Hi guys,

As you all know by now i know nothing about cars, so im faced with a bit of a dilema. i dont know wether its work keepin or trading in for something new.

i own a 1998 R reg 1.2 60sx fiat punto. bought it second hand in oct 2004 for £2195, 40-42K, which is now 62K miles. i have to drive everyday to get to work or see my boyfriend, as public transport is non-existant.

i had a mechanic come to see my car tonight because it is loosing coolant from somewhere, goes from max to min in about a week. looking at my car he said he can see oil and water coming from around the head/head gasket (but not mixing), and signs of an old radiator leak. the aa looked at it the other day when i had to call them out and did the check for head gasket (negative) and no leaks around main radiator pipes.

he said that to find out what it was and to get it sorted would probably be more than the cars worth, i also need knew brakes and theres a creaking coming from over the wheels going round corners. the engine also sounds rattlely.

since i got it ive had to have new brake drums(?), middle exhaust welded, new exhaust, brake pads/disks, head gasket and cambelt, new fan, the bonnet release handle broke the other day and im sure theres a few things ive forgotten. i can only really afford about £400 of repairs, but then thats a chunk of money to a new car!

could any one offer an opinion to whether they think its worth trying to get fixed? anyone want the car lol?

ta

i forgot to say its just had a new clutch

I'm always wary of Mechanics that come out with sweeping statements like that. Get a second opinion! Sounds like the car just needs a good full service. Losing coolant? do you windows steam up! heater matrix is a favorite source of leak look for damp front carpets I don't know how good the AA's tests are but head gaskets are a known weak spot. Even with these you should be able to sort it for no more than £400 get a few quotes not just one ask around for recommendations for mechanics, any other Fiat owners near you could advise?

thank you for your post,

yes, i understand what u are saying about sweeping statements, but the mechanic is a friend of a very good friend, who didnt ask for any money to come and look. there are no problems with the carpets and the windows dont steam up. i had the head gasket replaced about 2 years ago.

i dont think he was being dismissive, he did say he would happily do it but that the costs could mount up quite a lot, and i may be paying more than the car is worth. big things seem to be going wrong nearly every month and i cant afford it.

i will take it for a second check, but im not sure whether i want to pay for them to strip the engine and confirm a major problem, or whether it would be better to just look for a newer car in better condition and hope it lasts.

im so confused

it was also serviced in october with its mot