Thanks for the advice..as I've been in 2 minds about if i'm keeping/selling the car, I went for the cheap option and bought an MAF from ebay and fitted it. The car is now running fine, however..the fuel economy has decreased quite badly, although the engine starts and runs very well. Also, I noticed a slight haze of blue smoke when I revved it up from cold soon after fitting the MAF (cold engine). Another thing I notice is not a 'normal' petrol exhaust smell, but a different 'sweet?' smell.
could this mean the CAT? what about the fuel economy - surely a new maf improves, certainly not screws the fuel economy up??
should I try new plugs, air filter, oil change and injector cleaner in the fuel tank??
please help.