Service it and keep it!

Get your car done at an independent specialist at a cheaper price than the stealers!

 

[CupraUK]

Vagtech told me its 80k when I went for my 60k sevice.

 

[ponydust]

60k is no mileage for a VAG car! Thats peanuts! Its only just been run in! Service it and keep it!

Get your car done at an independent specialist at a cheaper price than the stealers!

Yer, think i'm going to keep it, thanks for your honest opinions. Does anyone know a indepndent VAG specialist in the norfolk/cambridgshire area? I'm 20 miles from peterborough.

Thanks