Car woes, to repair or buy a used one?

cassanova · #1 05-12-2009, 12:16 AM

So this is about everything I can think of that my car needs to have done to it. Some fixes aren't quite mandatory as they don't effect the the mechanical operation, but none the less it needs to be fixed.

No reverse/Odd grinding noise in the tranny
Water pump (have part and will be repairing tomorrow)
Power steering pump
Starter
Front end allignment
Brake work
Struts
Springs
Shocks
Glove Box
Dashboard

I like my car because the body's pretty straight, no major engine problems other than whats listed above, and other than the dash board and glove box it needs no interior work. I'm also thinking the struts, springs, and shocks, can be put off a bit more since they don't really effect the mechanical operation of the car.

In your opinion would I be better off just slowly and steadily making the repairs myself or just trade it in for something newer? I really do not know at this point.

Grizzly700 · #2 05-12-2009, 06:01 AM

If all of that has failed on it, then you are probably going to be spending more on the parts for the car than what the car is actually worth, unless it is a classic or something lol.

drteeth · #3 05-12-2009, 06:05 AM

Trade it in.

BillyRay · #4 05-12-2009, 08:36 AM

What's the car ? How much mileage ? What's the shape of the used market where you live ?

Some of your problems don't need to be fixed, but a lot of them do and they're the pricier one. No reverse and a grinding tranny ? This needs to be rectified.

Mike N · #5 05-12-2009, 05:14 PM

Unless you can do some of the work yourself it's going to cost a fortune to repair all that stuff. I'd consider getting rid of it and using the $ as a down payment on something newer.

hartke20g · #6 05-12-2009, 07:10 PM

+1 on getting another car. you'll spend more than the car is worth to trade in just repairing it. and it seems like a lot of important parts are in need of repairing. imagine losing your brakes and power steering while driving. the glove box, dashboard, and starter are honestly the only problem areas that don't require immediate attention. the rest of them could really do some damage to the car and to you if not working properly.

tplyons · #7 05-12-2009, 08:29 PM

What kind of car and how technically inclined are you?

I'd be tempted to get rid of that one.

kserg · #8 05-12-2009, 08:53 PM

Get an Xterra!!!

I personally just got a new car... First 2 months i've spent with out "fixing" anything in a while. Love it!

Webtroll · #9 05-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kserg

Get an Xterra!!!

I personally just got a new car... First 2 months i've spent with out "fixing" anything in a while. Love it!

Amen. I had an old Ford Ranger that I was constantly having work done on and it ran great. I replaced it with a much newer Pathfinder and have noticed that I'm not scheduling my next garage trips right after making trips. I've probably come close to recovering the money I would have lost in repairs in just a few years by buying it.

That said if you have a vintage Mustang or something like that then keep it and repair it over time, buy something cheap and reliable to get you around.

SteveC · #10 05-13-2009, 09:45 AM

I'm in a similar place. My 99 Blazer is going to hell. No AC, no cruise, suspension is shot, transmission is suspect and the door sags so much that water and snow leak in - which is probably why some of the electronics don't work.

Most anyone will tell you that if a vehicle is paid for, it is batter to repair it - even if it costs a lot. Why? Because if you buy a vehicle for say $10,000, a 36 month loan would be about $300 a month. So for $3,000 you'd get 10 months of car payments. After 10 months, you are not spending $300 a month. If you get a new vehicle, you have 26 more months of spending $300. So by repairing your vehicle, you have "saved" yourself about $8,000. All this assumes that your car will not need further major repairs in the next 3 years.

The repairs to my Blazer would cost more than it's worth, and probably more than buying a new car. However, in my equation I have a baby due in July, so having another car payment (we already pay for a new Civic) is out of the question. I have to drive the Blazer until it dies - and hopefully I wont die with it - or until the shop says that something is a life or death deal.

Mike N · #11 05-13-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

All this assumes that your car will not need further major repairs in the next 3 years.

You know what happens when you assume.......

kserg · #12 05-13-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike N

You know what happens when you assume.......

that's what i did for 2 years. Fix this, fix that, assume that it won't brake down again. Then finally pulley went flying off the engine while being more then 100 miles away... Being towed 100 miles in Sunday traffic is fun...

Pulley cost me $40 to fix... that's when i did the math and found out i've been putting in around $300 a month in the car that kept braking down for past 2 years. Now i am putting in $540 but i don't have to worry about braking down.

cassanova · #13 05-20-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kserg

Get an Xterra!!!I personally just got a new car... First 2 months i've spent with out "fixing" anything in a while. Love it!

This is the first time in the 3 years that I've owned the car that I've had to fix anything on it. I really cannot complain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

What kind of car and how technically inclined are you?

I'd be tempted to get rid of that one.

It's a 1995 Chevy Camaro. All work is being done by myself and dad who was a GM mechanic for Chevy for about 40 years.

I did the math, unfortunately, a new car isn't an option right now. The insurance on any type of new car is astronomical. My license is tainted so its putting my premiums through the roof. When my license is no longer subject to stiff insurance penalties I'll probably get myself a new vehicle.

I repaired the water pump only to find out I have another water leak coming from the pipe assembly. It's only a $26 part. So its not that big of fix.

The only repair that costs around what the car is worth is the transmission. I'm looking at about $2200 for that. (might sell a few of my basses to pay for that)

Next payday its on to the brakes. Fortunately, I just need pads/shoes, the rotors and calipers are still in good working order.