What Have I done to my car today (2005 Trafic (Vivaro))

[BagONails]

Sounds tempting at that price and the devil you know is always better than the one you don't...

My only comment in general terms is that diesels have become less desirable in recent years due to the complexity of emission systems add-ons predicated by the Euro legislation ie. Common rail injection, turbo, DPF's, EGR valves, Adblue etc.etc. They all add complication and they all seem to fail early being the primary cause of any diesel breakdown these days. The repair costs can be prohibitive.  Your 2012 Sorrento may be early enough to avoid most of this, will be CR, probably has a turbo and EGR maybe but not too much else to cause a problem. Probably worth a punt.

I'm put off looking at anything much less than 10 years old these days due to the proliferation of systems, sensors and software that nobody needs. Look in the car wreckers these days and a large portion of the stock has not been accident damaged or corroded off the road, they are just beyond economic repair due to a failed module or some such...its a conspiracy I'm sure of it!

[Joolstacho]

Agree BagO' Unfortunately the landfill wastage is just appalling, most of which has been encouraged by the very people who insist they are doing right by the planet.
Yes the Europeans, having once encouraged Diesels, now penalise them for the dirty emissions.
TBH I'm scared *hitless about modern cars. Even my 24 year old SAAB has scary electronics. (But in spite of that I love it!)

[Worty]

We've just spent around £1300 on the Octy (which is what it's worth) for four new tyres, timing belt, OEM clutch, new gearbox oil and two inner drive shaft boots.  This should take her on to around 240,000 miles, which may well be enough.  However, becaues she's a 2008 model diesel, there's no DPF, so no worries on short journeys!!

I don't really want anything with loads of stupid electronics, so I'm treating the Octy a bit like a 'classic' - keep it running until the wheels fall of it or the wheels fall off me.

Cheap insurance, but the road tax is govt theft at £190 per year.

I do like the oil burners.

[groily]

Need to look for one of these then Worty!
http://www.dieselbike.net/Dorsett/Dorsett.htm
As long as you're never in a rush, that is 

[Worty]

Need to look for one of these then Worty!
http://www.dieselbike.net/Dorsett/Dorsett.htm
As long as you're never in a rush, that is 

I'm sold!  Particularly the 650 twin.

Mind you, Harleys are diesel powered, aren't they

[Angus]

Nice choice of van 'e'. My 2012 is still rust free due to the galvanising. Only 111k miles but she is my daily drive with 9 seat if need be and become a day van/camper for the Uk touring week. Think I have her setup now.
edit not sure why the thumbnail is upside down 

[groily]

Good workhorses, Trafics and their sisters. Mine's coming up to 15 now and I've had it over half that. Very dependable and 1200km range on a tank is a bit useful too.
Usual Renault ageing thing with poor LED display for clock / radio panel (the figures go invisible when warm) and also clacky wipers due to wear on the right hand (passenger for me) mechanism, same as on a million older Scenics and similar.
Very comfortable for long distances. Working people have to practically live in the things, so they need to be, after all.

(The thumbnail comes out right if I click to enlarge it Angus - very nice version, yours. Def a keeper I reckon. So's mine, at same sort of mileage - they should do at least double and more what we have on our clocks before anything bad happens.)

[Worty]

Out of interest, what's the timing belt change interval on these?