Updates (from the ignorant)

[L'enfant terrible]

Hi everyone,

I've just bought my first Polo (it's my second ever car - first one has finally packed up) and I have a few questions. I'm a 19 year old IT worker and have no idea about cars in general.

The car is a 1996 flash red 1.4 MK4 Polo with power steering and 77k on the clock.

1. I'd like to get the cambelt changed - how much is this likely to cost?

2. There are key scratches down both sides so I think all 4 door panels will need to be re-done. Does anyone have a rough idea how much this could cost? I know a few people in the bodyshop business so might be able to get some money off but just looking for a rough idea.

3. I want to get some alloys to replace the steelys - Would 15" wheels with 195/50/15 tyres fit ok?

Probably a few more things I'd like to know but this will do for now.

Cheers!

[Josh_polo]

Welcome to the forum,

i can only answer the third one as i have 15's except i have 194/45/15 tyres on mine...

3. I want to get some alloys to replace the steelys - Would 15" wheels with 195/50/15 tyres fit ok?

[L'enfant terrible]

Ok - would 50 be too big then? I'm just trying to buy some alloys that come with tyres and the ones I want come with 195/50/15 but I guess I might be able to get them to change it if I ask specifically.

[Torq-Al]

Welcome to the site, you terrible child! (sorry, couldn't resist)

On to the questions,

1. I'd like to get the cambelt changed - how much is this likely to cost?

Budget for £200ish & you won't be far out.

2. There are key scratches down both sides so I think all 4 door panels will need to be re-done. Does anyone have a rough idea how much this could cost? I know a few people in the bodyshop business so might be able to get some money off but just looking for a rough idea.

I just had a quote for 2 doors to be painted & it was £300+vat, you should find cheaper, plus get mates to do a 'cash' job after hours. Plus yours is a non-metallic & easy to match. (mines not! )

3. I want to get some alloys to replace the steelys - Would 15" wheels with 195/50/15 tyres fit ok?

195/45/15's are standard fit size (as josh put) & would be best. 50 profile tyres are slightly taller, so have got a greater rolling circumference. If you plan to modify any further by lowering the car, then this could be annoying & rub the arches.

Probably a few more things I'd like to know but this will do for now.

Ask away as you think of anything, or browse around the site & see what others have done.

Ultimately, enjoy the Dub!

[L'enfant terrible]

Thanks Torq-Al.

I was expecting cambelt to be around £150 so that's not far off.

I'm going to try and get a couple of quotes tomorrow in my lunch hour so I'll report back! Might take some photos too.

I've emailed the retailer asking if they could supply 45 tyres instead of 50 so hopefully that will be ok.

Now just got to find a glove box lid as the car came without one, oddly enough!

[Torq-Al]

Cambelt shouldn't be too bad, get the waterpump changed at the same time. (cheaper in the long run!)

Have a look on ebay for the glovebox lid, (on for around 20 quid) or go down to a scrappy!

[L'enfant terrible]

A mate reckons he can get my cambelt done for £50 by a mate of his that is a mechanic and did the belt on his polo which would be good.

Getting the alloys on 9month interest free finance so the only thing I'm going to have to cough up a lot for is the body work I guess although I'm hoping I can get that for £250 max!

[Torq-Al]

A mate reckons he can get my cambelt done for £50 by a mate of his that is a mechanic and did the belt on his polo which would be good.

Sounds a good price, belt costs 5-10 quid, so its labour that is the killer. Hence why its worth doing the water pump whilst its stripped down. would cost around 20 quid more.

A quote for bodywork costs nothing, so get 3 or 4, then ask your mates in the bodyshops what they'd do it for. Then you'd know that you're getting a fair deal.

[Tim_GTi]

Welcome to the site mate.

Average price for a scratch repair would be £80 a panel.

[L'enfant terrible]

Got a quote today for £399.50 ooooer! I'm taking it to my mate's dad's house on Saturday morning to see what he can do it for.

Selling my PS3 and all my games to raise cash towards this & alloys! Commitment.

[Tim_GTi]

Selling my PS3 and all my games to raise cash towards this & alloys! Commitment.

Seeing sense more like,

[L'enfant terrible]

I was going to install it into my Polo so I could drive and play at the same time but I think it could lead to further and bigger bodywork bills.

[Tim_GTi]

Wheel over games anyday

[Naz]

dont know if any of u guys have played forza 2 on the xbox- some great sim driving and cool mods

mk2 golf with r32 running gear etc....

[vw-po-low]

Wheel over games anyday

You know it Tim!