For mechanics - when do you decide it's not worth fixing anymore?

Question

I have a 1999 Maxima, according to kbb it's worth about $3,200. I just got through putting about $1,000 into repairs, but I know it's going to need more work very soon. The check engine light is on, one estimate is it needs new fuel injectors, the ABS light goes on and off, air bag light is on, and there is an electrical short somewhere.

Good news is - drives good, new battery, newish tires, newish brakes.

Would you invest in fixing it or am I just wasting my money?

Answer 1

Question for you is; are you attached to the car? Is it trustworthy to you or are you getting nervous? If the next round of work is it then after you go back to general maintenance, it may be worth the money. If you sell it depending on the state laws, you might have to sell it cheap or as is otherwise you may be responsible for the repairs to get it to pass inspection. You could also donate the car and take a write off on it. Can you afford another car? Does your state have laws like mine (MA)? The decision is yours.

Answer 2

well, it depends, when you sell it , count on losing 20% of what KBB says. so now were talkinng about just over 2600. If I were you , I d put a for sale sign on it as is for 2000 and be done with it. dont take any thing less than what you have in it.

Answer 3

If you aren't emotionally attached to the car and mechanically inclined to do the work yourself, better off getting rid of it. It'll cost you more in the end than getting a better one.

Answer 4

Get rid of it. A good rule of thumb is that if it starts to nickel and dim u, then get rid of it unless you are a mechanic and have time to tinker with it. The parts are are not the killer... it's the labor cost involved.

Answer 5

Go to a shop and get a complete estimate and compare that to what your new monthly payment would be. Then decide which is better for you.