keep it, or bail?

[steve734]

I've got a 1995 LeSabre that has not been a great car for me. So far, I have replaced the engine and have a bill due for a new fuel pump and engine module (computer). The three way power seat only works one way (forward and backward, thankfully) and the "air bag" light stays on, the headliner is starting to sag and is separated from the roof near the back window exposing the insulation to outside viewers. I know there are many other things that could and probably will go wrong with this beast.

To contrast, I have a Honda Accord with 50,000 more miles on it that has given me zero problems. And GM wonders why they're teetering on the brink of bankruptcy? (perhaps a topic for another discussion).

What do members think? The motor has been replaced so I hate to give up on the car but I am so sick and tired of getting nickel and dimed. Any input would be appreciated

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by steve734

I've got a 1995 LeSabre that has not been a great car for me. So far, I have replaced the engine and have a bill due for a new fuel pump and engine module (computer). The three way power seat only works one way (forward and backward, thankfully) and the "air bag" light stays on, the headliner is starting to sag and is separated from the roof near the back window exposing the insulation to outside viewers. I know there are many other things that could and probably will go wrong with this beast.

To contrast, I have a Honda Accord with 50,000 more miles on it that has given me zero problems. And GM wonders why they're teetering on the brink of bankruptcy? (perhaps a topic for another discussion).

What do members think? The motor has been replaced so I hate to give up on the car but I am so sick and tired of getting nickel and dimed. Any input would be appreciated

Hello

Are you putting in to the car each month the same amount of money that you would be putting out for a new one? Are you sick and tired of the car or putting out the money. If you were to sell it would you get what you need or have in it?

If you want to keep it and don't want to put out more money in repairs get yourself a manual and start working on it. I know shops are expensive and that is why I do the majority of my own work.

Just something to think about.


Regards

Dan

[highlandlake]

I agree 100% with what 97Mint says............and these Buicks have cheap insurance and registration costs compared to newer cars. But the air bag light is hard to ignore when driving. Could be something cheap to repair or could cost almost more than the whole car is worth. It's a tough call - If the car has good brakes, no rust, and good exhaust it might be worth putting five or six hundred more dollars into. If there are more problems that what you've mentioned it might be a good time to trade it in.

[Hapynzap]

I got a 1985 Buick Century Limited 4 door and it's got 250k on it. If I didnt learn to fix stuff myself I could not have afforded to keep it. As it is it's in pretty good shape. I'd drive it anywhere. I bought it in 1987 when it had 67k on it.

Most recent repairs I have done myself are rebuilt Air Conditioning with R 138 (compressor, lines, dryer, belts). New fuel pump (had to drop the gas tank). New ball joints and tie rod ends and new Power steering pump and new rack and pinion. Added a second 10 inch electric cooling fan for cooling and better AC performance. Tune up. Full front brakes/calipers rotors replaced. All new belts and hoses. New ignition switch and horn actuator in steering column. I've had all the door panels off and fixed the auot lock mechanisms at one time or another. Now I just dont use the power locks even though I have replacements in my shed from some junk yard cars. Replaced the wire wheels with next generation wire wheels that are nicer.

Recent Repairs I paid to have done. Rebuilt Transmission and new CV joint axels. New tires. I cleaned my tan velour seats and door panels with quick and bright and used a bissell steam cleaner. Had an auto interior shop install new carpet and re face the headliner and visors.
New white paint job with clear coat at Earl Scheib (turned out nice). I did all the prep work and sanding and primering where needed. I re blacked the door window frames. New windshield. New exhaust system with cat and muffler. Tow hitch from U-Haul.

Over 18 years of ownership it might seem like alot of work but no car payments buy a lot of repairs. I like the car and it still drives and looks nice still.