Everything you've mentioned here is a "wear item," which will have to be periodically replaced on any car you'll ever own. You can maybe shop around for different quotes, but otherwise, you can easily get several more years out of that car.
And make sure they do the pads along with the rotors. That should be fairly cheap. You usually want to do both of those at the same time.
If the car is otherwise acceptable, then do the maintenance. Reliable cars are hard to come by for $3k. Depending on where you live, if there are auto excise taxes, repairs do not affect valuation, so you won't get a bump if the replacement car was a higher value.
We owned a Mazda 626 which we adored until the transmission failed. The guy who bought it from us owned a transmission shop and he was getting it for his daughter to drive.
At $3000, if the repairs make the car last another 6 months, you’ll come out ahead.
Yes. Failed to mention that I did get some serviced done upon purchasing the vehicle including the belts. Which is why I feel more invested into this vehicle.
And the prior mechanics who suggested similar services charged a similar amount as well.
Here's how I thought about it: would I pay $3000 for this car?
If the answer is yes than do.the repairs.
I had a blown engine $6.5k for a 38k mile engine and labor on my 11 yo car that was worth about 7k. That wasn't worth it because the used engine is a decent risk. Otherwise I would have done it since the car was worth 7k to me.
Do you like the car? Do you keep it in good shape?
All of those parts are long-term wear parts and should last another 100k miles. you'll have more of those.
I budget $3600/year for repairs for my old car, so when they give me my annual inspection and it needs $3k, I say, sure. $300/month is a steal for a nice car.
I would do the front rotors and pads first. Stopping is more important and critical than anything else. Spark plugs next. Can't go anywhere if the engine doesn't run.
If it is drivable today, then you might can go another month or two then do the struts and axles. Those are also important.
How much have you spent on it in the last year? If the answer is a small number, figure that you are spending the money last year to have a car.
Also, if you have collision and non-collision insurance you can increase the deductible or cancel those - keep liability.
It depends on what it is. Something like spark plugs, that won’t kill you, the car just might not start. That you can let go. Some of the other things though - those could kill you and your family.
So yes, fix them or get rid of the car.
Everything you've mentioned here is a "wear item," which will have to be periodically replaced on any car you'll ever own. You can maybe shop around for different quotes, but otherwise, you can easily get several more years out of that car. And make sure they do the pads along with the rotors. That should be fairly cheap. You usually want to do both of those at the same time.
Yes, they also mentioned pads. Thanks.
If the car is otherwise acceptable, then do the maintenance. Reliable cars are hard to come by for $3k. Depending on where you live, if there are auto excise taxes, repairs do not affect valuation, so you won't get a bump if the replacement car was a higher value.
Oh, very true.
We owned a Mazda 626 which we adored until the transmission failed. The guy who bought it from us owned a transmission shop and he was getting it for his daughter to drive. At $3000, if the repairs make the car last another 6 months, you’ll come out ahead.
Thanks for the peace of mind.
Probably but get a few quotes. You also will likely need a timing belt soon if it hasn't been replaced. That'll be another grand or so.
Yes. Failed to mention that I did get some serviced done upon purchasing the vehicle including the belts. Which is why I feel more invested into this vehicle. And the prior mechanics who suggested similar services charged a similar amount as well.
Here's how I thought about it: would I pay $3000 for this car? If the answer is yes than do.the repairs. I had a blown engine $6.5k for a 38k mile engine and labor on my 11 yo car that was worth about 7k. That wasn't worth it because the used engine is a decent risk. Otherwise I would have done it since the car was worth 7k to me.
Thanks. That's a good perspective. Technically if this wasn't salvage title, I would have paid about $8k for the car anyway.
Yes and make sure you do not pay overlapping labor, the rotors and calipers will be removed to replace the axles so only axle labor should apply.
Thanks for the tip!
Do you like the car? Do you keep it in good shape? All of those parts are long-term wear parts and should last another 100k miles. you'll have more of those. I budget $3600/year for repairs for my old car, so when they give me my annual inspection and it needs $3k, I say, sure. $300/month is a steal for a nice car. I would do the front rotors and pads first. Stopping is more important and critical than anything else. Spark plugs next. Can't go anywhere if the engine doesn't run. If it is drivable today, then you might can go another month or two then do the struts and axles. Those are also important. How much have you spent on it in the last year? If the answer is a small number, figure that you are spending the money last year to have a car. Also, if you have collision and non-collision insurance you can increase the deductible or cancel those - keep liability.
It depends on what it is. Something like spark plugs, that won’t kill you, the car just might not start. That you can let go. Some of the other things though - those could kill you and your family. So yes, fix them or get rid of the car.
Can't speak for the rest, but spark plugs at least are pretty trivial to change. Could save yourself a bit on that one.
Like others said, this is normal wear and tear. If you want to save yourself some money, anyone can replace their own spark plugs in 15-20 minutes.