Right, well the GTA is home and (eventually) passed its MOT! It had
"issues" with emissions - namely carbon monoxide emissions of 2.3% vol, against a max limit of 0.3%! It took a long time to sort as all the diagnostics were showing no problems with any of the sensors or anything else (all a bit too technical for me). Anyway, Neil at NJS got an updated software disc last week and checked to see if there were any updates for the ECU, which there weren't. So he then (as I understand it) reinstalled all the engine management software, which produced an instant result. CO emissions are now 0.003% vol - just a small decrease then!
As to the suspension, it needed a new offside front upper link arm, which has been duly replaced. Squeaks and bumps are gone. Also had full 36000 mile service, plus had the heated seats restored to working order - oh and a new sidelight bulb! All came to just shy of £480, which I was pretty happy with considering the time spent sorting the emissions out.
I've now got a new front indicator on order too as it's dual function as a water feature when it rains has finally taken its toll. Neil's also put an advisory that the handbrake cables are split, and that there is a very small amount of play in the anti-roll bar. Also, which may be of particular interest to you ohwell, he strongly advises me to get the belts done when i get to 36000 miles (2500 miles to go). The earliest GTA belt failure he's experienced was at 39000 miles. So there we have it! I shall be getting the belts done sometime in early summer!
Still don't think that's too bad, as I've had no other costs in nearly two years of ownership (touch wood), except one set of front tyres (and of course last year's routine service).
Cheers
Aubrey