Advice needed - 2001 Colt Clubcab 2.4i 4x4

[hbsnam]

Just bought a 2001 Colt Clubcab 2.4i 4x4 with 195 odd thousand kilometers on the clock at an auction.

Seems I bit off a bit more than I can handle financially right now,
as the vehicle, although in a reasonably good running condition, is costing me more than I budgeted for.

Ok, I knew I was taking a risk, buying at an auction, I was warned before hand by a friend who has experience in buying on auctions.

Anyhow, seems this vehicle was leased by Avis Fleet Services to a parastatal here in Namibia. Now most of us can imagine what that means.

• The vehicle at one time was involved in an accident, and the repair job done on the body is definatley not up to scratch.
• Bonnet is vibrating badly, scared that it might pop up any second.
• Mechanically, the engine seems to be ok, although the dealers (had her in for the ABS light today) say that the whole "loom" (am I correct this is electrical wiring?) has to be replaced, and possibly a ABS sensor as well.
• Also, will have to probably remove the gearbox and put in a new gasket, as she is leaking quite a bit of oil from there.
• Possibly new clutch, seems the pressure plate is giving in
• Aircon pipes are damaged, will have to be replaced.
• Starter is busy going.
• Fuel consumption is high (was warned before hand that a 2.4 uses a lot, apparently more than a V6 3 Liter, but hey, the chance of getting a 4x4 for that price seemed too good to be true)
• Body has numerous smaller dents

Sofar she cost me approx 60k, have been told the retail value is 97k. Will probably cost me another 10k to repair these problems (bear in mind I have no mechanical experience, rely on mechanic friends etc or other mechanics for repairs).

My question thus is:

Should I keep her and scrounge somehow to get the money to fix her or try and sell her? Cannot make up my mind on this.

Advice please. Thanks.

[Laurence]

From someone who has driven a large number of rental cars, and an absolute car nut, just bought my 24th car in the last 2 years and have owned in excess of at least 60 cars in the last 10 years, my advice would be to get rid of it. I know how I have treated them in the past. They are the best 4x4's and racing cars all rolled into one.

If you already have so many problems you are just going to be sinking your cash into an endless pit.

Get out as much as you can now and then look at buying something else. Don't be disheartened though because 4x4ing is one of the great pleasures in life.

Cheers
Laurence

[hbsnam]

Laurence

Thanks, I do intend to take your advice, will be getting rid of her, if I can find someone to take her.

Just too many problems, as you say, will probably be an endless pit of repairs etc.

Thanks

[Laurence]

Pleasure.

Just by the way you can get an older very reliable 4x4 that will not give you any problems for the same sort of money that you spent on the colt.

My first 3 4x4's all cost me under 25k and they were all in excellent condition even though they were older models. I had a blast with each of them. Not one breakdown on any of the trips I took them on.