Friends – I can't thank you enough!
Cobber – I nearly spat out my coffee at "when these things shit themselves they’ll make the engine run like a hairy goat". We have whisk(e)y at home, it's such a shame about the ocean. You're a legend.
I have sourced a PDF of the workshop manual for now, and arranged to pick up the car + tow on Saturday... FINALLY!
I don't feel so defeated anymore, thanks to you all, especially James and Cobber. I've a clear list of things to check now, and just need to find the right person to go through it (and save up a bit). We are going away for a week, but I'm so much happier knowing that my little car will be safe at home. Still in disbelief that somebody managed to drive into it
at the garage.
I did ask the garage to check the HO2Ss and was told "that's got nothing to do with anything". Grr. I didn't know to suggest the coolant and intake temp sensors, or MAP sensor – and I guess I'd hoped the more qualified people would have thought of these things (of course they didn't).
minimax, I am mightily unimpressed with these hacks. I wanted to shout at them last time I was there, but just ended up sobbing a bit. On Saturday I'm going to ask them for a printout of all the "work" they did, and then leave an honest review.
I will have a look for Rob Bell over at MGF Register when we are back.
James, congratulations on your daughters' weddings! What a lovely way to be busy.
Much love, Dora