car repair

[JacobM5727]

my car is a 1987 dodge 600
worth about $230
has around 94k miles

the cd player was $110
two new tires $100
to get it fixed is $600
new radiator.. new map sensor.. spark plugs.. thermostat.. i am probably getting screwed, but oh well

at least i can go turn my homework in

[osprey4]

I think you did the right thing. The CarTalk guys are always asked this question and they would tell you the same thing. It's a whole lot cheaper to repair a car than to buy a new one. Just think how far that money would go in car payments. A couple months? And your car will last a lot longer than that!!

[JacobM5727]

well, hopefully

[wju425]

Don't feel bad. I drive an '87 cavalier wagon with 142k on the clock. I had it since '99 and spent about $500 for repairs so far. Nothing major to the motor or trans but had a blown head gasket when I got it in exchange for work. Ugly as hell but run like a dream.

\o/ Billy

[Tarp2]

Originally posted by JacobM5727
my car is a 1987 dodge 600
worth about $230
has around 94k miles

the cd player was $110
two new tires $100
to get it fixed is $600
new radiator.. new map sensor.. spark plugs.. thermostat.. i am probably getting screwed, but oh well

at least i can go turn my homework in

You know JacobM5727, If that solved your car problems, it doesn't sound like you were 'screwed'. Not bad for all that work, and parts. I agree with osprey4, get as much as you can from the beast.

At least you are saving a bunch on insurance. Its better to have a great stereo in a your car and money in your pocket, No?

Tarp

[JacobM5727]

it went to $800, they actually found the problem now, the other stuff was what was obviously wrong, but not what was making it die all the time

and i dunno, i think their labor is like $80/hour.. if only i worked there

i havnt seen the car myself yet, this was all over the phone, i pick it up tomorrow

insurance is like $200/month

[osprey4]

Originally posted by JacobM5727
insurance is like $200/month

Ouch! Sounds like New Jersey prices. Have you shopped around (or is that not an option)?

[JacobM5727]

its not really an option.. i checked progressive online, it wanted like $5k/6 months.. i dont know if it was a glitch or what, i sure hope so.. that 200 is with it on my mom's insurance, her car is like $100, and she has even been in some accidents.. they just dont like teenagers i guess

[MTAtech]

It is usually cheaper to repair a car than replace it. Even though I can afford to buy new cars, I have a policy of running them into the ground (not literally, I drive better than that). Cars are depreciating assets.

I only get new cars when the repair costs start approaching car payment costs. I had a 89 Taurus that was reliable. However, by 1998, with 120,000 miles on it, it started costing me $350 per month to keep it running. Then, I got a new car.

Bottom line: You did the right thing.

BTW, no way should insurance cost $10,000 per year.

[RedFury]

Not unless you're driving a Ferrari F50!

I look at it this way, spend it on the beater and know it's fixed, or buy another beater, and not know what is wrong with it, or what is about to fail. You could spend 800 on a new used car and end up spending half to twice as much on it in 6 months, or fix yours and have a car that you know inside and out ( not to mention not having to install another stereo! )