Get it machine polished. What tyres are on? They make a big difference to how it feels. Same with brake pads and condition of shocks. Oh and check engine mounts and strut top mounts. There good to refresh to get that tight feeling back.
Brakes assuming they are oem and in good condition should be perfectly fine. People think they're crap but it's down to them not being heavily assisted. If you stand on them they will haul the car up very quickly.
I really don't want to lose my airbag - safety is paramount to me after the bad accident i was in back in Feb! (Pedro might remember)
Is there a better wheel out there that retains an airbag?
To be fair, i could get used to it, just don't know how long it will take
And you're right about the brakes - the word progressive explains it nicely!
How could i forget? Shocked me abit.
I am pretty sure you can get a 197/200 wheel to fit and retain the airbag
You dont have C/C to lose either, so thats not a worry
I don't see why people obsess about airbags tbh. In some cases they cause more injury than they prevent. IIRC someone on here has fitted a wheel from a 197/200 which are slightly smaller and nicer.
Can I be nosey and ask how much all those repairs cost? Also was the belt change not under some kind of warranty?