Repair or Trade 2007 Saturn Aura
My Aura has 127K. Minor problems - the radio display will go out completely or flash like a no-tell motel's sign. Also, the info display on the dash will not always respond to the steering wheel buttons.
Major problem - When hitting bumps or potholes at any speed above a crawl it sounds like the joints or struts are about to drop off their mounts. Also, the steering is beginning to growl when stationary let alone full lock (high temps?)
Possible problem: On numerous occasions when passing I smell unburned fuel, like from a 72 Vega. I open the windows to vent the car but it comes back the next time I pass.
It's had regular service since I bought it 2010. Does not burn oil and get a true 25+ MPG. On the xway, I've gotten 26+ with cruise set at 80.
I currently drive 70 miles a day to / from work. It's maybe 30% xway and 70% 2 lane state route that should have resurfaced last century. And no, I don't mean twentieth.
I'd like to get a late model midsize, not a microcar. I'm leaning towards either a Suby Legacy or a Fusion/C-Max Hybrid. I may have to break my "haven't spent over $16K for a car - new or used - since 1984" tradition.
KBB & NADA price it between $2,000 - $4,000.
Replacing the radio alone with OEM would be $700+, aftermaket $400. Struts, exhaust, rune-up, filters, fluids, etc would be pushing book value I think.
So, should I sell, repair, or live with it? I used to figure 15K per year for mileage but is that still reasonable? Would a 2014 Legacy Premium w/67K at $16K be good, bad or POS? What about a 2013 Fusion Hybrid with 27K for the same money?
Major problem - When hitting bumps or potholes at any speed above a crawl it sounds like the joints or struts are about to drop off their mounts. Also, the steering is beginning to growl when stationary let alone full lock (high temps?)
Possible problem: On numerous occasions when passing I smell unburned fuel, like from a 72 Vega. I open the windows to vent the car but it comes back the next time I pass.
It's had regular service since I bought it 2010. Does not burn oil and get a true 25+ MPG. On the xway, I've gotten 26+ with cruise set at 80.
I currently drive 70 miles a day to / from work. It's maybe 30% xway and 70% 2 lane state route that should have resurfaced last century. And no, I don't mean twentieth.
I'd like to get a late model midsize, not a microcar. I'm leaning towards either a Suby Legacy or a Fusion/C-Max Hybrid. I may have to break my "haven't spent over $16K for a car - new or used - since 1984" tradition.
KBB & NADA price it between $2,000 - $4,000.
Replacing the radio alone with OEM would be $700+, aftermaket $400. Struts, exhaust, rune-up, filters, fluids, etc would be pushing book value I think.
So, should I sell, repair, or live with it? I used to figure 15K per year for mileage but is that still reasonable? Would a 2014 Legacy Premium w/67K at $16K be good, bad or POS? What about a 2013 Fusion Hybrid with 27K for the same money?
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