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When to call it quits....


Appleton
08-24-2004, 08:12 PM
When do I pack it in and scrap it?

Have a 94 Cav, sedan. Was my first car and stuck with me for awhile so I'm kinda attached to it, lol.

Anyhow, its been rough lately with it. Had a few rough months until I unplugged the TCC solenoid (thanks public for the info on that!!!) and then things just started to go 1 after the other in the last little while. First it was the water pump, then the exhaust needed replacing (from the catalytic convertor back) then Brake/Fuel lines were replaced, as well as the stabilizer link the same day. Now today, new alternator and belt. Body is starting to rust a bit (can be fixed) and the hinges are toast on the drivers side. Just finished replacing the alternator and have a funny feeling the battery may be toast and the A/C compressor is making bad noise like the bearings are gone (even though its still blowing cold air)

Just wondering when you guys think enough is enough. I only drive this car back and forth to work (3 min drive) and have a newer 2003 Sunfire. I have put close to $500(cdn) in it the last week and everyday it feels like I am waiting for something else to go on it. It has a good engine in it with only 115000 miles on it.

I feel like I want to scrap it or sell it and buy a new one but ??? any thoughts or similar experiences?

Three_Fingers
08-24-2004, 11:57 PM
Sounds like your car has been a good friend to you for a good while. Sounds like you both have carried each other quite a ways.
Unless you're sentimentally attached to it, I'd let it go (after you've gotten your recent money's worth out of it). Drive it into the ground and then write an epitaph on the hood. That way when the next guy at the junkyard needs a hood-he'll at least know what the car meant to you.

My '93 Sunbird LE convertible (Cavalier) was in that kinda shape-I restored 'er though. New top, new head, all sensors replaced, new alternator, new starter and a partial repaint later, my $500 car ended up costing $3000. She's brand-y new again.
I s'pose it all depends on how much she means to ya.

KustmAce
08-24-2004, 11:57 PM
Your car is goin on eleven years. Things start to break. You just have to remember, no matter how much you put into that car, you will never ever get your money out of it.

Case in point: I have a 95, bluebook is around 3 grand. Ive put almost 4 grand into it, but the most ill ever be able to sell it for is maybe 3500 if i get real lucky. It just depends on how much faith you have in your car, and how attached you are to it.

If you keep it, I would suggest maybe walking to work for a bit, a fixing everything that needs to be fixed immediately. Cuz broken things tend to lead to more broken things.

richtazz
08-26-2004, 01:37 PM
Sounds like you've already replaced the expensive stuff (other than the A/C compressor). If the car still drives good, the remaining stuff you need is still less than one or two car payments. Drive it into the ground like 3 fingers said until you get your recent money out of it. When the next expensive repair comes, then it's time to let it go

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