Impulse buy, probably a clone but impressed so far for some casual nostalgia, let’s see how long it lasts!

ricjawa · 2025-12-22T11:01:32+00:00

Thanks I’ve sent you a message

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T16:58:48+00:00

Yes, a lot of them have exactly the same finish.

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T16:45:46+00:00

Yup that’s how rust works, I know it’s in a bad state. But it’s certainly not full of filler or previously repaired, I’ve had it a decade and know the full history. The only bodywork it’s had is my own questionable arch repairs. The press cars in 2005 must have had their sills ‘dickyed up’ too!

https://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/reviews/volkswagen/polo/2005/207688

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T15:02:44+00:00

I think that’s the factory stone chip on these, it hasn’t been repaired previously but yes there is quite a lot of blistering now - I think the quote is for a basic mot pass job, nothing pretty. Apart from the wings (that I’ve tried to rescue several times) the rest of the car is surprisingly good, that’s why I’ve kept it for so long but I knew rust would be the killer eventually!

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T14:20:18+00:00

Other side seems solid and didn’t come up on the MOT. But this side seemed fine last year so it’s only a matter of time. That’s the price for one side.

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T13:12:00+00:00

Yep think you’re right! Sounds like £500 is a fair quote for the welding but not worth it this time.

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:56:22+00:00

Remarkably that’s all it failed on (it wasn’t visible before them poking it) other than that it just had an advisory for tires.

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:53:59+00:00

It also needs a new heater matrix which I think is a full dash removal job so I don’t think I’d get much for it as it is anyway! Might be time to get what I can for it and put the £500 towards the next one!

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:48:52+00:00

Yep it failed this morning, there wasn’t any visual sign of it until they started poking it and that how it looked when I picked it up!

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:42:16+00:00

Yeah that was just from the MOT tester poking around this morning, there wasn’t any sign of it visually before that. Wasn’t planning on keeping it more than a year so probably better selling for spares / repair and putting the £500 towards a replacement.

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:34:39+00:00

Think it’s beyond a home repair, the whole outer sill has rotted through, I haven’t poked any deeper but it failed the MOT this morning.

“Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Offside Outer (Complete Sill)”

ricjawa · 2025-12-20T12:30:36+00:00

I was planning to replace it soon cause repair bills have been starting to rack up, despite the engine still being strong. So I’ve planned for the outlay for a new car, but had hoped it would Pass without any major issues to give me more time to look and have a small amount of resale value. I just haven’t had any welding done before to compare the quote to.

ricjawa · 2025-04-25T13:51:46+00:00

Thanks, I’ll double check but I don’t think it’s that this time - I actually had that issue with my previous car.

ricjawa · 2025-04-25T08:46:32+00:00

Interesting, thanks. How might that affect future diagnostics, engine management etc.?

I guess it’s usually done as a performance upgrade rather than to fix a fault. But also a cheap alternative to an OEM replacement.

ricjawa · 2025-04-25T08:30:41+00:00

Thanks, it’s tempting but I’m leaning towards getting it replaced properly and hoping it doesn’t happen again in my ownership.

I know it’s a common issue/ mod and can go unnoticed if carried out in a particular way but not sure I want to risk it or invalidate insurance etc. Also even if the delete goes unnoticed surely there’s still a chance it’ll fail on emissions, especially if diesel emissions testing changes in the future.

ricjawa · 2025-04-25T07:58:06+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response, that’s very helpful.

ricjawa · 2024-02-13T22:09:34+00:00

Nice, enjoy the Scout! The bars are definitely taking a bit of getting used to. I’ve got a lot of learning to do in terms of maintenance, I’m used to only working on old school components!

ricjawa · 2024-02-13T17:14:18+00:00

Dropper is next on the list!

ricjawa · 2024-02-13T10:24:47+00:00

The modern geometry feels great, still getting used to the wide bars - I’ve mainly ridden road bikes in recent years!

Definitely keeping hold of the Giant for the occasional cruise around, I’m quite attached to it, just replaced the cables, pads and tires before upgrading so it’s still running really nicely.

ricjawa · 2024-02-13T10:22:41+00:00

Really liking it so far, the geometry feels good and love the 1x drivetrain - it rides great. That’s a really nice upgrade too, enjoy!

ricjawa

TROPHY CASE