fix car vs buy car?

Question

I own Hyundai Elantra 2001, 80,000 miles paid off. Recently, I had to replace the speed sensor ($300). Two days later, the radiator leaks. The transmission oil and coolant oil pooled together, and will cost $800 to fix. There is also possible transmission damage, which would cost $1,600 to fix. Do I buy a new used car, or repair this one?

Answer 1

Do you want a new car? While the cost fixing this car to what a new car would cost it would be cheaper to fix this one. If you trade this one in, the dealer is not going to give you much for it if any thing in this condition. So I'd do what you feel is the best for you as a newer car with less miles would be nice. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 2

Hmm, I think a new transmission and radiator will cost you more the $1600, but if they can do it for that price go for it. I think the price will likely be around $2400. So, if there is nothing else wrong with the car and its been maintained well, I would say go ahead and repair it because you will never have these 2 problems again. You aren't likely to get much of a used car for $2400 and even if you went to $4800 who knows what problems may be lurking in an unknown car. So, at least you know what has gone wrong and been repaired on your car. I'm sure you will have some minor repairs in the future, but even $1000 a year is $1000's less then a new car will cost you.

A 2-3 yr old Civic someone mentions...yeah that will only cost you at least $10K, not exactly a small amount compared to $3K for your repairs on the Elantra. Even Honda's break down, no car lasts forever, we once had 4 Honda Accords in our driveway, 2 of them didn't even make it to 100K miles.

Answer 3

Are these quotes from the dealer or from a repair shop ? Is your car still under warranty ? It is for the tranny if you are the original owner. Assuming this is what the dealer is saying and it's not covered under warranty you don't have to necessarily repair the tranny. You can replace it with a good used low mileage trans for about half the cost of fixing it.
There are a lot of salvaged auto part sites on the web www.car-parts.com is a good one and has Hyundai trannys from as low as $250. A good trans shop will charge about $300 for the install. If the rest of the car is in good shape then it's worth keeping. Getting a used car, no matter what brand, still has that "unknown" risk factor and new payments are a pain.

Answer 4

It sounds like you need a cooling system and transmission flush plus a new radiator just to see if your vehicle is going to be o.k. I would shop this repair and see what type of pricing you get. I would also asked what their experience is with longevity of this type of repair. Just so you know what happened: the top half of your radiator circulates coolant and the bottom half does the transmission fluid. It sounds like the radiator damage caused the fluids to mix. If your car is otherwise sound, it may be a sound decision. It sure beats car payments!

Answer 5

learn to turn some wrenches. I learned from the fix it generation (my dad). Youtube and Google are the most awesome information sharing ever to date. You can fix anything. I never take my car to anyone except myself. These cars last forever in my household.

Answer 6

i would buy another used car, because that hyundai seems to be having a lot of trouble. once repairs start, they never end, and progressively get worse as the car gets older. i would get a 2 or 3 old civic, way better of a car for not much money, and extremely reliable

Answer 7

I would write out all the pros and cons first. See how much it you cost you to get it fixed and in good condition versus buying a new vehicle.

Answer 8

push this car to the junkyard and get a certified used car (preferably japanese)

Answer 9

JUST BUY ANOTHE CAR THAT IS NOT HYUNDAI BUY A HONDA AND I PROMISE U WANT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS