Is my car worth fixing???

Question

My car is a 1997 Pontiac Grand AM GT with 58,600 miles on it. I usually start my car in the AM to warm it up, but the other day when I went into it, it was only blowing cold air while the temp gage was functioning normally. I took it to a shop where they said it was the intake manifold and it was leaking anti-freeze, but not with puddles on the ground, the anti-freeze was mixing with the oil and going out through the exaust. my car's low anti-freeze light comes on all the time and occaisionaly the heat doesn't work. i was told it was a $700.00 job and was also told that the water pump was starting to go as well. Should i go ahead and spend the money or just try to get whatever trade-in I can while it's still ok, the mechanic said as long as i keep the anti-freeze up, it can't get any worse than it already is....mind you i still have $1400 left to pay it off.

Answer 1

Just remember, 58,000 miles on a 1997 is very low miles. Is the body in good shape? Look at it this way, if you trade it off or sell it how much are you going to get. May sound good on paper but you are not going to get much if anything. Then you now have new car payments and how many payments will it take to break even? If you want a new/newer car I'd say go for it, but if you want to save money then fix this one up.

Answer 2

Pay the 700 to fix it. You will be out of the debt of the car soon and then if it keeps revolting you can go get a new one then...
Your mechanic is stupid if he says the water is getting in the oil and that is not an issue. The antifreeze will mix with the oil in time and pit your bearings. Then you have a real problem.

Oh yes it can get a lot worse. You can blow the already weak head gasket or manifold gasket and not run at all...

Answer 3

If you can afford a new car then go for it. However, 58,600 is low miles for a 1997 vehicle. Your not gonna get anything else for $700, though. Or even $2100 which is what you'll have in it after you got it fixed & paid it off. I say keep it. The 97 Grand Am is a good looking car. I would keep it til the wheels fell off.

Answer 4

I would definitely go ahead and fix it. Antifreeze mixing with the oil is a serious problem that needs to be addressed now. If you continue to use it that way, you might wipe out some engine rod bearings for lack of continuous lubrication. You have to have transportation, and the car has a lot of miles left in it, so get it fixed.

Answer 5

I personally think 58000 miles is low mileage for a 1997, but having engine trouble at such a low mileage is definitely NOT a good sign either. That highers the chances of other things going wrong in the future. I would trade.

Answer 6

First you need to determine if it is the manifold or the cylinder head gasket. Irregardless, the water pump, timing chain, heater and radiator hoses should also be serviced. The radiator needs to be inspected and flow checked also and if necessary rodded-out or re-cored. This particular model will hold it's value if this is done. As long as it is cosmetically sound, invest the money.

Answer 7

If you are in a position when financially it will not wreck you to trade it in i would do that. If you are hurting fix it and see how much longer you can get out of it. Usually if you trade it in still owing the dealers will tell you they are eating it - but mark my word you are still paying it somehow. But sometimes its easier to do it that way

Answer 8

Your car has low miles.... yes it will cost $700.... I would keep the car and pay to have it fixed. I paid $1031 to have my whole heat and AC system replaced in my Durango..... to me it was worth it.

Answer 9

Fix it. It sounds a lot cheaper than a new one. 700 is cheap compared to a new tag. 58k miles is low