Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
2004 Pilot (120K miles), paid $4000, repairs $1800-should i do it?
Hi, i dont know much about cars, just looking to hear other opinions.... bought purchased what i thought was a good deal from an auction. (i didn't go personally, but a trusted friend buys/sells from auctions). so i had my mechanic look at it, and he is estimating about $1800 in repairs. The car also needs a few small things to pass NY inspection as well. The major repairs are: timing belt, water pump, driving belt,front & cam shields, and a few small things like bulbs etc....the person i purchased it from purchased a warranty ($400) that includes engine and transmission problems for the next 90 days. I am trying to get in touch with the company now to see if any of the estimate items are covered. I hope so, or I can at least get a refund as I don't want to have to move the car to a new mechanic for these repairs.
My questions are:
-Would you recommend fixing these things? Do they add significant life to the vehicle? Or did I just get duped. I was told that the timing belt was OK by two individuals before purchasing. My guess is it doesn't have visual damage.
-Are you familiar with these types of warranties? Are they bogus? Should I cut my losses?
Interested in getting some other opinions.
My questions are:
-Would you recommend fixing these things? Do they add significant life to the vehicle? Or did I just get duped. I was told that the timing belt was OK by two individuals before purchasing. My guess is it doesn't have visual damage.
-Are you familiar with these types of warranties? Are they bogus? Should I cut my losses?
Interested in getting some other opinions.
0
Comments
The water pump and drive belts are no doubt beingspecified because they are all either removed or become very accessible when you do the timing belt---so they are one of those "while we are in there" type of repairs---a kind of preventative move rather than a dire necessity.
The timing belt is time-related as well as miles related, so you have to look up when the timing belt is "due" on the car's service schedule--if yours is due, then do it. You don't want to risk a broken timing belt as it can cause serious engine damage if it breaks. The other stuff is "your call". My feeling is that if you like the vehicle and plan to keep it for at least a few years, then do the pump and belts.
Not sure what the "cam shields" are. Never heard of such a thing.
If the car is in good shape otherwise, 1800.00 isn't a lot to invest in a nice Pilot.
Mr. S. give you great advice!