Can't beat the oldies

[Vic Evans]

My 25 yo Pug 806 has just passed it's 2 yearly French Controle Technique.
Needs new front discs & pads but still complies & I knew that anyway.
Sort of job I'd have done myself a few years ago but now it's to the local garage it goes.
It's the Roland Garros version with all the bells & whistles & the only thing that doesn't work is the Air Con due to a slight leak behind the dash which I can't be arsed to get fixed.
I'd like to think Mme's Citroen C4 will last as long as she loves it but ain't holding my breath

[mickthemaverick]

Well done on the pass Vic, how much are they going to charge to replace discs and pads?

[Vic Evans]

Well done on the pass Vic, how much are they going to charge to replace discs and pads?

No idea & I don't plan on asking.
We've used this garage, a local Citroen agency, for the last 14 years & never had reason to quibble their charges so won't start now.
I'll just hand the old gall over knowing they'll carry out a few other things I think need attention & I'll get a good job for a reasonable price.
In my dotage life's too short to worry about a few euros I might save by DIY. & as she hasn't had a spanner laid on her for at least 4 years with no UK type tax & cheap insurance a bit of dosh now is no biggy.
I'll report back when I get their bill but could be a while as she only did about 1,000 km since the last 2 yearly control so no great rush to get things done.
Just an aside; I went to start the old gal this morning when a warning symbol & another light showed on the dash, The handbook told me it was a low cooling water level so I topped it up for probably the first time in my 23 years ownership. 50 km Italian tuneup before control showed no leaks.

[Sloppysod]

Well done, not you Vic........ your car.
Some people don't appreciate the benefit of this,

......50 km Italian tuneup before control showed no leaks.

another thing to help keep a car in good shape is a fully loaded drive (4 people + luggage/shopping) once and a while - keeps them suspension in good shape.

[myglaren]

Well done, not you Vic........ your car.
Some people don't appreciate the benefit of this,

......50 km Italian tuneup before control showed no leaks.

another thing to help keep a car in good shape is a fully loaded drive (4 people + luggage/shopping) once and a while - keeps them suspension in good shape.

It does indeed. I found this with my GS after transporting Calor gas bottles and paving stones in it although it was usually fully loaded, two adults, five kids
And with one of the C5s, took a huge load of MDF from work to a friends house. The car was on it's knees but drove much better for days after.

[Steve Walsh]

Oldies definitely better, I look after a mates 406 estate, 2003 2.0hdi. Sails through CT (MOT). No rust A/C Still works and never been refilled. As opposed to another friends C5 Aircross, Already had front shockers and cv joint at 80000km.... and no doubt a 8mm chain in the future.
It is about time manufactures Stellantis included went back to old school technology. For a start I would be in the engine design department and say, we have a bad rep with our engine, Wet belts, weak chaines etc. Now build me something bulletproof it is not rocket science
I could rant all day on this subject!!
Happy Wednesday

[Oldpug]

Old Peugeot models were well built and reliable.Peugeot made very good engines, the XU & EW engines would last for ever. Old Peugeot’s were tough and strong and could take anything particularly in Africa.
The 06 range was the last of the real Peugeot’s. My wife’s 26 year old 406GTX is still in perfect condition, nothing major has ever been replaced. It’s lovely to drive and has never let her down, she just refuses to part with it.

[Sloppysod]

The thing is, back in the 1980's it was the rust beetle that retired cars early, the mechanics were bulletproof, then the manufacturers fixed the rust issue and cars started the last. Then in the 2010's they realised that it would take years before the owner wouldwanta new car with the vehicles they were currently making, so they started to make cars with an end of life date. Now, if the mechanics or body will not let you down then getting replacement parts .
Not that I have followed this advice, but 'One' should only buy a car that's very popular (read common) so ensure I re the aftermarket guys will have enough incentive to keep your car going.
My wife has a 2008 Corsa, we have had it for 12 years, only let us down twice, once it needed a new battery and then a gremlin fault that was cured by leaving it overnight. (Required for MOTs, tyres, lower arms, front springs, wiper motor not bad for a 17 year old!).

[ozfrog]

Oldies definitely better, I look after a mates 406 estate, 2003 2.0hdi.

That’s old? Yikes! That’s my second newest car!

But can I swap you the Estate for my Saloon? Please?

I know you said it is a mate’s car. Do you think he’ll notice the difference?

[Oldpug]

Do you think a 308SW could cope with this ? On African roads.!!