Are You Nursing A Mk1 Tdi 90 Through Its' Twilight Years?

[AMacdonald]

If you are, you may be interested in this.

 

I'm giving away my 1997 Alhambra TDi 90 SE. It's got a little more than 260,000 on the clock (240,000 with me) but is still (until this week at least) in daily use, starts first time every time, regardless of outside temperature and uses virtually no oil. It's not without foibles (listed below) but is fundamentally a decent car. It's MOTed until August and has never cost me a lot to get through. Metallic pinky-red with grey interior (7 seats). Seats appear to sport Inca symbology although I could be wrong.

 

I don't want to scrap it because it's still a decent runner so I'd rather give it away to someone on here who can make good use of it. I've had a lot of good advice from here over the years without really providing any of my own so this is a sort of payback. Plus, WBAC suggested it might be worth £16 and it would cost me more than that to get to the nearest office and back.

 

Good stuff:

Recent (within the last couple of years) parts - alternator, fuel shutoff solenoid, battery, driveshafts, CV joints, thermostat, track rod ends, probably others I've forgotten.

All electric windows (6 off) working.

Central locking all working.

I can't think of anything significant that doesn't work, except those listed below.

MAF works but there's a spare in the boot because it's bound to go one day.

For some reason I have two Galaxy Haynes manuals, also included. I'll include my VagCom lead too. I don't think it's compatible with the new car and I want to buy a handheld reader anyway.

 

Less good stuff:

The big one. It'll drive fine all day but if you shut the engine down, it's best to wait about 30 minutes before starting again. If you don't, there's a good chance it'll drop into limp mode when you hit 2100 revs. VagCom reports a MAP problem. I've replaced the vacuum tubing up to near the ECU but haven't been able to replace the last stretch or the sensor itself. Fix those and you'll probably fix the fault.

2nd and reverse can be a little tricky to select when cold. May just need cable adjustment.

Engine Management light has been flashing for 10 years. VagCom says it's down to an "implausible brake pedal signal". Replacing the switch hasn't fixed it but after 10 years of no ill effects, I don't worry so much nowadays.

When the lights are on, the brake light telltales on the dash flicker. Rear lights themselves are fine.

Don't expect much in the way of speaker grilles.

The interior has done 240,000 miles of dogs and kids. The first 20,000 could have involved dinosaurs, for all I know. It's survived well considering but wouldn't impress a concourse judge.

The exterior would probably horrify that concourse judge. No rust but numerous dings and scratches.

Climate control worked when it was last gassed but that was a couple of years ago now.

Shocks, brake discs etc are, as far as I can tell, all originals. No idea how they've lasted this long but no apparent problems. German engineering you see.

Tracking is out so the front tyres suffer a bit.

The solitary alarm key broke years ago so no alarm. It's unlikely ever to be stolen though. Two non-alarm keys included.

Trip computer has always reported fuel consumption incorrectly (typically reports 30-32mpg but achieves 38-40)

 

If you want some idea of the cars background, check out my post history here - most of the things it's ever suffered from will be discussed!

 

That's pretty much it. No catches. If you can get to Anglesey to collect it (and plan to make good use of it - I wouldn't give a puppy to someone who turned up in a Furriers van, for example) you can drive it away. There's probably about 100 miles worth of fuel in the tank. It's taxed but I'll be cashing that in at the end of July. We even live beside a railway station.

 

Drop me a PM if you are interested and outline what you'd do with the car. Convince me it won't just be scrapped for cash and it's yours. All I ask is that we complete a proper DVLA ownership transfer.

[seatkid]

Sounds like a good car - would suit Mumof4 - is she still around?

 

Brake switch is probably just wrong type fitted or incorrectly adjusted.

 

My CC doesnt leak anywhere near as much since I tightened the front and rear end plates on the compressor (the leak was from the front end plate outer edge - all the bolts were pretty loose )

 

As far as original pads and disks, my 98 Alhambra with 120k is still on original disks all round and original pads on the front (about 3 mm left) - however at 240,000 miles, I expect new disks and pads wouldnt go amiss. The rear calipers are known to stick on (due to rusting internally) so I'm surprised if it really still has original rear pads. (Was it a motorway car?). THe tracking problem you mention, might lead me to suspect track rod ends, bushes etc may need changing, (none of which is expensive).

 

If you got it through a new MOT (why wait until August?), its value would be considerably more. However I'm not sure if the flashing glow plug is an MOT failure though under the new regs, as that could indicate (to the tester) a potential emissions problem.

[AMacdonald]

I've a feeling the garage didn't track the car properly when they replaced the track rod ends. Only noticed the odd wear recently. Pads have been replaced all round at least once but not the discs. Very little urban driving might explain that.

 

It's already been replaced (Passat Bluemotion Estate) so I just don't need it any more. I wouldn't feel happy about selling a 260,000 mile car as a going concern so I'd rather donate it to someone who might get some use out of it, one way or the other.

Edited June 30, 2012 by AMacdonald

[chrispb123456]

How could you not change or check anyway that last peice of pipe in the ECU, that glow plug light must be exhausted, :45: come on you know you want to do it. :)

[AMacdonald]

I did go in there and got as far as being able to see the ECU but, unlike the pictures on here it had a massive, rigid wiring loom over it and I couldn't get access. I decided that buying another car was a better option for someone as lazy as me.

[gregers]

i know someone who is desperate for a seven seater,is this a genuine offer?coz there skint lol.

 

whereabouts are you?

[AMacdonald]

Completely genuine. I don't need it any more and I can't honestly say it's worth enough to sell. I live by a railway station on Anglesey.

[seatkid]

When the lights are on, the brake light telltales on the dash flicker. Rear lights themselves are fine.

That can happen when you lose the small tail lamp or 4w bulbs have been fitted instead of 5W bulbs. Also worth checking the number plate bulbs and the brown return wires from the rear cluster to wherever they are bonded to the body.

[gregers]

have pm'd you.

[sparky Paul]

WBAC suggested it might be worth £16 and it would cost me more than that to get to the nearest office and back.

 

£16 :)

 

What a very generous gesture, I really hope someone gets some enjoyment out of your old car. B)

[AMacdonald]

I'm hoping someone can use it as it is, or at least keep another one going with a few choice organ transplants.

 

Still available if anyone is interested.

[bj2004]

well if you dont want it and it can be driven i can offer it a good home

[plgha]

is this still on offer? I would love to take it and get it back out into the world :)

[AMacdonald]

I thought it was on its' way to a new home but that one doesn't seem to have come to anything. It's still available if you can get to Anglesey to collect it.

[reaver uk]

By any chance are you still searching for a home for your alhambra? If so i can be in anglessey as soon as you want me there! Me and my wife have just had a baby 3 weeks ago and need an mpv to ferry us all around in - 6 of us now!! What makes things harder is I was made redundant in the big GAME group administration so can't afford to buy one from auto trader. we are really in a pickle and i'm searching the internet constantly for jobs and a cheap 7 seater, so as you can imagine im praying no-one has come forward yet for yours.

Sorry for the long spiel, just wanting to plead my case lol let me know if im in with a chance please, many many thanks.

[AMacdonald]

Reaver makes a good case. I'll respond to your PM.

[sparky Paul]

I'm amazed someone hasn't taken this by now, I just hope it goes to someone genuine.

[reaver uk]

Replied to your pm :) wow i cant thank you enough. My wife and kids are over the moon, its like were going to disneyland or something lol. honestly, i really cant express how much this will help us.

[gregers]

AMcdonald i hope you get something back in doing this good deed m8. :46: :) ;) :25: Edited July 11, 2012 by gregers

[AMacdonald]

I'll settle for knowing someone is benefitting. I hate to throw away things before they absolutely have to be thrown away, as anyone who's seen my trousers will confirm.

Maybe they'll do something similar for someone else one day.

[AMacdonald]

Well, R871XON has gone off to its' new home in the North East. If you see it round the Tyne Valley, give it a wave.

 

Of course, that also means I'm no longer a Ford Galaxy (or equivalent) owner so I suppose I have no right to be here any more. Thanks for all the help and advice over the years.

[gregers]

Well, R871XON has gone off to its' new home in the North East. If you see it round the Tyne Valley, give it a wave.

 

Of course, that also means I'm no longer a Ford Galaxy (or equivalent) owner so I suppose I have no right to be here any more. Thanks for all the help and advice over the years.

 

 

ER NOW WHY WOULD YOU BE THINKING THAT M8,

 

ive gone off a few times,look at my sig.lol.

just because you now do not own a shalaxy doesnt mean to say you cannot partisipate within the forum.

you have knowledge of these cars and everyones opinion is appreciated.

stick around,who knows you may buy another :excl: :lol:

[fredthomas]

where on anglesey are you, just curious i dont need car but i live in amlwch and thought i was alone here lol

[AMacdonald]

I'm near Rhosneigr - other side of the island.

[fredthomas]

ah i know it well, mum lives in engedi, are you getting another or a different car?