Advisory advice for a mechanical idiot

[MSW]

Just scoping a possible purchase (2.2i on 106k, most importantly within a few miles of where I live ) with the following MOT advisories:-

Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated Both (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

As someone who can barely tell the difference between a spanner and a screwdriver and with no home garage facilities where I can begin to teach myself, about how many hours work would a decent independent charge me for getting these done and dusted (parts look like they would cost around £100 or so)? And how worried should I be about the "not excessive" oil leak?

Any advice welcome

 

[Big Bad Boris]

I am not an expert, but some will be along in a minute.

However, I had the same advisory on my 2005 E85 20i at last years MOT. It has done just over the 100k mark. I was told the head gasket had been changed not long before I bought it, turns out it just needed to be be tightened down properly and it s fine now. Interesting the car you are talking about is in the same ballpark mileage wise maybe it too has had a head gasket.

I’ll get out of the way now to let the guys who know what they are talking about advise you (I’ll wager the word “depends” will be used )

 

[Big Bad Boris]

I am referring to the oil leak for clarity.

 

[NickDE]

Well, of course, it all depends...

 

[wonkydonkey]

Rough guesses from me:

New anti-roll bar drop links - £30 parts, 1 hour for both.

Rear springs - £100 (pair), 1 hour for both.

Brake hoses - £30 parts, 1 hour for both.

Oil leak - depends entirely on where it's coming from.

 

[MSW]

Oil leak - depends entirely on where it's coming from.

Thought that would be the general response. Will need to investigate in person and see if the current owner will 'fess up or if the MOT guys were a bit more specific.

Cheers for the rough guesswork. Thought it wouldn't be too painful

 

[Jfgoldfish]

IMO the only concerning one would be the oil leak but it might be an easy one to fix or live with.

If it's the sump gasket they are a pain to replace. More common suspects would be the vaccum pump at the upper rear of the engine or the rocker cover gasket.

The others are practically consumable parts and good ammunition for knocking afew quid off the asking price.

The trader I bought mine from got the front brake hoses and lollypop bushes replaced for me before purchase. Worth discussing.

 

[firebobby]

Oil leaks are normally rocker cover gasket or oil filter housing, neither are major jobs.
Welcome to the forum
Oh and
:worthless:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Oil leaks are normally rocker cover gasket or oil filter housing, neither are major jobs.
Welcome to the forum

Give the OP a chance - he hasn't bought yet!

 

[firebobby]

Oil leaks are normally rocker cover gasket or oil filter housing, neither are major jobs.
Welcome to the forum

Give the OP a chance - he hasn't bought yet!

Keep him on his toes

 

[Woodrow]

Send it to Ross @ RBM. He’ll sort it all. One of the factors that I looked for before purchasing my Coupe was decent forums and Indy garages. Luckily I’ve discovered this is one of the best forums that I’m a member of and Ross is like my cars family doctor. I have utter trust in him so you’ll be absolutely fine.

 

[MSW]

Oil leaks are normally rocker cover gasket or oil filter housing, neither are major jobs.
Welcome to the forum

Give the OP a chance - he hasn't bought yet!

Keep him on his toes

TBH I assumed you meant that 'the expert advice' should be coming with photos of where on the engine to look at. All I can take photos of is an empty space an the driveway :wink: