To have bought a heap of rust

55 replies

WhatonearthwasIthinking · 15/08/2024 14:55

I don't know what to do - I spent 5k on a camper van last week, know nothing about cars at all. Just wanted it and the couple selling it seemed genuine.

Just got back from a garage and it needs so much work doing to it, body and mechanical. No recourse to the original owners, totally my fault for not doing any research or getting advice beforehand.

I already know IABU - and bloody stupid - to have bought it so my question is:

AIBU to put some money into it so I can at least get 12m pootling round the county with my dogs and my fairy lights? Or should I just write it off?

OP posts:

DonKedick · 22/08/2024 18:18

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

Fairysteps11 · 22/08/2024 18:30

DogInATent · 15/08/2024 16:03

A lot of the rest may be surface rust. Something a wire brush, a brush over with Kurust and a treatment with waxoil/lanoguard would fix.

Either the people you bought it from got a dodgy mot, or the garage you've taken it to are seriously trying to rip you off.
Nether of these has to be true @Boopeedoop - a vehicle condition survey reports what can be seen, and you get what you pay for. Unless you're going to pay for half a day of labour going over everything in detail it's going to be a quick list. An MOT has a strict schedule of items to be inspected and how they're assessed. The OP hasn't shared the full MOT report so you can not say that either the MOT assessor overlooked things or that the garage made things up.

Show quote history

Lots of the issues on the list would have been picked up on MOT, even if it was an advisory. Especially brakes and corroded brake pipes. Yes, MOTs over cover certain parts but a lot of those on the list will be inspected. Rust will also show on an MOT and can fail a test.

Op, I'd take it to VW. Ask for a VHC which is a vehicle health check. It's free. It will be costly through them to have the repairs but it will give you a guide as to what you will be paying and book time for replacing parts.

I would definitely get a 2nd opinion though if none of those issues have been advised (at least) on MOT.

Poshjock · 22/08/2024 19:24

I’ve got a T4 that is in poor state. However there is value in a VW, yes they can be a right money pit, as any older vehicle can be, but they have a use and there is always a market for them in pretty much any condition.

you have done exactly as I would have suggested and got a trustworthy garage/mechanic to give you a priority list to work through as time and finances allow.

get good breakdown cover, keep regular check ins with your mechanic to stay on top of repairs and maintenance and get out there and start getting value out of your vehicle by using it as often as you can!

HoneytotheG · 22/08/2024 19:30

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Makingchocolatecake · 22/08/2024 23:18

WhatonearthwasIthinking · 15/08/2024 15:15

I've attached the list. The problem I have is this is everything which needs doing - I don't know which of these are essential and which are precautionary.

77k on the clock and MoT passed March 2024.

If it passed in March then not all that will desperately need fixing.

Go online https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Bf66ohr&checkRecalls=true

And it will tell you what Is urgent and what just needs monitoring

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?checkRecalls=true&registration=Bf66ohr

Flip

1 2 3

Swipe left for the next trending thread