Gearbox or selector

ADS · 29 June 2006, 15:56

Hi guys, not boat related im afraid but some of you may have more idea than me!
A used car i ve recently test driven with a view to buying was very difficult to engage second gear, sometimes it was relatively easy, but other times I just could'nt get into 2nd. The owner advises it is probably the selector, is this true or could it be more serious. The car is a 1.4 16v Corsa SRI 2001 Y, with 64,000 miles. Any help much appreciated, think I may take it to a garage for their view.

Biggles · 29 June 2006, 16:01

Walk away, Their must be loads of Corsa's of that age around at a good price. If the gearbox has to come out its going to be a big expensive job.

ADS · 29 June 2006, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Walk away, Their must be loads of Corsa's of that age around at a good price. If the gearbox has to come out its going to be a big expensive job.

Just had a quick scan on car forums and I think its the linkage, common problem apparently. Loads of them about, but this one belongs to a friend of mine and I know the history, its also heavily underpriced! Having said that, if it means taking the gearbox out, that'll be expensive!

Mollers · 29 June 2006, 16:13

Yep, it is the box and it'll be £'s to sort it. Good little cars Corsa's. Prob the best of it's type.

Poly · 29 June 2006, 18:26

If someone says its just a few pounds to fix it - then why hasn't he done it. Tell him to fix it and if you are satisfied with the repair you will buy it (if you are feeling generous, or he is feeling greedy you could offer to pay him the cost of the new "linkage" assuming thats all thats needed.)

ADS · 29 June 2006, 22:25

Ok guys cheers for your advice, I think it depends on the price I can get it, if its cheap enough it may be worth doing. How much approximately to take the box out? We talking 100's or thousands here, forgive me I haven't encountered gear box problems before.
Mollers, your right, its a nice little car, latest shape and very nippy.

Poly · 29 June 2006, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADS

We talking 100's or thousands here, forgive me I haven't encountered gear box problems before.

I don't know about a Corsa - but a gearbox replacement is usually the best part of a day's work for a reasonably competent mechanic (it depends on how complicated it is to get out, refit etc). 30 years ago they would probably have stripped the gear box down to repair the fault but I think now most people would just stick a new gear box in. So I think you will be looking at several hundred (ie, closer to £1k than £100) pounds unless you know a man that can, and/or can find a reconditioned box.

Hugh Jardon · 29 June 2006, 23:54

ok phone around a few places that will recon a gearbox, let them know the issue it has, they can then give you a price for a replacement or to recon yours, you can then whip it off, get it done or swapped then refit, it is not really much of a job to do if you are reasonably competant

a couple of years ago my very reliable landrover steering box developed a seep leak....common problem i hasten to add

new one from landys was around 700 quid, phoned a recon place, removed it, posted to them via courrier, they recond it and sent it back by courrier, 150 quid plus 20 quid courrirererirrier. complete bargain

worth looking into as an option as there is not much to a gearbox really, plus might want to cx the clutch at the same time, if it is cheap enough then might be a consideration

Biggles · 30 June 2006, 06:16

ADS. Look at spending a grand then if its any less you've made.

I have a Corsa, year 2000 from new. Good little car easy to service. As for changing the gearbox I should imagine that requires taking the whole engine out.

But if it is the gear linkage maybe it is easy to sort out.

Best bet is take it to an independant garage, get them to look at it, give you a quote and take it from their. Make any offer for the car subject to the quote.

So if the car is worth £3000. And the garage want £250 to fix it pay your mate £2750 and the garage £250 or even better get him to get the work done then pay him £3000.