Stemmer

Just wondering what you all think as an FYI to me and for chatter. My '99 RX has 210k and it's been rolling with almost no trouble for years. I would like to try and keep it six more years to 300k. The wife will want something nice when it's time so I'm in for $35k or so at that point. On one hand, trade-in value is probably already under $3k (I'm too lazy and paranoid to sell privately), but on the other hand if I get rid of it I'm actually in for $35k and there is precious little left to depreciate. So, what's the most I should pay to repair a 14-year old vehicle (in service June '98) with 210k miles, albeit a vehicle I like, when it can be looked at as either only worth $3k or saving me $35k?

This has been weighing on me now that I just signed a contract to finish my basement with Murphy's law waiting to pounce. Buying a new car on top of this expense would, um, stink. And no marital counseling please, only automotive advice...

NyCrAzY

I really wonder how much trade-in would be worth for my 1999 AWD RX300 with 179,000 miles.

3k as well?

mckellyb

If you like it and it's trouble-free, remember it's always less expensive to fix a vehicle than to make payments on a new one.

I told my wife when she picked hers out in 2004, it's a 2002 AWD, the color she wanted, all options but the hitch, she'd better be sure she likes it, 'cause it's the last car she's going to own.

She likely thinks I was kidding.

GQD_GS4

6 more years will cost you more than $3000 to maintain it if the transmission fails, and another timing belt / 90k service comes up. Cut your losses now and put your money into another vehicle.

bob2200

This reminds me of a cartoon I saw in a magazine years ago. It was a guy talking to his wife with a garage containing a Model A Ford and other antiques in the background, and his wife saying "I don't care if you can fix it, I want a new one". I agree with the comment that it's almost always less expensive to repair than replace, if parts are available.

salimshah

If any one gets the bug for a new vehicle, one will always keep finding ways to justify it.

If we were to look at $ and sense only, most of us would be better of using public transport and or bi-cycles. OK ... I am stretching it.

If the vehicle is a money pit then get rid of it. The what if scenarios can be over-used by the people who have the above mentioned bug. A more rational approach would be to monitor how much money you are spending on repair.

Assuming the current value is $3000. I am assuming that with a substantial issue the value would fall to $1000. Net difference is 2000 <= 4 payments. So if you keep the current vehicle for 4 more months, you are financially at break even point.

There is also a value at which it does not make sense to sell a vehicle. It is better to pass it along to a family/community member.

Last word ... if any one has already caught the bug of new vehicle, then stop agonizing as this is a losing battle.

Salim

dbui

Well said Salimshah, the business of car, you already losing battle once you purchase the vehicle doesn't matter it new or used. 9 out of 10 it a $$$ pit.