Called Mark Cosovich (thanks Elder) he's got a recon box with warranty for =A3375 delivered. The best deal yet but that's still too much really for getting the Merc back running because it has a long list of niggly faults that don't bother me but might really put off a prospective buyer once I decide to flog. Getting the 'box fitted might be quite costly and you never know, it might need a clutch which is =A3150 for the kit alone on this car.
I cycle to work and back so use the car very little. I decided to try and last the summer without a car so I've filled out a tax disc refund form. Last night I called Post Office insurance to cancel. I only insured it since April 12th for =A3220. Less than two months later, they only want to refund me about =A390 because of their =A335 cancellation fee, a =A355-odd "short term" fee and of course the duration of the insurance used. Wankers.
Beware Budget and Post Office insurance. They might quote cheap but are only cheap if you never make changes to your policy or cancel early.
It's a long time since insurance cost me =A360+ per month... in fact it might be the most expensive ever! I decided to keep the policy open and hope that they remain competitive on whatever car I eventually decide to replace the Merc with. We plan to go off travelling again either before or after Xmas. If I go before winter really sets in, I can probably manage without a car and just hire as and when I (rarely) need one. I've always got the use of SWMBO's car when she doesn't need it.
Anyone want a dead, slightly shabby W123?