1992/K Platinum TZD Turbo

capri · Post by **capri** » Wed May 09, 2007 10:50 pm

My thoughts in a nutshell there, really, mate. I've a few ideas as to what would take her place (I'd have to place reliability and/or ease of repair over fun though), but really I don't want it to come to that. The problem I have is that the Capri is beyond its teenage years and has now become a cantankerous old git, so I have enough problems (and expenditure!) on that front without the daily drive playing me about! The runaround needs to be a car that I don't have to put up with teenage angst from! If we fix her up and she stays fixed up, then I'll be glad - but if she continues to slam doors and hurl things at her bedroom wall, I'll have no choice but to put her up for adoption!

Still, I am excited about getting her back tomorrow with a new clutch cable and taking her for a drive again. Although I think she'll need a new starter motor soon too!

That won't be "strike three", but it's one more thing that'll need attention before I go away!

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Wed May 09, 2007 11:19 pm

I don't want to put the mockers on your trip, but.

Did the cable break because the clutch is stiff? If so you're gonna need a new clutch before long. Also I'd advise taking a spare cable with you, they're not much more than a tenner. Clutch cable's for right hand drive cars in France are VERY difficult to get hold of.

If this car were mine, I'd be getting a new clutch in and fit a replacement starter at the same time. I'd also go through it with a fine tooth comb seeking out those problems that haven't happened yet. Having survived thus far, it deserves to be as mechanically sound as it is in appearance.

In fact if it were an estate, I'd be in the Que banging at you door right now.

capri · Post by **capri** » Thu May 10, 2007 9:17 am

Duly noted, Ken. I don't think the clutch was stiff, if I'm honest, but then again I've got no other BXs to compare it to. I did notice it was creaking a little bit just before it snapped, though.

My intention, if I do take the BX, is to set aside £300 or so in order to go through and get some pre-emptive things done - possibly including getting the entire octopus renewed. If I do take it to France, I will ask someone who knows more than me to go through it and do a detailed check to make sure everything looks alright.

It will also need an MOT before I go, as I won't be back until October! So that's another expense to consider.

We'll see what occurs. Hopefully I should get her back today so I'll see how I feel and whether anything else is broken!

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Thu May 10, 2007 7:31 pm

Get a Xantia

Mine might have done more than 200k miles, but it runs well and the hydraulics are less than 10 years old, so pipes are still fairly flexible

Post by **docchevron** » Sat May 12, 2007 3:57 am

no no no no and a thousand times no!

Xantia's are the spawn of satan!

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Sat May 12, 2007 9:19 am

Doc your so wrong

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat May 12, 2007 11:31 am

Satan rocks

Stewart (oily!) · Post by **Stewart (oily!)** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:36 pm

Sounds like a no brainer, pull out engine and box, fit octopus now easy, fit turbo, now easy, fit clutch and cambelt also easy, clutch cable too, haynes manual contains most info, web the rest, speedy hire will do an engine crane for the weekend reasonably, good advice available here for free, you will only be paying for parts, failing that I hear Hyundai make cars with a good warranty

Stewart

Post by **docchevron** » Sat May 12, 2007 3:05 pm

tim leech wrote:Doc your so wrong

Nope,I'm so right!

BX, drivers car, Xantia, bland eurobox...

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat May 12, 2007 3:43 pm

Stewart (oily!) wrote:Sounds like a no brainer, pull out engine and box, fit octopus now easy, fit turbo, now easy, fit clutch and cambelt also easy, clutch cable too, haynes manual contains most info, web the rest, speedy hire will do an engine crane for the weekend reasonably, good advice available here for free, you will only be paying for parts, failing that I hear Hyundai make cars with a good warranty
Stewart

Its a no brainer for many of us, but some people like Alex don't have the hands on experience to carry out that kind of work, and relying on other people isn't ideal. Plus a TD BX is a PITA to fix pretty much anything that can't be seen from under the bonnet, with access being pretty restricted. I'd say the 16v is probably easier!

I can see his point. The car is costing X amount to fix up and get ready for France, and while it is undoubtedly a lovely example in a cracking colour, it is still only a BX TD at the end of the day. There is no shortage of them available, and all would probably need the rountine wear and tear items of a 100k mile car attending to (he still won't listen a buy a higher milage car that's had everything replaced already

)
His logic is to find something newer, yet with the potential of the BX and as much character as possible, allbeit a fair way short of a BX. I can fully understand it, hence why I bought a Xantia to potter around in and cake in dirt.

That said, his BX did look nice in his garage last night

capri · Post by **capri** » Sun May 13, 2007 7:38 pm

Rich has basically summed it up very well there. At the end of the day, while I enjoy driving the TZD, I can't maintain it myself, and so keeping it running and well-maintained could become expensive. I have to look at this practically - as I say, I already have one expensive toy, I don't need another; the BX needs to be cheap-to-run and practical in order for me to justify owning it, and in order to be a viable option for the trip to France.

It's only my heart that's keeping me from selling at the moment. The fact of the matter is, I do enjoy driving her. I'm not being completely cold and heartless about this; every time I get into her I remember what enjoyable cars BXs are. And I'm not oblivious to the fact that it is a really nice example, and it looks smashing. That's the reason I haven't sold her yet - I do enjoy her when she's working and she would be a fun car for the trip. But in my mind, I'm not sure whether that's a good enough reason on its own to keep it and to risk more problems which I can't fix. As such, while I'm still not certain I want to sell, I would still consider reasonable offers if anyone does want her. She is running now and roadworthy (just spent £100 getting the clutch cable done), taxed and MOT'd, so for your money you'd get a fine example of the breed which can be driven away.