I don't know what you're doing wrong...
If it breaks down every month, you're doing *something* wrong though. Nothing should get to the point where it's "about to fail" if it's being maintained properly. Maybe you should find a better garage, or learn how to do it yourself - there's nothing complicated about them.
(gordonjcp, Sat 2 Oct 2010, 9:36, 3 replies)

Have you ever owned a classic?
They were as reliable as the rhythm method when they were new, let alone 40 years on using NOS (New Old Stock) parts because they don't make 'em any more, or duplicate parts that aren't quite as good, or or or...there comes a time when the only way out is to take the car back to the bare shell and reassemble it piece by piece. Takes ages, costs a mint.

I bought a 15 year old Jag a few years back for £3K...and it cost me twice that in repairs in the first year. OP, you have my utmost sympathy. Even now, I share your pain *looks at Hillman Imp in garage*
( Fathter Puddytat Kill Kill dat widdle boid is mine on, Sat 2 Oct 2010, 14:19, closed)

Yes, several classic cars
My daily driver is a 1988 Citroën CX, which is rapidly approaching classic age. In the six years I've owned it, the only "real work" I've had to do is a spot of welding on the driver's side sill just below the B pillar, and I put new rear arm bearings on and new front suspension balljoints. The rest of it has all been boring old service parts, like filters, oil and spark plugs. I put new suspension spheres on it when I got it, and they're still perfectly okay.
(gordonjcp, Sat 2 Oct 2010, 18:21, closed)

If you were using it regularly
It really shouldn't have been breaking down that often. Sounds like the "Jag Specialists" were rooting you. I drive a selection of "Old" and classic vehicles including a Series III Landrover. The only time that has given me serious problems (Apart from Standard Fit Solihull Rust) is Lucas Bloody Electrics. The Brummie Cunts decided to outsource distributor arms out to China. Bad Move. A large quantity were moulded out of double Fried smeg which went conductive after a couple of months. Really funny when you're on the motorway and the engine goes dead. I kept a handful of spares. Last time it happened, pop the hood, 2 clips take off the dizzy cap, pull off the rotor (Which fell apart) replace with new, start up and drive off.
Don't ask about fuel consumption mind you.

If you want a replacement classic, I'd strongly recommend something local. Nice Holden or similar. At least local mechanics will know what they are looking at (Or they can phone thier dad to explain it to them)
(Sir Tainley Barking Ezekiel 23:20, Sat 2 Oct 2010, 20:43, closed)

It's true. Friend mechanic reckons Jags last ages. Says it's because unlike most cars they spend most of their time on a hoist so the wheels never wear out.

OTOH, he loves EA Falcons as they are a regular gravy train with head gaskets. Reasonably costly to replace, but not so expensive as to convince the bogan owner to junk it.
(xixax, Mon 4 Oct 2010, 0:11, closed)