should i put more money into this car or buy new?

[valueplan]

I'm at a crossroads. I have 180K on my 2001 LX VTEC 5 speed manual. About 20K of those miles were delivery driver miles (very tough), and it's been through 8 winters.

In order to keep the car for 5 more years or 60K miles (my objective), I will need the following maintenance done ASAP:


Timing belt: 750 (it's been 8 years and 90 miles)
New pads/resurface rotors from and back: 500
Both lower ball joints: 400
Blizzak installed: 400
One wheel bearing installed: 300
All season tires installed: 500

Total maintenance estimate= 2850


Do you think it's worth it, or is time for a new 2013? The clutch isn't slipping per say but you can certainly tell it's not new. This car has a very good history online in terms of reliability as you know..


whatcha think?

 

[SykVSyx]

I think based on your SN, you'll be spedning the $2850 and give yourself some more time to save up for a newer vehicle.

 

[RedRyder]

$500 for pads and rotors? You could buy new rotors and pads for front and back for $250 or less from Autozone. And you could cut the cost of tires nearly in half by just getting a good set of all season tires that have high winter ratings. My sister and her husband live in Fort Collins and do fine. So there’s roughly $750 saved.

As for the timing belt, ball joints, and wheel bearing…those are things that you definitely want to do if they need done.

Should you do it? Are you attached to the car? Does it have any other major problems? You just have to decide if it’s worth it to you to do the basic things to keep this car going. Could be worse, you could have engine or tranny or body problems.

Btw if that $750 includes parts and labor for timing belt maintenance, that's not bad at all.

 

[metrick1235]

ok so im guessing by your prices you cant/dont do your own work.

If you do your willing to do your own work get a Haynes Manual (somewhere between 10-20) It has been my life saver and gives you step by step on maintenance

SummitRacing.com for your brakes. I got high performance (not that im suggesting it) and all ceramic pads for 187 for all 4 wheels. and i have a v6 so im sure the 4cyl will be cheaper.

You can get ball joints and wheel bearing from Autozone or advance auto for a good price and some shops will press them in for 50-75 if you take the arm off yourself.


Timing belt on the V6 is a Bit** but i hear the 4cyl is pretty easy. I did the v6 one in about 4 hours and it was my first time doing one. so you may be able to do it for alot cheaper and quicker than your quote..

I also just got a set of nexens all season for 110 a piece for 17" so if your riding something smaller like 15" it should be alot cheaper than 500.

isnt Blizzak a tire company...so see above...


Is it worth it, well thats up to you.. can you find a vehicle cheaper that doesnt need alot of work. No matter what every vehicle will need work eventually. Especially on a budget on getting a different vehicle. It just depends on if you want to spend the money on this car or if you want to spend it on something else that will need parts eventually. (or immediately depending on the vehicle you buy)

 

[iZiminator]

If the car has been good and you see it lasting another 5 or so years, I'd go for it. And if you sunk enough money into it as it is, it really wouldn't make a difference? xD. I'd say go for it and start saving up. I already did most of that and now I need to save up for a tranny.

 

[ferron]

Honestly i see the accord lasting that long I mean as long as your just commuting with it. With the money your looking to spend sounds like you need to find a mechanic buddy and have him help you out the stuff you have listed isn't that had... Besides tires and the timing belt if you don't know what your doing can be a pain. You could cut that price in half I believe I had my timing belt done by a friend for 300 parts and labor try to use your resources that's my suggestion that is if the cars in good condition if not I would either sell it or use it as a project car.

 

[ferron]

If the car has been good and you see it lasting anoter 5 or so years, I'd go for it. And if you sunk enough money into it as it is, it really wouldn't make a difference? xD. I'd say go for it and start saving up. I already did most of that and now I need to save up for a tranny.

Not changing subjects but if your just looking to change your tranny and not upgrade is start calling junk yards and find out if they have a tranny out of a rear damged accord since there everywhere. My bro locked out my tranny and my dad found one for 250 and the new clutch kit was 100 and he did the install himself while I was in japan car shifts perfect just trying to help you save some bucks.

 

[Frisky Arab]

I would pay the $2850 for the repairs. Better then price your gonna pay for a whole new car.

 

[DarkSideAccord]

blizzak AND all season tires?

dude, just use all season tires... no need for both.. i drove through indiana winters in all season tires AND i did delivery too

as for the other stuff, it looks waaaay too steep

 

[iZiminator]

Not changing subjects but if your just looking to change your tranny and not upgrade is start calling junk yards and find out if they have a tranny out of a rear damged accord since there everywhere. My bro locked out my tranny and my dad found one for 250 and the new clutch kit was 100 and he did the install himself while I was in japan car shifts perfect just trying to help you save some bucks.

Thanks dude. Sucks that my car is an auto and buying it from a junkyard, I wouldn't know what I'd be getting. And yeah. You know the rest lol.