[non-Austin] any MOT specialist knowledge?

[Hedd_Jones]

All done. The wire flexible spring had broken. 

Couldnt get my arms up to undo the catch from the back. Impossible, to much crap in the way.  So mauled the grill off and smashed the catch to find the cross. Now its all back together, you couldnt tell ive been in that way. 

Bonnet now opened with a 2 foot long phillips screwdriver which lives in the boot.

Cynics among us would say that Ford = Fix or repair daily. Mind you, I have just bought a Fiat to replace my ancient Polo and I am told that Fiat = Fix it again tomorrow!

David, I run 10year+ cars by choice. Issues are 'life'.

Previously I ran diesel Peugeots. (and a Citroen - Peugeot in drag) 205, 306 (Xsara). Mechanically excellent, paint and body good. Electricals - Jons experience - Awful. Last Peugeot was a 2002 306 Fabulous motor. 2L HDI. 180k before I killed it. But it had a exceptionally hard life, moving 8 ton of steam tractor regularly.

Last car was a 2005 diesel Mondeo. Rust bucket. Went like a rocket. Pulled like a train (I had 5 ton behind it once). Electrical gremlins with the engine management did for it in the end at about 150k (a turbo issue), and it was nothing but a pain in the arse. But when it was running right it was exceptional. It was the best 3.5tonner I've ever had. But it put me off modern diesels forever.

Other than having to put a clutch on this one not long after buying it (being Petrol and no silly dual mass flywheel bullsh1t, only £300), its been ok. A million times less hassle than the Mondeo, but not as trouble free as the Pugs

Fundamentally its a function of the added complexity in modern cars. All driven by emissions. Newer they are, more complicated they are. I do worry what will happen should these silly electric cars take off. I suspect in about 5 years time, when some of them are 10year old or so ish we will find out!.

Going back to something I suggested elsewhere, 3 lung mechanical diesel in an austin 7. I would suggest such a vehicle would be one of the 'greenest' vehicles about, if measured by any sound form of measure. Still using the bulk of something built 70years ago (so very sustainable indeed), running a repurposed engine (more sustainable again), with fabulously frugal use of the earth resources to run it (in mpg). Far better for the environment than buying a new Tesla every other year in my book.  
Jon - Good news.