172 Dilemma - Should I change

[craigaward]

Hi there,

I currently own a 02 reg black 172 80,000 miles fsh, belts changed etc. An opportunity has come up via a colleague to swap my car (or sell privately and make up the difference) for a 04 reg 172 50,000 miles, no cambelt change. It needs some cosmetic work on the front bumper and has a k-tec stealth exhaust which I wasnt too bothered about but guess could become annoying. The tyres and brakes are much better on my existing car, as is the steering wheel and interior. The problem is that my car has its own issues such as a knock when pulling away (which I think is strut mount), release bearing noise (not serious at the moment but probably new clutch eventually) and air con not working at present (probably only needs a re-gas). I could probably make the change for £1500 plus my car and I could swap the tyres over. I have had a quote for cambelt £350 and steering wheel £150.
What are peoples thoughts on what I should do?


btw - i have driven 3 172s within the last 24 hours and mine seems by far the quickest and with the most torque. I suspect mine has been chipped and/or better maintained. I do tend to go a bit over the top when it comes to looking after my cars.

 

[Ollie82.]

Stick to what you know. The problems it has sound pretty minor and as you say, if yours is well kept and you know its history then its the safest bet.
The main question is, have you fallen out of love with your car enough to warrant the change?

 

[Slammed172]

Yours is probably worth 2.5-3k plus 1.5k plus 350 for cambelt. So thats 4.5k ish..I don't think a 04 172 with 50k is worth that ! So based on that, i'm out.

 

[craigaward]

I can see your point. I just worry that with the mileage I do (around 10k a year) I will be at 100K before I know it. Hopefully if i service regularly it will last beyond 100k though. I do prefer black to silver though and have just fitted a skoda splitter which looks ace!

 

[SteveS Cup]

Keep yours.

20k miles and 2 years isn't worth £2k IMO.

Change your engine mounts / top mounts and treat it to a new clutch if you have a spare £1500 to spend. Then you have a tip top 172 in a colour you prefer!

 

[Sir_Dave]

I can see your point. I just worry that with the mileage I do (around 10k a year)

Dont be such a gay, i do 2.5k a month & just bought a Trophy with 50k on it. Miles are nothing if you look after a car. Yours may have a few problems, but you know the car inside out. The other one could be a problem waiting to happen...

Its like having a girlfriend that your happy with, know her history, etc, then deciding that you want to have a go on the bird at work. She looks good, feels alright, then 6 months later, after exploring her inside out, you find out she has aids.

Better to stay with what you know imho :star:

 

[craigaward]

I forgot to say that I have had new driveshaft, water pump, alt, aux belt on mine and the garage that did the work said it would pass an mot first time in current condition. Perhaps ill just treat it to a bit of paintwork and new rear brakes to make me feel like it is newer!

 

[craigaward]

Sir Dave - that is a classic post - had me in stitches. Ill let the gf read your comparison!

 

[yellowbelly]

i'm puzzled why someone wants to swap with you no offence?

 

[Sir_Dave]

Sir Dave - that is a classic post - had me in stitches. Ill let the gf read your comparison!

Anything to help a fellow mug, sorry clio owner

 

[craigaward]

It's not a swap. The guy is the brother in law of my secretary and is a trader

 

[realnumber 1]

Don't see any point in swapping unless you want/need esp and cc. Better the devil you know.....100k isn't too bad.

 

[H182]

As said stick with what you got.

 

[craigaward]

Mind made up - im sicking to what i know - thanks for your input. Now.... onto the brakes and an RS Tuner!

 

[DannoTheGreat]

Keep your car!