My van is in need of about $500.00+ repair. It keeps dying on me. It's never done this before. It will start sometimes, and won't stay started then just die. I've kept this van up with frequent maintance. The mini van is 11 years old, I've had the transmission rebuilt, the 6 leaks under it guaranteed to never leak again and it hasn't, new breaks, belts hoses, serpentine belt, timing chain,distributor cap,battery, front axel, tires, it has 90,000 miles on it, it's never been wrecked,the oil in the engine is crystal clear, it's not gummy, or sandy, should I buy another used car that's newer, or stay where I'm at and keep fixing this one? It's paid for. (The reason it had the axel replaced is the former owners drove it alot) When I bought it it had 22,000 miles on it. Now it has 90,000. I've had it 8 years and drove it about 8000 miles a year. The blue book value of it is 2000.00 thats what I've been offered for it twice, but I'm not sure if I want to take it. What's your opinion
2007-03-16 23:24:31 · 8 answers · asked by JBWPLGCSE 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you have to put $500. in it thats only 11/2 months payment on something new, since you have taken good care of it and it hasn't let you down I would keep driving it as long as you can, you are saving money in the long run.
2007-03-17 14:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw your other post about a 1996 Voyager. Based on what you mentioned here and what I know of the marque (used to own one) I'll go out on a limb and say that your oxygen sensor has packed it in. A dealer can test that pretty quickly. The cost of the test and replacement should be less than $150.00
Most of the work you've had done to date is typical of that model and its age. The biggest problem with those was the transmission. Mine packed it in at 85,000 miles but the replacement has over 225,000 on it -- yes, it's still running pretty well with over 300,000 miles on it; the friend I gave it to is still driving it. The original tranny was junk, but the factory rebuilds are very reliable.
Given that payments on a new van could easily exceed $5,000 per year, keeping your current one running is a much wiser use of your money than splurging on a new one or even a newer used one. If you can keep it going for $500 - $1,000 per year in repairs (over and above routine maintenance) then hang onto it for a few more years.
2007-03-17 00:13:48 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I answered this question for you earlier in another post. This is what i said to you earlier:
If all it takes is $500 to get tthe van in good shape ,then go with that direction. Why take a loan for a new car with monthly payments that will be more than you can afford due to the poor credit. The dealer will give you the loan but at a much higher interest rate. Fix the van, if you really have a use for a minivan, and pocket the balance of your $5000. Continue to save in the long run. Eventually you will get caught up with your bills and improve the credit history. Better safe than sorry.
good luck..........
I still stand by my 1st decision for you. It makes the most sense.
2007-03-17 00:23:45 · answer #3 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention what type of van you have... but the main areas of concern is always the engine and transmission. If they are solid and run well, then you can keep anything running from there. Body rot and continued parts failures will test your will to fix an old vehicle. If the van is good on gas and doesn't cost more than $1,000 a year to mantain... it might be worth keeping. Excise tax on a new van alone will be $500.00 a year. Good luck with your van.
2007-03-16 23:33:26 · answer #4 · answered by billy b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it sounds like you are just running into one issue after another, I have had vehicles like that. If you have had it 8 years I would say you have had a good run with is and if you have been offered what it is worth I would take the money and go get a newer vehicle as you are lookin g at a $500 job anyways.
2007-03-16 23:30:06 · answer #5 · answered by maybayus123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it is an old vehicle, new problems will keep coming up, and you will keep spanding money on it. Life will become easier if you just sell it then buy a newer one which is not more than 5 years old, which will cost you less in the long run.
2007-03-16 23:30:26 · answer #6 · answered by Dr Dee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sell it and get a new one, the money you spend fixing
the problems will be more in years to come. She is
telling you 'I want to die'. May she rest in peace
2007-03-16 23:34:50 · answer #7 · answered by cnaw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drive it untill it dies putthe money u would normally make on car payments in tha bank like 100.00 per month and when that puppy dies buy something nice
2007-03-16 23:31:03 · answer #8 · answered by crengle60 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋