[Third_Time_Lucky]

Only you can decide whether spending more money is throwing good after bad, but I think if it was me I'd try one more round of fixes ...

I'd be very cautious of jusdging a place by its hourly rate, especially going somewhere based on a low rate. The country garage I used to go to charged 35 GBP + Vat per hour & were reasonably competant but nothing special, but the next time I went it had changed ownership & mechanics and the price had gone up to 49 GBP + VAT /hour - might as well have burnt the money as they were such bungle***** the work had to be repeated elsewhere. 2nd country garage (now folded) in same village, same hourly rate and used to be competant, but the older mechanics retired & they got a total prat in reception who thought he knew better and your car wouldn't get exactly the work that you'd specified done, often this wouldn't fix the problem.
The place I go now charges 95 GBP + Vat an hour which sounds horrific, but they only charge half the hours I'd expect to be needed to get the job done. I've recommended them to friends/family, some with exotica & classics & they've always been willing to take difficult/fiddly jobs on.

Sadly they're in south cambs so no help to you at all

Yes it does sound like timing chain issues from what I've read. From what I've seen it needs specialist locking kit & experience, hope someone can give you a recommendation

 

[Third_Time_Lucky]

My Mum has a 2012 (2nd facelift) Aygo, my observations from driving it a bit & cleaning it:

- it's a bugger to clean properly as it has more nooks, crannies, channels etc than any car has a right to

- it's been back for leaking tailgate & recall on rear window hinge failure

- apart from routine servicing the only things it's needed are an exhaust, tyres & wipers

- 1L, 3 cylinder performance is just about adequate around town, although it does sound like a 4 cylinder engine that's "missing" on one, and you have to be in a gear lower than usual. It's fun chucking it around roundabouts etc., but as soon as you get out on higher limit roads you're very aware it's a small, underpowered car, I wouldn't really want to take it far on a motorway for instance. Shorter wheelbase & narrower track makes it far more jouncy than a Mini.

- the car is built down to a (low) price & IMO the interior has suffered, it looks nice enough but there's a lot of exposed metal & feels a little cheap & sounds very clangy when you unlock it or close a door.

- boot is tiny, 5 door option makes it easier to carry passengers


TBH not a bad choice, compared to a Mini there's less refinement, less character ... and less problems.

 

[Third_Time_Lucky]

Hi T_T_L, I'm also in S Cambs and I have recently had major issues with a garage that advertises itself as one of the best - they have a 'Govt contract' and reside in very 'professional' buildings etc.. I would welcome your recommendation! Thanks!

Sent you a PM