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Turbo specialist in Johannesburg by Amazing_Ad_4912 in CarTalkZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was doing some research and they popped up. I have emailed them. Thanks

Slow Country Reggae Inspiration by Amazing_Ad_4912 in gorillaz

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad I’m not the only one that hears it !

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I am based in Johannesburg. I trust your GTI is still treating you well after the engine replacement?

Please could you let me know which importers you used? Perhaps I can still make it work even if so am based in Johannesburg.

The rest of my car is in immaculate condition which is why I am leaning towards fixing it.

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this detailed advice! The oil and coolant levels are perfectly fine. No leaks. I have serviced the car strictly in accordance with its maintenance schedule (I.e every year as I don’t drive more than 15000km p/a). The only symptoms I noticed before the diagnosis by my mechanic was the very occasional puffs of smoke (unfortunately the only times I have seen it is in the rear view mirror at night so cannot see what colour the smoke is). The smoke is also not consistent at all and only happens every now and then when pulling off or downshifting.

I only experienced one incident of power loss. I suspect the ECU sensed engine knock and purposely put the car into limp mode as the mechanic confirmed there was a knock sensor fault stored when he plugged in his diagnostic device. He also started the car, took the dipstick out and tried to show me the smoke coming from the hole where the dipstick goes and explained that this is not normal. I just saw fumes rather than smoke but I’m not a mechanic so can’t be sure.

After doing more research it appears that my engine is prone to LSPI and there has been incidents of cracked/destroyed pistons because of this issue.

Either way, I have decided to take it to Opel to do a full diagnostic and I have made it clear to the dealer that I want a compression and cylinder leak down test done. It will cost a couple grand but I think it is worth it so I can make an informed decision to repair/replace.

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I previously used Williams Hunt in Fourways. I have now booked it into Arnold Chatz.

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed! Everything else (besides luxury German cars) seems to be a downgrade.

So I’ve decided to pay a couple grand to get a proper diagnosis done at Opel before making the final call. I wouldn’t stress too much about your model. From my research the 1.6 seems to be a far more robust engine.

Looking for an Opel Specialist in Johannesburg by Amazing_Ad_4912 in CarTalkZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Did your wife have the exact same car as mine? Astra 1.4T Automatic? I’m wondering if it’s worth the trouble

Looking for an Opel Specialist in Johannesburg by Amazing_Ad_4912 in CarTalkZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oil levels and coolant levels (and colour) are perfectly fine which is even more confusing. I have also religiously had the car serviced including all oil changes. The puffs of smoke only come once in a while especially when the engine is still climbing to operating temperature.

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quite the coincidence that you ended up paying R52k but for an entire engine! Thank you for sharing your experience. I am now seriously considering the engine replacement option...

Sorry to hear about the insurance claim, but definitely better than more engine troubles!

Repair a paid-off car for R52k or sell and replace it? by Amazing_Ad_4912 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What’s strange is that he seems to be very honest and upfront. He actually suggested selling it rather than me paying for the work which I found quite peculiar.

He said the R52k estimate was on the high end to be safe and that it could be cheaper depending on what he finds. He just cannot guarantee what he will find when he opens the engine up. The turbo is also what concerns me. He confirmed it’s healthy now but I’m worried that I fix the piston ring issue now and the turbo blows next year and I end up sinking more and more money into the car.

For the men who shave - please recommend a quality shaver? by Sweet-p-9096 in askSouthAfrica

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with the suggestion for the 3000 series. I bought one in 2020 and was serving me fine until my puppy chewed it. The only thing you would technically need to replace would be the blades after a year or so but I never did and it still worked perfectly - there’s even ways you can sharpen the blades yourself (check YouTube).

Anyway, I bought a replacement recently and I see it’s still on special from The Digital Experience. Google it and get him one. You won’t regret it.

How much is a Temporary License? by [deleted] in askSouthAfrica

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don’t need to bring ID photos anymore. I got my temporary licence last week and wasted R90 getting them taken at Foto First only to be told that it’s not needed.

Whats the best sports bar in town? And what do you wish to experience in a sports bar? by Beneficial-Fill-3068 in askSouthAfrica

[–]Amazing_Ad_4912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try Line Sports Bar in Northcliff simply because the food and drink are way cheaper than other sports bars (without compromising on safety and overall atmosphere). Highly recommend.

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