This is my whinge/cry thread.

It's time to sell my Beloved car Linda.
My 1996, TE Altera - White.

Technicians report:
Back rotars are unmachinable
Air con belt at the point where it's about to snap
Cam seals are leaking
Engine seals are leaking badly
Rear rocker cover gasket is shot
Timing belt showing wear and tear
Front left hub has excessive play
Sump is leaking

All up I'm looking at $1500 - $2000 to repair.
I was going to sell at the end of the year anyhow.
I guess that I'll be selling early.

Paint and interior in immaculate condition.
Has stale smell of fart.
:cry:

phwar? have you just not being servicing it at all or something?

note: dont try to sell this car on these forums after that post :P lol

$2k? Bull****.

New rotors - $150 for the pair (put em on yourself)

New AC Belt - no more then $40 (once again, put it on yourself)

New rocker cover gasket - $20 (DIY)

Timing Belt - no more than $50 - could diy but a little harder

Sump gasket - $30 - DIY EASY

Cam/engine seals are a little more tricky, but now you have saved yourself a heap-o-cash you can get this done by a pro.

2K sounds about right to me, for dealership charges, don't forget the average labour rate now days at dealerships is $93.50 inc gst

$2k? Bull****.

New rotors - $150 for the pair (put em on yourself)

New AC Belt - no more then $40 (once again, put it on yourself)

New rocker cover gasket - $20 (DIY)

Timing Belt - no more than $50 - could diy but a little harder

Sump gasket - $30 - DIY EASY

Cam/engine seals are a little more tricky, but now you have saved yourself a heap-o-cash you can get this done by a pro.


man i'm coming to your shop , a timing belt for under $50 and a rocker cover gasket for $20 ( rear means also a good idea to do the inlet manifold gasket and rear plugs while at it) :D

a rocker cover gasket for $20 ( rear means also a good idea to do the inlet manifold gasket and rear plugs while at it) :D

Rocker cover gaskets ARE about $20 ($22 to be exact I think) but your right, best to change the inlet manifold gasket if removing the manifold (witch you have to do in this case).

Nope not selling her here.
I do my oil change every 5000KM
And a workshop does it every 10 000km

I'm going for a second opinion next week.
I was going to sell before end of year anyway, and just don't want to sink any more money in to her, it's just not worth it :cry:

Crappy thing is, the rocker cover gaskets were changed at 165 000 - front and rear (back in october). I picked them up myself from sprints. Along with platinum sparks all around, new leads and a few other bits and pieces.
Chewed through the back brakes in 12 months ... what gives! Thought fronts were supposed to wear out quicker.

I replaced the radiator, hoses and thermostat in December too. I've sunk a few hundred dollars in the last 12 months in to maintenance. Putting in a couple Grand is not an attractive prospect.

It's also coming time for new front shocks and springs
Add a tranny servie in too and $$$ all add up.

Since the cam cover gaskets were changed not too long ago, maybe the covers just need tightening. Seeing as the seals are rubber, they might have hardened a little and require a slight tightening of the bolts.

Timing Belt - no more than $50 - could diy but a little harder



WTF...???

Can you do mine for that price..

Are you sure you are talking the Timing belt on that one and not a fan belt..

Mechanic will charge $400 plus.. Belt is $100+ and half a day job.. Very labour intensive..:D

I'm listing for $7K knowing that people will beat me down with a stick and then pee on me in the gutter :P
I'll be happy with 6

Not being mean but ive seen these cars go for under $5k now with some mechanical problems :( sad thing depreciation!

I got qouted at my mechanics supply only, Timing Belt $70, Rocker cover gaskets $7 each :)
Thats my mate who owns the shop so trade prices :)

Not being mean but ive seen these cars go for under $5k now with some mechanical problems :( sad thing depreciation!

I got qouted at my mechanics supply only, Timing Belt $70, Rocker cover gaskets $7 each :)
Thats my mate who owns the shop so trade prices :)

Execs sell at rock bottom.

The Alteras have just slightly higher value having ABS, Cruise and air bags.

Sorry i thought it was an Exec, my bad :shock:

Go get a manual and you'll be suprised on how much you could end up doing yourself- believe in yourself :)
Definitely agree with TL-R - I would never pay anyone that much money to fix what was listed.

Hey preacher man, this ebay store could have most of what you need to get your broomsters up to scratch. Also, free delivery!

For example:

Timing belt - $40
Brake rotors - $85

http://stores.ebay.com.au/2wdparts_Magna_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ1217051QQfti dZ2QQtZkm

You could buy what you need here and then pay a mechanic to fit it all if your not sure about DIY.

If I were you i'd get the timing belt done (and the cam seals and a/c belt done at the same time to save on labour),wash the engine down completely to reassess the other leaks and put some cheap discs on the back.

I'm going for a second opinion next week.

I would if i where you.


Crappy thing is, the rocker cover gaskets were changed at 165 000 - front and rear (back in october).

Looks like they where installed wrong.


Chewed through the back brakes in 12 months ... what gives! Thought fronts were supposed to wear out quicker.

Your right, looks like your rear caliphers are not releasing from the rotors.


Clean your engine then get someone to look at it.

I'm base at Morphett Vale.

WTF...???

Can you do mine for that price..

Are you sure you are talking the Timing belt on that one and not a fan belt..

Mechanic will charge $400 plus.. Belt is $100+ and half a day job.. Very labour intensive..:D

I was referring to parts cost only and DIU installation.