Car - long list of problems

ImDave

Hi guys,

Would appreciate your opinions on my car situation.

So for a while the steering wheel has been vibrating when applying the brakes at speed down to about 40km/hr at which point the vibrating stops. Can't feel the brake pedal vibrating. I was thinking this was a brake disc but a mechanic checked it out and said the discs and pads look fine, and suggested it was a warped wheel. I can't understand however how that would effect the car only when braking. Haven't got another opinion yet but will do soon.

Now, next issue! The gearbox went completely in the car over the weekend. Cost to fit a second-hand box and clutch (makes sense to do both at same time if doing one) approximately €800.

The car is a 2006 Renault Megane saloon with approximately 100k miles on the clock. Other than the aforementioned issues the car is in fairly good shape.

So, do you think it is worth doing this kind of work on a car worth about €3k (in full working order) or am I best scrapping it or selling it as is to a breaker or mechanic. I'm between two minds as I don't want to put €1k or so into the car and then for something else to go wrong.

Thoughts appreciated!

steelboots

Regarding the vibration on the wheels, how did your mechanic check the discs. A small warp not visible to the eye may still be enough to cause the vibration particularly at higher speeds.

Secondly, if he thinks there is an issue with the wheels bring them to a tyre garage, and get them checked out and balanced, this will cost no more that €20 to get checked and balanced, best place to start I would say.

I had the Megane Secic (7 seater) and it broke my heart and wallet. Just are just a pile of cr*p. Not so sure its worth 3k but my advice if theres a valid NCT I would trade into a garage for something else.

All the best.

Chris_Heilong

ImDave wrote: »

Hi guys,

Would appreciate your opinions on my car situation.

So for a while the steering wheel has been vibrating when applying the brakes at speed down to about 40km/hr at which point the vibrating stops. Can't feel the brake pedal vibrating. I was thinking this was a brake disc but a mechanic checked it out and said the discs and pads look fine, and suggested it was a warped wheel. I can't understand however how that would effect the car only when braking. Haven't got another opinion yet but will do soon.

Now, next issue! The gearbox went completely in the car over the weekend. Cost to fit a second-hand box and clutch (makes sense to do both at same time if doing one) approximately €800.

The car is a 2006 Renault Megane saloon with approximately 100k miles on the clock. Other than the aforementioned issues the car is in fairly good shape.

So, do you think it is worth doing this kind of work on a car worth about €3k (in full working order) or am I best scrapping it or selling it as is to a breaker or mechanic. I'm between two minds as I don't want to put €1k or so into the car and then for something else to go wrong.

Thoughts appreciated!

I would say get a 2nd opinion, It does sound like warped discs.

endacl

That seems to be the way of Renault. Good cars until one little thing goes wrong. Then an internal catastrophic chain reaction sets off and everything goes wrong. I'd spend the 1k repair money plus the scrap page on something Japanese that works properly.

dnme

OP,

I second the advice to get rid asap. I had a 2004 Megane cost me 3.5k in repairs there a few years back. It broke my wallet, my heart and my head. Don't start spending big money on this vehicle, as a previous poster advised, trade it in, the sooner the better.

ImDave

Thanks for the advice so far folks, appreciate it.

My head is telling me to get rid of it, but my heart is stopping me, mostly because I put about €700 into it a few months ago to get it to NCT standard! I think now is the time to get out however, rather than another €1k later.

In relation to the questions asked about the brake discs, the mechanic just checked them visually I believe. Going by what is being said here and what I have been thinking, I would say they need to be done also. Another €300 for front discs and pads I would say.

Does a car such as this, in particular without a working gearbox, have much scrappage value?

endacl

Just heard an ad on the radio. Linders Renault will guarantee you 3k scrappage. You'll be stuck with another boîte de merde francais though.,.

I'd ring around scrappers and fish for a price. You could stick it up for sale for parts on donedeal etc also? Bound to be plenty of Renault owners out there with bits randomly falling off their cars!

ImDave

endacl wrote: »

Just heard an ad on the radio. Linders Renault will guarantee you 3k scrappage. You'll be stuck with another boîte de merde francais though.,.

I'd ring around scrappers and fish for a price. You could stick it up for sale for parts on donedeal etc also? Bound to be plenty of Renault owners out there with bits randomly falling off their cars!

Thanks - I think I'll take my chances with a Bangernomics car at this stage.

I'll look around for a price from a few scrappers and failing that will through up on Donedeal for sale as is.

Thanks again.

dh0011

I was in the same situation about 2 years ago. I put 1500 into my almera to keep it going. Within the following 2 months it was back at the garage 7 times. Then I bought an avensis. OP I think you should trade it in and be rid of it. Downside is you wont get much when you are trading in a car with no gearbox.

endacl

On the upside, everybody gets one maintenance nightmare money pit car. That's yours out of the way OP.