Dropped the car in for the A/C to be fixed. The two pipes arrived on Friday (£280 for pipes

). Also asked for the rear pads to be changed as you need a piston winding tool, and for the front anti-roll bar stabiliser links to be changed (slight knock on speed bumps). The mechanics also serviced the pistons as they were sticking a little (common on older cars).
The wrong links were sent (happened last time so no surprise) but I have to collect tomorrow as they were running out of time. Mechanics have found a split in the intake pipe, but I can replace this as I can get one for £20 off
ebay, or indeed repair it depending upon how bad.
Going to be a dear do, but it's been a cheap car to run the last 14 years !!! Wear and tear. The guy thought the car was on a private plate before he realised it was indeed a 2002 car (I keep it in good nick).