Engine Gone, what to do???

[stepup]

Hi I'm looking for some advice for my sister and her fella.

They drive a Clio 172 (2001iirc) but a few months back they hit a rock in the middle of the road, which must have come off a lorry or been dropped there by some chavs.

The rock smashed the gearbox, subframe and exhaust. These were all replaced under insurance by Renault dealership. But since they had the car back they had nothing but problems with it not running right, knocking around corners (turned out Renault hadnt tightened the steering rack up), and just not having as much power as it used to.

After arguing with Renaults (crap) customer services, it was checked over and given a green light by a technical bloke (even though it was running like a bag of sh*t).

Now whatever was wrong with the engine has come to a head and its given up completely.

Bear in mind its got a spanking new re-con gearbox, exhaust, clean panels, clean interior, Superleggeras with Good Toyo Proxies and the car's in good condition (apart from engine) also had no expense spared (and there's been ALOT of expense).

So what would you advise doing, break the car and sell it in pieces or try and sell in 1 piece??

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[dunlop]

we'd give you 1k for it.

 

[sarge16v]

put a used engine in it!!! about £600 will get you a good one

 

[AliasOmega]

^^ 2nd that..

 

[stepup]

we'd give you 1k for it.

I'll let them know, but I'm pretty sure they'll try to get a little bit more than that for it. Its had a small fortune put into it since they bought it.

They are considering an engine swap but they've been quoted £700 for the engine plus labour to fit it.

here's some pics of it:

(now has brand new standard exhaust fitted by renault)

 

[MRBILLYUK]

I'd get back in touch with the dealership that did the work . The engine shouldn't have packed up , sounds like bad workmanship , they should replace it . Try ringing the insurance company also and explain the situation as they are the ones who had to foot the bill in the first place .

 

[stepup]

I'd get back in touch with the dealership that did the work . The engine shouldn't have packed up , sounds like bad workmanship , they should replace it . Try ringing the insurance company also and explain the situation as they are the ones who had to foot the bill in the first place .

They have been in touch with everyone, but had no joy after fighting for months.

The reason they are leaning towards selling rather than repairing is because of the awful experience of dealing with Renault.
The guys in the dealership dont have a clue, even tried to deny that they hadnt bolted up the steering rack properly before giving it back.

And we still cant figure out what happened to the engine while it was having the gearbox and bits fitted, it was running fine when it went in but came it out running like a pig (but try proving that to Renault, they seem to think my sister is lying :quiet
Renault head office have been involved and are 'investigating' the dealership responsible.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

^^^ I'd see a solicitor then .