Hi folks,

My Van: 2003 plate, 2.0L, 1995cc diesel, manual van with 100,000miles.

I've been watching Scotty Kilmer for years, and I've had a van in the UK for a bit longer at 15 years. 3yr old second hand. Never broke down - took Scotty's advice with the service intervals. At exactly 100,000 miles the fuel injection pump broke, and it opened a real can of worms that I haven't been able to untangle because nobody will give me a straight answer. Here are the opinions:

• The diagnostic guy said Vauxhall tie the serial numbers of parts to the ECU. Vauxhall software marries up new parts to their serial numbers. No software, no car start.
• The mechanics I asked said they could fit a new part, but none of them guaranteed it would work.
• One or two injection specialists said it can be rebuilt, while others said this particular model is uniquely impossible to fix: Bosch VP44 PSG16
• The Vauxhall dealership itself said I would have to get a new pump, get a mechanic to fit it (£1,200-£1,500) and then they charge £2,400 to 'initiialise' it with their software. The entire van is worth about £500 🤣 
• Finally, one injection specialist says he might be able to fit a new pump. And he's getting back to me with an estimate.

What I would really like to do is buy a naturally aspirated, completely mechanical petrol or diesel engine. But I either need to repair my van, or buy a Toyota/Lexus that will last me at least a year. But my main question is: Have they actually done this nefarious ECU thing with cars? If the starter motor breaks down for example on a Lexus IS 250; can I just buy a new one and fit it?.

Thank you all for your time. Thank you Scotty Kilmer, you're awesome.