When to bail on an old car

[MrBreeze]

Ok, let's get some opinions. My daily driver is a 2007 Hyundai Tucson. Only thing special about it is that it's a rare 5 speed. It just hit 180,000 miles last week. It probably needs around $2500 worth of work. It runs well and I have it set up the way I want it. For a plain suv, I really like it. Would you invest that kind of money knowing it could blow up at any moment due to age or dump it? I do not intend on buying a brand new replacement as this is a work truck and takes a beating.

Yes? No?

[Glenn]

I asked that question with every car.

My 1984 Honda had 240,000 miles and needed a head gasket. Everything else worked so I had it done. Then 3 weeks later it got t-boned so it was time.

My 1999 Honda had 260,000 miles and the tranny went, so it was time.

My 2001 Civic has 266,000 and the head gasket went for the 2nd time, so it went.

So... if you feel that after $2500 it can still drop dead, get rid of it. But if you think you can get 1 year or two then do it.

BTW, Subaru has 0% on some models.

[Glenn]

Here's another thought...

Is it worth anything as is?

If you put $2500 into it is it worth more than $2500 additional?

Can you afford another car?

A 2021 Subaru Impreza 5 door with automatic is $21,500 with 0% for 63 months, that's $350/month. Ask Ed, he has one, so does Toby and I have a 4 door. Toby says is larger inside than his Forester.

[Tom]

Tundra .

[Glenn]

Tundra .

What's that gonna cost him with the number of miles he drives?

My Impreza gets as much as 38mpg.

[B MAN]

if it’s been good to u for all these years & miles but now needs some TLC, it’s not a waste

if you’re ready for something else, kiss her on the forehead n say goodbye

[Tom]

My Impreza gets as much as 38mpg.

Can it pull my trailer onto the beach ?

[Glenn]

My Impreza gets as much as 38mpg.

Can it pull my trailer onto the beach ?

Can it go 150 miles on $10 worth of gas?

[BusBq Bill]

Buy a tundra

[Glenn]

Buy a tundra

22mpg highway

[BusBq Bill]

Glenn you need to fact check the monroney sticker on a tundra ! Lol

[Glenn]

Glenn you need to fact check the monroney sticker on a tundra ! Lol

You're right, I was looking at the Tacoma.

Tundra is 17mpg highway.

[MrBreeze]

I don't need something that big. And Glenn is right, with the amount of miles I drive every year, gas mileage would help.

I think I'm gonna do some of the work now and if it survives the winter, do the rest

[Raj]

Ok, let's get some opinions. My daily driver is a 2007 Hyundai Tucson. Only thing special about it is that it's a rare 5 speed. It just hit 180,000 miles last week. It probably needs around $2500 worth of work. It runs well and I have it set up the way I want it. For a plain suv, I really like it. Would you invest that kind of money knowing it could blow up at any moment due to age or dump it? I do not intend on buying a brand new replacement as this is a work truck and takes a beating.

Yes? No?

What is in the $2500? I ask bc if it is $1k for brakes.... I call BS. I have a similar situation with my beater 04 Sentra.

I have few levels of whats ' needed' in car?
run and drive? Safety? Pass inspection?

The short version.... only give it what it needs and do what you can yourself to save yourself the cash.

[MrBreeze]

What is in the $2500? I ask bc if it is $1k for brakes.... I call BS. I have a similar situation with my beater 04 Sentra.

I have few levels of whats ' needed' in car?
run and drive? Safety? Pass inspection?

The short version.... only give it what it needs and do what you can yourself to save yourself the cash.

Power steering pump
Exhaust
Clutch
Timing Belt

[Glenn]

Rob, get this:

[BusBq Bill]

Glenn Saw that on barret last year. Pretty cool prob 17 mpg too but way cooler than tundra . Rob I was just kidding about tundra. It's comfy and huge and a gas hog unnecessary. It produces 3 times the nox and c02 and more than twice the fuel but it's ok according to epa. A small 50mpg diesel vw sportwagon is why the earth is going to crumble from pollution apparently. So I went with the epa thinks good a tundra. Lol

[Raj]

What is in the $2500? I ask bc if it is $1k for brakes.... I call BS. I have a similar situation with my beater 04 Sentra.

I have few levels of whats ' needed' in car?
run and drive? Safety? Pass inspection?

The short version.... only give it what it needs and do what you can yourself to save yourself the cash.

Power steering pump
Exhaust
Clutch
Timing Belt

Clutch and belt are on the bigger side of the jobs. Although doable at home, I dont think you want to do the belt or clutch. I'll ask my buddy who is a mechanic, if he wants to do a side job for you, but truth is... like all us old guys... time is more precious than money these days.

[Tom]

Glenn Saw that on barret last year. Pretty cool prob 17 mpg too but way cooler than tundra . Rob I was just kidding about tundra. It's comfy and huge and a gas hog unnecessary. It produces 3 times the nox and c02 and more than twice the fuel but it's ok according to epa. A small 50mpg diesel vw sportwagon is why the earth is going to crumble from pollution apparently. So I went with the epa thinks good a tundra. Lol

I was just yanking your chain (and Glenn's) too. I was excited about the 22 mpg Glenn was talking about and then Bill killed my buzz. That's a lot of work that needs to be done and i don't think the price is that far out of line. Having said that it's probably better to stay with the devil you know if you aren't going to buy something new.

[BusBq Bill]

Fix the car. Still cheaper than a new car and at least you know what you have. A new old car will be a new can of worms.

[MrBreeze]

Probably the plan for now