that has broken rear struts and crack radiator. 200k miles, is it worth fixing? the interior is still good motor seems pretty solid. debating if i should just fix it or get something different but i only have about 1000 for a newer car right now. was told be about 500 for radiator and 800 for struts to be fixed. feedback appreciated
2006-10-20 12:00:03 · 6 answers · asked by J S 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i don't have the space to fix it myself, nor do i have the skill to do self repairs, so i would have to take it to a shop like Tires plus
2006-10-20 12:33:37 · update #1
I am a mechanic and tech, so the value judgments you have to make are pretty subjective.
But if your budget is limited, and looks like it will be for some time, take the car and the $1,000.00 and put it down on a new(er) car.
Ideally a new car. The warranty is in your favor, and repairs will be pretty nil for at least a couple of years (other than maintenance, something you have to expend on the old car too), and all the expenses will be knowns and something that can be built into the budget. With the old car, you never know what to expect tomorrow with 200K.
Two things to consider about the old car,
1) The transmission is not Ford's strong point on this car. If it has gone this far without failure, BEWARE - the time is coming (~ $2,800.00)
2) If the engine is a 3.8 L it is also a weak point. They tend to crack, overheat, and generally lose all integrity after about 100K.
That is just the reputation of that engine and transmission. It doesn't mean that they are going to fail tomorrow, but, time is running short.
Good Luck
2006-10-20 17:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well the sable isn't a bad car...and it sounds like you got quoted a lot more than it should actually cost. I can hook you up with someone with a good quality used radiator for a lot less than the $500 you mentioned. And $800 for the rear struts is an absurd price...granted the new struts are expensive...don't have a price quote but deffinately you can most likely get both problems fixed for less than $500. You can go to a salvage yard for the radiator...if you don't know of any...my uncle has one and he can fix you up. Just let me know and I'll give you his #
2006-10-20 19:17:09 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider getting the radiator repaired first and the struts later on. You can drive with bad struts for quite awhile. That would give you time to save up more money. If you purchased a 1000 car you could need more repairs than you do now. Good luck with your situation.
2006-10-20 20:35:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound like someone with SEVERELY limited funds to work with. $1000.00 isn't going to buy you anything more than just another piece of junk. $500.00 sounds reasonable for the rad. $800.00 does definitely sound a little on the high side. Both of these jobs, are not fun jobs at all for a mechanic, let alone a DIY. I agree with the post advising you to replace the rad, and save up for the struts. At least fixing up this vehicle, you have a vehicle with which you are familiar with its history. Unless you have enough money to plunk down for a down payment on a NEW vehicle, you are better off fixing the one you have now. Hope this helps.
2006-10-20 22:34:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for you , but look at it from this side , whose will be better , the Mercury after you fix it and I remind after you fix it or the new car you will buy for 1000 $
Then it's your choice for me and in my country where the used car status are a lot different than in yours I briefer to fix my own
2006-10-20 19:07:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont do it, the cars a piece of junk. Put your money down on a good used Honda or Toyota and you will have a great reliable vehicle for years to come.
2006-10-20 19:07:38 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋