General Marea 1.6 recently purchased

[44bev]

Hi folks, I have recently purchased a marea 1.6 with a few probs
1/ no red key
2/ slight banging from suspension under car which garage cant identify
3/ runs quite well but i would be happier with a service and timing belt change.

My problem is that everyone i talk to frightens me off with stories of extortionate prices to get work done on these cars.

It is a 51 plate with 53000mls on the clock, I paid £1200 for it, as it is in great condition inside and out apart from the above points. any help on these points would be appreciated as well as recomendations of reliable garages in edinburgh area.

thanks guys
bev.

 

[jug]

putting this in the marea section would have been a good start

getting work done on this car costs below average for the market. the stories you have heard are no doubt to do with the 5 cylinder models.

banging from the suspension is usually antirollbar drop links.

service is eay so do it yourself, timing belt replacement should cost no more than £200 at most on a 1.6.

not having a red key can be a big problem, but only very rarely. the red key is the only key that can be used to programme blue keys into the immob. the red key can not be replaced. to avoid future problems make sure you always have at least 2 working blue keys available. keys can be copied at timpsons for £20 each, this does not require any programming so no red key is needed. just remember you cant copy a key after you lose it.

 

[firkin]

GBL motors at Duff Street Lane in Gorgie - cant remember the phone number but it'll be in the book - if i find it i'll post it up. I've known the guy here for a few years now thru the Jaguar club - he's totally straight - no Bull - will not rip you off and his work is first class - he races classic cars as well so his attention to detail is good - can do MOT's and bodywork as well.

 

[44bev]

Sorry I havent been in touch spent some time in hosp but better now. Thanks
for the tips I do have two blue keys which i will gaurd with my life and will get on with the other stuff.
bev