I need advice. To keep or not to keep? Sunk cost?

RiotousAssembly

RiotousAssembly

New Member
Hey all, can i get your two cents on something?

So i bought my 02 A2 1.4tdi (75) a year and a half ago or so and got it really cheap, like well under a grand cheap. Main reason for this was a N-class write off and absolutely no history.
The write off was just for a split offised wing trim so that was fine and fixed quickly.
The point is ive done and had done a bunch of work on it since and its getting to the point where it's where i want it to be.

I've done:
  • Window regulators
  • Cambelt and waterpump
  • new front springs and caps
  • new front wheel bearings
  • new intercooler
  • turbo cleaning
  • New front control arms
  • track rod ends
And a bunch of other little bits coming to about £1200 ish all together.

Here's the thing. It now is imminently going to need a new clutch. That's a 600 quid ish job and I'm wondering if I'd be better off throwing in the towel.
I didn't buy the car expecting to make a profit or anything. After a year and a half with me the A2 is up to 135k miles ish and I'm sure would carry on for the same at least. I just cant help but feel I'm throwing good money after bad.

Any pearls of wisdom would be great.

Thanks, Riot.
 
At that money I'd absolutely do the clutch and keep driving it. You've done so much already that won't need doing again (for a while anyway, in the case of the cambelt). My '02 TDI is just coming up on 130k and feels absolutely fit for the same again, nothing else I've ever driven is as engaging on my cross-country commute. I spent a lot of money having the suspension and clutch done 4 years ago and I can promise you you'll love it once the clutch is done and the action is smooth & light.
 
Proghound said:
At that money I'd absolutely do the clutch and keep driving it. You've done so much already that won't need doing again (for a while anyway, in the case of the cambelt). My '02 TDI is just coming up on 130k and feels absolutely fit for the same again, nothing else I've ever driven is as engaging on my cross-country commute. I spent a lot of money having the suspension and clutch done 4 years ago and I can promise you you'll love it once the clutch is done and the action is smooth & light.
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Yeah thats the way I'm leaning. It's a great car, i Just have to be careful because spending on vehicles has a bit of a logic bypass in my brain haha
 
Ami said:
Agree with Ian @Proghound you be hard pushed to get a decent tdi of around 130 k miles, for under £2k considering the work done plus a new clutch there is not much more, so I would have the clutch done & continue using the car.
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Yeah thats the way im leaning. Its such a great car to drive and for its size its amazingly practical
 
As everyone else said the work you already done on the car covers you for a long trouble free driving. Get the clutch done idealy with Datsundrew help and you'll be good to go for another trouble free 60k miles
 
If it was all good and no bills, ask yourself honestly "do I like the car"?

Fundamentally, if the answer is "no" then GBP600 isn't going to change that.

If its "yes" then do it move on and be happy its good for a long and trouble free life. You're clearing all the consumables and will end up with a car you know, trust and is something that you like being around and using. Buying another used car may be inheriting a list of new, undisclosed issues to fix....

But, only if you like and want the car.....
 
Definitely keep it, after all you've paid your members fee. Just make sure you get the right clutch, LUK are the recommended ones. Andrew's offer sounds a bit hard to resist.
The great thing with having "done" a lot of the consumables is the knowledge that they're done. Driving with a new clutch you will find is a revelation.
Very best of luck.
 
Imagine you buy another car spend thousands on it and later on find out you need to get the cambelt and clutch yet again. It's no brainer to finish the few jobs and keep it for good. Plus being part such an amazing community when you need a help to diagnose various issues, source the parts or even help fix the car is absolutely priceless.
 
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