Another car problem!

[gf1723]

Ok, I've have my 03 Grand Am for 7 years now and its beginning to drive me nuts. I've dumped a lot of money into this car the past year. First it started with the window motors and one of the fog lights falling out. Last fall I had to have the fuel pump replaced. In February I had to get the starter re-wired. Now this morning, the dreaded security light was on.

This car has about 92K miles on it and I'm getting very frustrated. How am I supposed to save money for a relacement car when I have to keep getting this one fixed? Now my question is whether or not to bring it to the dealer which will cost hundreds of dollars , try the DIY yellow wire fix that is posted all over the internet, or just finally say screw it and trade it in. I have about 1000 in my EF, but really nothing else saved except 8000 in savings account. I reall would like another car but I guess that isn't an option right now. I hate vehicles..they are such a waste of money. Any advice or opinions?

[Simplicity-]

If you aren't car savvy I would say stay away from the DIY links.

I generally work on my own cars as it has been a hobby of mine since birth essentially.

Something I try to advise people about. Dealership cost more because of the added insurance. With that I mean, if THEY break something, it is replaced FREE of charge, plus the fact that the technicians spend extensive time monthly and yearly in school learning new things, and about those vehicles.

I am not partial with anything US related vehicle wise, as I am a Honda guy. My advice is try to fix it for relatively cheap, and see about selling it on CL, or a local B/S/T forum, for a decent price. Buy something newer or older doesn't matter, what matters is condition, and expense of maintenance.

Ex: I have a 1997 Honda Accord LX w/ 143K miles on it.
1.) I trust and know Honda reliability.
2.) They are EVERYWHERE found in JY's for parts.
3.) The most expensive thing to replace is my motor at 450$.

Just examples, I hope you can get out of the dreaded old car financial struggle routine.

[gf1723]

Yea, I really hate this routine. I have spent more money in maintenance/repairs on this car the past 2 years, than what it's worth (about $3000). I knew this would happen too, last year I had considered selling it knowing that if I didn't, I would see many problems arise. And that is exactly what happened. I keep telling myself, "Ok, just fix this problem and you're probably good to go for a while". However, it never turns out that way.

My goal is to be able to pay at least %75 of a replacement car in cash. I've never had a car payment and don't really want one! I know I could get a new car in cash, but that would drain my savings account and EF. I'm sure my parents would loan me money, and I could pay them back interest free. They did that for my brother when he got a new vehicle.

[Simplicity-]

A new car while great, the smell, the warranty, the gleaming paint. Is not always the best solution. You can find GREAT used cars for 3,000$ taht would be more reliable, and financially sound cars. I would stay away from your Savings and EF in this case, it isn't a necessity, as your do not NEED another car, but the option of selling your car for one is a idea I would look into.

Again I know hondas/acuras, and many 1995-2002 can be found in this price range, a little higher mileage then you have, but a better track record also as far as financially stable goes, and cheaper maintenance.

[gf1723]

Sorry, I didn't mean "new" car...I meant replacement. I would never buy a brand new car..just too used to calling it that.

[Simplicity-]

Understood, I would scower CL in your area, and if you live in a smaller area the nearest 2 big city areas to you. Do this for about a week just to see what the market value of a used car would sell for, and be bought for.

Generally look at the car you have, and the one you are looking to purchase. Find an independant repair shop in your area, or the area of the car, willing to give the car an evaluation before purchase. This service should be 0-50$ MAX!

Also without knowing your financial background I would say dipping 1,000$ from savings in addition to a hopefully 3,000$ you get for the sale of your car, would not be a bad thing. In the car world the difference of 1,000$ can be astronomical. Especially in the used car market.

Also see if you have a friend, or family member that be willing to help you out with the use of a vehicle while you are car searching. You will want to sell first, then buy. This goes for any replacement you do in life, the last thing you want is to get stuck with your car, because you can't sell it for what you think it should sell for.

If you are looking to get 3000-3500$ for your car, put it for sale at 4,000, and leave yourself the flexability, but also the oppurtunity to possibly make more money.

Also check with dealerships that BUY cars, i.e. Carmax, used car lots, even some bigger dealerships.

Great thing about your car is it's a 2003 with only 92K miles.

General rule I go buy, if you have a car that is older than 10 years, it only has value to you, or someone seeking that specific vehicle. You can not get a loan for a car that is older than 10 years, so the value drops to the eyes of many people. at 92K miles you are below what your car should be at in the eyes of the car world. Your average car is driven 12-15K miles a year with that being said you are 4000-28000 under the average, which adds value to your car.

Also not knowing the condition of your car, but saying there are no major dents, missing panels, faded paint, ruined interior you could be under selling yourself.

[cypher1]

While I'm more of Honda/Toyota (Audi for fun) advocate, the DIY is actually pretty good from what I read. However, as Simplicity said, if you're not comfortable/or motivated with a DIY and working on your car, then I'd suggest bringing to a trusted local shop. No stealerships as I call them. As for trading in a car over a couple hundred dollar repair, that doesn't sound justified. If this was a major motor/tranny repair vs a different car, then I'd understand the consideration for cost of ownership. I'd pay the repair, and drive to the ground, while still saving for another car in cash. Then again I do have a biased opinion on older domestic vehicles.

[Simplicity-]

Well my suggestion to him was based on him saying that the repairs are starting to happen more, and are starting to hinder his savings plan. Thus why I suggested the repair of this problem, and possibly selling this car before anything more major does occur. I would think he would rather get 3000-4000 for his car now, and get something better, vs. waiting to long and blowing a motor or tranny and getting 1500 if he is lucky and having to shell the rest out of his EF or SAV, and draining them back down.

[cypher1]

If they're willing to sell for 3-4k, or after the repairs, then I'm all for that direction first. As with any car over time, repairs become more likely and add up quicker with higher mileage, no argument there. I'm just saying if there's nothing else mechanically wrong with it, and it fits the owner's needs, then keep driving it.

[shanecurran]

Ex: I have a 1997 Honda Accord LX w/ 143K miles on it.
1.) I trust and know Honda reliability.
2.) They are EVERYWHERE found in JY's for parts.
3.) The most expensive thing to replace is my motor at 450$.

Just examples, I hope you can get out of the dreaded old car financial struggle routine.

My first car was an 86 Honda Prelude. I recently sold my 1998 Honda Accord. Both cars were great and hardly ever needed any repairs. I agree with simplicity. Sell the car and buy something reliable like a Honda. Only problem is that right now with gas prices as they are you might have to pay above blue book for a Honda (I recently sold mine for about $500 above blue book and it was only on craigslist for one day).

[MonkeyMama]

If you want to save a fortune on cars, find an honest/reliable mechanic. Plain and simple.

The problem with dealerships is that they make one repair schedule that is supposed to cover all their makes and models. If you take the advice at the deapership, you have to replace everything far more than is really necessary (per said schedule).

In the old city we lived in we had the most awesome auto mechanic. Not a lot of preventitive maintenance. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

We moved and our new mechanic (family member used to work for him) doesn't seem to be quite as money saving, but I will take him over a dealership or risking someone out of the yellow pages. He's good, honest, and affordable.

I have several friends and clients who do all repairs at dealer - the amounts they pay are insane. Ironically, I would say our cars are more reliable because independent mechanic gives more care and independent thought to our vehicles. Versus - "It's time to change that, according to your odometer."