Cheers to all. I will get it to the local Indy for a diagnostic first, and see where we go from there.
I had a walk around it this morning with an objective eye. It's been a town car for most of the last 8 years or so, and it shows on the outside (probably also hasn't helped the gearbox, but hey ho). To tart it up would require a respray of the bumpers, the bonnet, and all four passenger side panels. Plus a new driver's door skin (despite having been replaced only 18 months ago!
), various other rub strips, and some new trim under the driver's side headlight. All four wheels need a refurb. I suspect new tyres soon as well. There are little bits of interior trim that need sorting out, and the power steering works when it wants to.
Oh, and the ABS/traction control light and pass air bag light come on as and when - the MOT has to be timetabled around their moods.
So dispassionately, it's like a faithful old labrador who's really on her last legs now. Fixing and sprucing is a "Heart" decision; not a "Head" one.
If we do let her go, I will regret it, because it's impossible not to grow attached to a car that's served us well for over 14 years. We'll see.