how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

THE PADRE · 2017-01-20 17:48:30

Hi all,

I'm new to this, so apologies for anything I do to annoy anyone.

In 2014 I bought my first ever motor, a 2005 citroen dispatch 2.0l HDi with windows all round and 6 seats. I pulled out all the manufacturers plastic in the back, and insulated and plylined the rear windows and doors and carpeted it all. Then I built my own version of a product a welsh firm called AmDro made, basically bench seats in the back third, with a table, and when the middle row of seats are folded forward, the half bulkhead folds out to turn the who back into a single bedspace.

It had about 95,000 miles on the clock when I bought it, and I've only put another 15,000 over the last three years. I got it MoT a week ago and the mechanic said I should look to get rid of it because there is rust starting on the chassis and the emissions would have failed but he cheated them for me.

I'd hoped it would last me at least another few years. Is that just unrealistic.

monkeynut · 2017-01-20 17:55:47

I would get a second opinion before you decide

Casper · 2017-01-21 12:24:07

monkeynut wrote:

I would get a second opinion before you decide

Yes that and get under with a wire brush and decide how bad the rust is. It could just be surface stuff wanting a rub down and treated. if so seal it all. Before spending money under there get to another garage and get the emission tested. BTW you could get another van in good nick for around 800 quid so keep that in mind when spending to keep your on the road. What you have put in can be swapped over to a new one.

Good luck

vaz2121 · 2017-01-22 09:34:52

Casper wrote:

monkeynut wrote:
I would get a second opinion before you decide

Yes that and get under with a wire brush and decide how bad the rust is. It could just be surface stuff wanting a rub down and treated. if so seal it all. Before spending money under there get to another garage and get the emission tested. BTW you could get another van in good nick for around 800 quid so keep that in mind when spending to keep your on the road. What you have put in can be swapped over to a new one.
Good luck

YEAH What they said .... At least a good coating of old engine oil on affected area if sound enough to hold things at bay and being an HDI most likely something along the lines of a MAF ......... get it on a code reader and see if any DTC's show up ......

THE PADRE · 2017-01-24 15:15:21

Thank you all for your thoughts, it is presently in with another garage (Allied Vehicles on Balmore Road, who do lots of the newer versions, taxis and convert them for mobility cars) for a second opinion. I'm really not confident or handy with any of the mechanical stuff and feel totally ignorant. What is a MAF and what is a code reader and what are DTCs? Sorry.

I'm really hoping it can be kept going - the wiring for the heater/blower has gone. I was shown where the wire was and usually I was able to push it about to make a connection, but then whenever I turned off the engine I'd have to start again.

I like the fact that it has 6 seats (I need them all) and although old, from what I can gather, still gets better mileage than newer vans. I'm probably averaging 45mpg, but I don't want to be chucking out anymore muck than I have too, so I'd happily spend money to get the emissions sorted.

I was offered £500 for a trade in which has convinced me that I would like to try and save her.

Casper · 2017-01-24 19:10:51

Mass Air Flow Sensor

This is not yours but gives an idea where it is. You get a spray cleaner for it but folk have managed with baby wipes
A code reader plugs into the vans OBD socket (On Board Diagnostics) And tells you a code what will correspond with a area/sensor on the van and when van says DTC's i will presume he is saying what Diagnostic something code is showing

THE PADRE · 2017-01-27 21:39:28

Thanks for all the comments. Just realised I've managed to post this all in the wrong general discussion as mine is an old van. Second opinion reckons it's worth repairing. Front offside spring to replace. Rust isn't too bad. A service might sort the emissions. So I'm keeping it and trying to repair it. I'm pleased as I prefer keeping something running. Thankyou all.

Casper · 2017-01-27 22:56:02

THE PADRE wrote:

Thanks for all the comments. Just realised I've managed to post this all in the wrong general discussion as mine is an old van. Second opinion reckons it's worth repairing. Front offside spring to replace. Rust isn't too bad. A service might sort the emissions. So I'm keeping it and trying to repair it. I'm pleased as I prefer keeping something running. Thankyou all.

Good man. Dont skimp on the service as this one may be vital. Seen these vans run up to 300k on the clock so yours is just a pup. Get under it when the sun comes out and wire brush it down then paint and under seal. After that if you are still not confident get the likes of National tyres to give you a oil filter change and buy air and fuel filters from the likes of European car parts and DIY. You will be fine.

THE PADRE · 2017-01-29 21:12:19

Again thank you. It goes in tomorrow to a mechanic recommended to me who seems happy to work on older motors. He keeps some of the taxi versions going so hopefully can get the necessary. I'll try and post a picture of the back under the conversions theme if you're interested in my rear seating arrangement.

OAT · 2017-01-30 00:46:00

THE PADRE wrote:

if you're interested in my rear seating arrangement.

Of course we are Padre.

wink

Casper · 2017-01-30 01:18:26

What he said ^^ Always interested in others ideas/builds.

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#1 2017-01-20 17:48:30

how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#2 2017-01-20 17:55:47

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#3 2017-01-21 12:24:07

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#4 2017-01-22 09:34:52

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#5 2017-01-24 15:15:21

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#6 2017-01-24 19:10:51

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#7 2017-01-27 21:39:28

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#8 2017-01-27 22:56:02

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#9 2017-01-29 21:12:19

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#10 2017-01-30 00:46:00

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

#11 2017-01-30 01:18:26

Re: how much more life is there in my 2005 van?

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