Hi all

I'm back again. Long time no post. I still have my , which now has 148,000 on the clock and still standard. So the other week I started to hear a rattle/tapping noise coming from the engine area.

I suspect it's the timing chain. Has anyone done this repair themselves or is it a garage job? Any ideas on cost and time scale of repair? I know there is talk of the pre facelift becoming collectors cars in the future, but I'm not sure if mines worth saving. It needs stuff doing to it as it's starting to show it's age (like me)

Any reply welcome. Cheers

Rattle could be chain with the mileage, especially if it's worse for a few seconds on start up.

It seems like quite an involved job I wouldn't fancy tackling it myself and would want someone competent doing it.

Regarding the age, mine's on 120,000 miles and is still going strong. They seem to be good solid cars if looked after and oil level kept on top of. A few little niggles can easy be sorted, lots of parts available. Plenty of people know their way around the engines etc too.

Hi Jimmy

Thanks for the reply. TBH I've been a wee bit negligent on the servicing of late (ptsd, depression, anxiety) but noticed today puffs of blue smoke when accelerating. The tapping isn't really noticeable on start up, more when it's warmed up. I'm wondering if it's the EGR sticking/closed.

The tapping is louder when in gear and driving, and quieter when in neutral and revving the engine. There was also some popping noises today from the exhaust when revving at idle. So possible misfire too. I'm now thinking valve seals/piston rings, or even bottom end!!