Bought my first car! Now what

[JonnyKnox]

Grabbed a '53 plate Ibiza 1.9tdi (PD130) today which has done 91k miles not too bad I didn't think.

Any suggestions for first modifications which would improve the look or general use of the car?

It's FSH upto 2013 when a mechanic bought it and serviced it himself (got receipts for loads of parts added in 2014) but from what I can see was last serviced a year ago as he bought the filters and oil that time. Should I service it asap do you think, take it to a garage and just get the filters and oil done and possibly the cambelt & water pump also as this was last done in 2010, 38k miles ago..

Anything else or tips would be great!!


It's a great drive too, although engine cut out as I drove out of work earlier going into second.. But I may have stalled...

 

[britishsligean]

Always do at the minimum a light service I.e. Oil change and filter change, spark plugs would also be a good one and have the most common checks done in the Mot, then you can think about molding it

 

[JonnyKnox]

Always do at the minimum a light service I.e. Oil change and filter change, spark plugs would also be a good one and have the most common checks done in the Mot, then you can think about molding it

You suggest doing that asap then? I'm taking it to a vag specialist in January to get cambelt checked and possibly done and then a 10k service to add to the service history!

But may do the oil filter and oil like next week as oil is pretty black.

 

[RUM4MO]

I'd leave out asking anyone to replace the spark plugs as that might cause a bit of embarrassment seeing as it is a 1.9PD!

If doing an oil/filter change, maybe stick with VAG sourced filter and approved for PD engines oil.

Replacing the fuel filter might be a good substitute for not having to replace spark plugs?

 

[JonnyKnox]

I'd leave out asking anyone to replace the spark plugs as that might cause a bit of embarrassment seeing as it is a 1.9PD!

If doing an oil/filter change, maybe stick with VAG sourced filter and approved for PD engines oil.

Replacing the fuel filter might be a good substitute for not having to replace spark plugs?

Haha! Yeah I'm pretty sure I know to use glow plugs!

Okay cool thanks will do. I think the coolant maybe going down quicker than expected but the garage topped it up before and I'm not sure with.. Hopefully G12! These known to leak at all or anything?

 

[RUM4MO]

I have never had a TDI VAG engined car, so can't really comment on coolant loss, though I think that there have been cases where the either the fan temperature sensor or engine coolant temperature sensor seals have caused leaks, maybe check these areas.

 

[R3k1355]

or the rad might have a small leak from a stone strike or just from age.

Common failures on the car are:

Boost pipe connections deteriorate, leading to a hose blowing off.
Front lower arm bushes deteriorate with age
Springs will probably snap around that mileage, shocks might go too.
6 dial instrument clusters can develop problems caused by solder joints breaking
The battery (if original) will probably be on it's last legs, they tend to last about 10 years (give or take)
The rear window washer pipe can pop off and/or burst if screenwash freezes in the line.

 

[JonnyKnox]

or the rad might have a small leak from a stone strike or just from age.

Common failures on the car are:

Boost pipe connections deteriorate, leading to a hose blowing off.
Front lower arm bushes deteriorate with age
Springs will probably snap around that mileage, shocks might go too.
6 dial instrument clusters can develop problems caused by solder joints breaking
The battery (if original) will probably be on it's last legs, they tend to last about 10 years (give or take)
The rear window washer pipe can pop off and/or burst if screenwash freezes in the line.

Previous owner replaced springs in June as well as top mounts and I think bushes too. Aswell as a new Bosch battery.

Rear washer isn't the best but the hole for it to come out of is a bit rusty, can I get a new part for this or best just to leave?

List of parts the last bloke fitted.

2x Coil Spring
2x Strut bearing & mounts
Tie Rod End LH & RH
Service Parts
New Blades
New Battery

 

[MDtwo]

Haha! Yeah I'm pretty sure I know to use glow plugs!



Okay cool thanks will do. I think the coolant maybe going down quicker than expected but the garage topped it up before and I'm not sure with.. Hopefully G12! These known to leak at all or anything?

You do know how a Diesel engine works and what the function of glow plugs are?

Just trying to save further embarrassment.


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[JonnyKnox]

I have never had a TDI VAG engined car, so can't really comment on coolant loss, though I think that there have been cases where the either the fan temperature sensor or engine coolant temperature sensor seals have caused leaks, maybe check these areas.

Really helpful thanks! I'll check it again in the morning see what level it's at, can't check for any drips as its pouring down all week.

Changing oil on Monday plus filter as its black, bearing in mind I'm probably going to get it serviced and cambelt at a vag garage late January. Could I just use a cheaper oil, Triple Qx 5w40 PD engine specific according to label. Is £23 for 5litres. Or just pay premium for castrol?

 

[JonnyKnox]

You do know how a Diesel engine works and what the function of glow plugs are?

Just trying to save further embarrassment.


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Yeah mate, I'm no mechanic but not that dumb hah!

I wasn't the one who said to use spark plugs anyway

 

[R3k1355]

The Triple Q stuff is alrite, it's fully synthetic and PD engine spec.

 

[RUM4MO]

BTW, I think that the coolant has moved on a bit it went from G12 to G12+ to G12++ to G13 I think, but all these listed are mixable - saying this just in case you go looking for G12 and can't find any. I think to find small leaks, you should be able to find curdy stuff around any weeping sensor fittings, a slightly sweet sensation on your lips while driving the car would off course mean that you have a leaking heater matrix - or you are eating something.