Sshould it stay or should it go?

[Todd1963]

Hi folks

I need some advice. The fuel pump in my 95 Caprice with 74 k miles on it recently went out (a $400 repair), which I went ahead and fixed. With the multiple previous problems I have had and fixed on this car (A/C, alternator, lots of suspension repairs and upgrades etc.), I have put about $2200 in it the first year I've owned it. (The car cost $3500 out-the-door when I bought it.)

I have a chance to trade the car on a new Ford at a local dealership where I bought the Caprice.
Even though I bought it without a warranty (yeah, I know...), they are offering me a decent trade consideration (around $3k real dollars) because of the problems I've had with the car.

Trouble is, I still love that car despite the headaches it's given me, and it's likely that we wil need another car when my son returns form college in a month or so. On the other hand, I feel a little like a
poker player who has stayed in a hand too long that he's going to lose anyway and just stays in because of the money he already has on the table.

The car is actually running better than ever and only has those darn power window guide problems that plagued these vehicles. There are only two spots of rust on the front door pillars, and absolutely none on the body panels.

So I'm asking you folks who know these cars if I should keep it or turn the page. It would probably be my work vehicle at this point and that would be fine, although it's not much fun in the slick stuff.

Any advice or suggestions you folks have would be most appreciated.

Take care.

Todd1963

[Blue Bowtie]

At only 74,000 there should be a lot of life left in the vehicle. A lot of that depends upon how the vehicle is maintained.

You've already addressed the alternator, and hopefully the belt an tensioner at the same time.

By now, the car should be on its second coolant flush, should have had the transmission and axle drained and refilled at least once, etcetera. The transmission should be a lifetime unit so long as the fluid is changed regularly. The axle is similar, so change the gear oil about every 50K if you don't use it to tow, or more frequently if you tow with it.

The OptiSpark distributor is a likely candidate for repair at around 100-120K, or any time the water pump starts to leak without being repaired. Spark plugs and wires at 80-100K are also a good idea.

Normal wear items will be the same whether you keep the '95 or trade it for a new vehicle - Tires, wipers, brakes, shocks/struts, and tune up parts will be a wash. If the vehicle is otherwise in good condition, there is no reason not to keep it. Having a reasonably efficient, full sized car for a college student to drive.

The window glides (hot dog guides) are fairly easy to replace with the upgraded rollers, but require some time and patience. The replacement rollers are still available, and the entire set should cost less than $30. There is a thread with instructions for replacement on the WWW.

If there are other problems with the vehicle, there are numerous members here ready to offer advice and assistance.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The window glides (hot dog guides) are fairly easy to replace with the upgraded rollers, but require some time and patience. The replacement rollers are still available, and the entire set should cost less than $30. There is a thread with instructions for replacement on the WWW.

AHEM! The info to fix those window guides can be found right here on this site:http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=562839 opcorn:

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Todd1963

Hi folks

I need some advice. The fuel pump in my 95 Caprice with 74 k miles on it recently went out (a $400 repair), which I went ahead and fixed. With the multiple previous problems I have had and fixed on this car (A/C, alternator, lots of suspension repairs and upgrades etc.), I have put about $2200 in it the first year I've owned it. (The car cost $3500 out-the-door when I bought it.)

I have a chance to trade the car on a new Ford at a local dealership where I bought the Caprice.
Even though I bought it without a warranty (yeah, I know...), they are offering me a decent trade consideration (around $3k real dollars) because of the problems I've had with the car.

Trouble is, I still love that car despite the headaches it's given me, and it's likely that we wil need another car when my son returns form college in a month or so. On the other hand, I feel a little like a
poker player who has stayed in a hand too long that he's going to lose anyway and just stays in because of the money he already has on the table.

The car is actually running better than ever and only has those darn power window guide problems that plagued these vehicles. There are only two spots of rust on the front door pillars, and absolutely none on the body panels.

So I'm asking you folks who know these cars if I should keep it or turn the page. It would probably be my work vehicle at this point and that would be fine, although it's not much fun in the slick stuff.

Any advice or suggestions you folks have would be most appreciated.

Take care.

Todd1963

I would keep it because you already had repairs made and if you maintain it properly 74,000 mi on it just got broken in.....


on the water pump weep hole i would install a drain tube that will carry the leaking coolant away from the distributor.... that way you'll just need a water pump and not a 400.oo distributor...thats how my vehicle is set up.

[rhandwor]

If you want to keep it you should buy a years subscription to http://www.alldata.com/ for a good manual. Buy some basic hand tools and start doing the work you are capable of doing yourself.
Numerous items add up fast going to the dealer. Even a 100,000 drive train warranty doesn't mean free repairs.