I have a 1996 Toyota Corolla with 210000 km on it, and in the last week the alternator had to be thoroughly cleaned, a transmission gasket had to be replaced, and the transmission housing was sealed with a JB weld. In the past I have had some front-end rebuilding done (radiator, lights, grill, hood, air conditioning unit), had a tune-up done, had a four-wheel tire balancing, and an alignment. All in all, this work has cost me likely $6500+. My question is: since I only have about $2200 in usable income currently, do I give up and buy a used car, or do I continue to pay for nominal repairs on the car that is, outside of the upkeep costs, running fairly well?
2007-02-25 17:45:10 · 7 answers · asked by David K (The Real One!) 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Toyota
To respond to the folks who continue to suggest North American makes of vehicle are better made than foreign cars - don't make me laugh! North AMerican cars, based on average, last 6 years, if that (I relaize it used to be that they lasted possibly for twenty or more years- not a chance now). Plus, their parts, though more easily repaired, also break more easily than foreign vehicles. I'd ride a pair of roller skates missing a wheel before I forced myself to ride a death-trap made in North AMerican thanks very much. (BTW, my grandfather used to work at a GM garage before he passed away and even my parents refuse GM/Ford/Chrysler.)
2007-02-26 05:16:15 · update #1
Have you been faithfully changing the oil?
If the answer is yes:
All the stuff you mention is maintenance... even the transmission work, considering the mileage.
Have your mechanic evaluate your car. Engine, transmission etc. If you trust him (hope you do) take his word for it whether the car is starting to fall apart, or whether your recent investments will buy you a few more years. Toyota... should hold up another 5 years at least!
BTW how many miles a year do you put on the car? What kind of miles? Stop and go or freeway? (Lots of miles on it for 10 years)
Is the body in good shape, does everything else work?
What would it cost you to get a car you like as much as the one you have?
Otherwise:
Buy a newer car.
2007-02-25 17:55:49 · answer #1 · answered by ideapathic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have already rebuilt most of the car so you should keep it. You could sell it while the motor and trany are still good, and get more for it than if they were bad, but you will never get out of the car what you put in it. Drive it untill the motor or tranny goes out then take it to a push pull drag sale and use what they give you for a down payment. Who is to say if you bought another used car that you wouldnt get stuck with repairing the same stuff you just fixed, depending on condition of car bought, . Yours has all that new stuff, so drive it till it dies!
2007-02-26 02:00:47 · answer #2 · answered by ALLAMERICAN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is up to you really. I know I'm only a girl and cars aren't really my thing but I have always had Toyotas and they have served me very well. The last Corolla I had did about the same ks and it still ran like a dream. I only sold it because I got a new one as a gift (lucky girl) It sounds like it might be good for a while now, when it rains it pours right? I'd only sell it if it is starting to get rust. It gets way expensive then and is never really fixed and the wof gets trickier each time.
2007-02-26 01:52:39 · answer #3 · answered by sticky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're mostly satisfied with your Toyota, and you KNOW the condition of it. If you buy another used car, you won't know for sure what's been done or what it's going to need. Before you make a decision, consider this... I think this would be a great question to submit to the Tappet Brothers, they're the pros!
Here's the link to their website.
2007-02-26 02:00:19 · answer #4 · answered by Jane D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the best car is the one that you know well. since you have had so much work done on this auto, it is worth tons more than a used car that probably has more wrong with it than the salesperson will tell you about.
keep your toyota. you know you want to!
have a nice day!
2007-02-26 01:49:52 · answer #5 · answered by sharrron 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
keep it if you are rich and have lots of time on your hands.... continue to go to the repair shop and sit around for an hour, just to fork over more good money... but while you're waiting... take a stroll to the local chevy dealer to test drive... you won't regret it
2007-02-26 08:13:01 · answer #6 · answered by wolfwagon2002 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your probably not going to get anything better with the funds you have left. Might as well keep it. Next time learn from this mistake and find something better when you have more funds available Try and avoid Jap stuff next time..There always high maintenance vehicles.
2007-02-26 04:46:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋