Small Fault, Big Cost

[bigtallpaul]

Hi

I have a 2001 1.6 ghia (93000miles). Recently, one of the plastic cup connectors at the gear stick end of the assembly cable has slipped off a couple of times whilst driving, leaving the gear stick loose but the car still in gear. It's like a ball and socket connector and is the cream coloured bit in the centre of the attached picture. I can normally clip it back on without too much trouble and without removing the gear stick cover but that's a bit unsafe whilst still in motion.

I know that the new cable is about £140 to buy and then the labour to fit it is a couple of hours or more. To be honest, it's borderline whether I wish to spend that much on the car. I have spent £800 getting the rear suspension fixed this year, the brakes have been replaced and the car is only worth maybe £1000. I only do about 5000 miles a year and use the car twice a week.

It seems a bit daft to have to replace the whole cable, for a bit of plastic the size of my finger nail.

Does anyone know a quick fix that leaves the car safe to drive? As it needs to pivot and also move laterally, glue or cable ties are not going to work. However, I am the least technical person when it comes to cars so really need your help.

Thanks in advance

2012-11-22 16.23.43 (1).BMP