how long did your suspension last?

briansacct · Jul 31, 2012

Hey guys. I had come here a few months back with a performance budget on my 2001 5 speed Accord. You guys set me straight quickly; modding up that car with 6+K, when you can't do your own work, is very stupid. I've dropped that idea completely.

I've now got my sights set on a completely different vehicle. My question is now whether its likely this accord will "hang on" for another 30-40K miles. That would allow me to save more obviously.

I have 180K on her. I just invested 1200 bucks in wheel bearing replacement, new belts (all, literally), engine sealants (leaks aplenty apparently, but OK), and water pump. The car itself isn't even worth a grand most likely, as I have plenty of cosmetic damage.

To the point:
How long did your suspension hold up? Do you think I have another 30- 40K/2 yrs in my ball joints? I was told they were a "4/10" by a mechanic 10K miles ago. I need new brakes and new tires ($800-1000 total) and I'm wondering if you think I should get just a new car under warranty or keep putting money into this thing?

It seems worth an invest if brakes and tires are all I will need, but with suspension parts on the brink I'm having trouble making this decision. I could buy a low trim 2012 accord OTD for 20K for god sakes. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Valet · Jul 31, 2012

If I were you I would just buy a new car.

briansacct · Jul 31, 2012

cleansleeper said:
If I were you I would just buy a new car.

Thanks a lot brother. I'm a cheap bastard and I was hoping to milk this thing for a bit longer, especially considering I just invested 1200 bucks into her. But I guess I need to consider that a lesson learned move on.

Thanks again.

ejreams · Jul 31, 2012

Look for a good/reliable used car that has service records and has had its timing belt/water pump and other big services done with like 100k miles.

Drive your current car into the ground, and make sure the next car gets you at least a year past college. That's what I would do.. err... wait.. am doing.

Valet · Jul 31, 2012

Yep. Honestly these cars are great and all, but once you get up really high like you've seen you gotta start replacing everything. And if you can afford it, and like the car. Like you've invested money into it with mods, then keep it. But if you can get a new or like new car, then thats even better.

Personally I'm keeping the car through college most likely unless I find a good job and deal for a better car during.

ejreams · Jul 31, 2012

cleansleeper said:
Yep. Honestly these cars are great and all, but once you get up really high like you've seen you gotta start replacing everything. And if you can afford it, and like the car. Like you've invested money into it with mods, then keep it. But if you can get a new or like new car, then thats even better.

Personally I'm keeping the car through college most likely unless I find a good job and deal for a better car during.

Ding ding, I got a great job opportunity, drove my Accord into the ground, it died...
I had a ton of money, bought a low mileage CL and went back to being a full time student to finish. Tada.

SykVSyx · Aug 1, 2012

I would drive the Accord in to the ground as well.

Once you start spending several thousand dollars on repairs, then it's not worth it.

IF the body is still in great shape, and you are up for doing a swap and you just can't let the car go, then for sure, go for it.