Old Cars--When to call it quits

DReynolds

I have been reading all the posts here and can relate to all who agonize over when it's time to get rid of a car. Although everyone has a theory on financially when it's the best time to part ways, I use 2 rules of thumb:
1) if the cost of maintaining the vehicle over a time begins to exceed the AVERAGE car payment for a new car, then it's time to go.
2) if the car reaches a point where reliability is a constant issue. Even if the repairs are minor in cost, if the car constantly leaves you stranded or uneasy, it's time.
For example, I own a 1983 Volvo DL wagon. Bought it 3 years ago with 100k original miles on it for $2600 bucks. It now has 135k miles on it. I've replaced the a/c compressor (really a luxury), 4 new calipers, 2 new rotors and a new fuel pump. I've spend about
$2500 on these repairs, or an average of less than $84 a month over the last 3 years. Factoring regular maintenance for oil, etc, and I'm still only spending around 110 bucks a month for maintenance. Unless you are prepared to put a substantial amount down on a new car and/or have a 60 month loan it'll be tough to have a 100 buck a month car payment. The car is probably worth about $1500 or so on the open market, but even if I had to replace the tranny which would be more than the value' of the car, it would make sense as long as I haven't invoked either of my 2 rules. There is a certain risk involved in weighing whether to make the next repair, but knock on wood I've been pretty lucky so far.
Hope this helps anyone.

mikey33

HELP> I have an absolutely gorgeous 1966 pontiac catalina convertible covered in plastic in my snow bound garage. This summer the hydraulic mechanism that raises and lowers the convertible top developed a leak. My regular mechanic sent me to a specialist who replaced the left cylinder so the top would function. He gave the car back to me with top up. I lowered the top a short while after and noted the left side of the top, the side with the new cylinder, went down slower than the right side, the left side didn't go down quite all the way and then the top wouldn't go up at all. The switch under the dash seems to send power to the pump when you push it to the right to make top go down but there is only silence when you push it to the left. The car is lovely with the top down but i would like to make it whole again. Can anyone direct me to someone who can help? I have made calls and spoken to dozens of people without help. The car has only 53,000 miles on it and runs like new. Thanks.

mwiwel

I have a 92 Corsica LT with the 3.1L 6 cylinder that I bought new. So far it hasn't required any major maintenance but now at 150K it requires a torque converter solenoid replacement plus a few other things. I'm facing the dilemma of investing around $600 into the car with the "unknown" of the remaining things that can go wrong (brakes, tranny, head gasket etc.). any advice/ previous experience would be appreciated.

pchittams

I have a 1978 Datsun 810 which is for the most part running fine. It was rejected from inspection because of the muffler system. I think that the entire system needs to be replaced. We received the car free so only have put in money for two oil changes and a new battery. How much is too much to pay for a new muffler system and is it worth it?