What to do??

Adelante

Hi,
Driving up the motorway into work Friday, I hear this sound coming from the front of the car. It settles down again. Taking an exit the sound coming from the steering becomes very loud and almost groaning, At the next roundabout, it’s particularly bad going right handed, when I come to a stop there’s steam coming from under the bonnet, and there is a smell of rubber or coolant not sure, the oil temp gauge is running up on high no lights come on


Once parked, I popped the bonnet, and all the water in the little water gauge tank is gone, in fact all the inside of the deck just under this water thingy is soaking. There s is also water under the car over by the belts side of the car.


So I leave it cool, fill it up again, and try to drive it, but I start the engine and just check to see if there is any leaks I look under the car on the ground there is water dripping on the ground not much. I try to drive it but within 5-10 mins, steam is coming out again. I park it and get out and water is draining out from under the car.
Is it the water pump??, The smell was noticeable like rubber burning.
The car is a ‘97 Ibiza there’s over 111K on cloak.
How much is it going to cost to repair?
The reason I ask, is this, my car was hit from behind only recently, and the damage is such that it is a potential w/off as its going thru the insurance the other party is dragging its their heels. I’m waiting for the insurance to get back to me. As of today, Im without a car.
I feel the water thing is not related, its been suggested I try to get the scrap value and fix the damage myself but that was before the water thing happened but now I don’t know what to do. I expect someone will come out to inspect the car. Is it worth my while fixing the water leak if it includes timing belts etc, if its going to be a w/off. Do I need to mention the water thing to the estimator when they come out? Any help would be much appreciated. What would you do?

david

Adelante wrote: »

Hi,
Driving up the motorway into work Friday, I hear this sound coming from the front of the car. It settles down again. Taking an exit the sound coming from the steering becomes very loud and almost groaning, At the next roundabout, it’s particularly bad going right handed, when I come to a stop there’s steam coming from under the bonnet, and there is a smell of rubber or coolant not sure, the oil temp gauge is running up on high no lights come on


Once parked, I popped the bonnet, and all the water in the little water gauge tank is gone, in fact all the inside of the deck just under this water thingy is soaking. There s is also water under the car over by the belts side of the car.


So I leave it cool, fill it up again, and try to drive it, but I start the engine and just check to see if there is any leaks I look under the car on the ground there is water dripping on the ground not much. I try to drive it but within 5-10 mins, steam is coming out again. I park it and get out and water is draining out from under the car.
Is it the water pump??, The smell was noticeable like rubber burning.
The car is a ‘97 Ibiza there’s over 111K on cloak.
How much is it going to cost to repair?
The reason I ask, is this, my car was hit from behind only recently, and the damage is such that it is a potential w/off as its going thru the insurance the other party is dragging its their heels. I’m waiting for the insurance to get back to me. As of today, Im without a car.
I feel the water thing is not related, its been suggested I try to get the scrap value and fix the damage myself but that was before the water thing happened but now I don’t know what to do. I expect someone will come out to inspect the car. Is it worth my while fixing the water leak if it includes timing belts etc, if its going to be a w/off. Do I need to mention the water thing to the estimator when they come out? Any help would be much appreciated. What would you do?

First off, change your font to auto so those of us using non default skins can read it.

I wouldn't say anything to the assessor. Any quote you get for a reputable repair WILL be worth more than the car hence write-off. I'd value that car at sub €500, you wouldn't buy a new bumper/bootlid for that. Keep nagging the insurance company for a payout.

squod

Stick the old car in the drive way and say nothing. Spend another €300 on a replacement '97 ibiza and use that until the insurance turns up.

mickdw

If you tell the assessor, he will value your car as almost worthless and your payoff for it (being a writeoff) will be very small.