lhrocker Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I have a 97 Legacy that has had significant work done on it since I got it, including timing belt, water pump, radiator, brakes, tires, TPS, alternator, knock filter and such. The car has 171k on it and I put 50K over the last 2 years. I need new rear bearings, have a possible leak in the oil seal, plus I've gotten a P0420 codes pop up a couple of times over the past 6 months. Should I keep repairing it, or should I start looking for a new daily driver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crash321 Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 2.2 it:banana: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhrocker Posted February 13, 2009 Author Share Posted February 13, 2009 It's already a 2.2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86subaru Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 well it all depends ,1- can you afford a new one, or can you repair it your self, if you buy a used one a few miles down the road you could have more repairs , Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crash321 Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I myself hate car payments, I would probably fix it if it is still in good shape and runs well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Are you doing the work yourself? If so, you know the car and its worth fixing it. Much less than new car payments. If you buy used, you don't know what you are getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhrocker Posted February 13, 2009 Author Share Posted February 13, 2009 I do regular maintenance (tuneups and such), but everything else goes to my mechanic, who is really reasonable. The car is paid off, which is a good thing. I'm just not sure how much more "big" money issues would come up, as I could put that money towards something newer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8volvo Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 You're in the Northeast, so I would think rust would be the #1 issue. If your rocker panels, doors, floors etc are solid, the car is worth fixing and keeping. If not, time to move on. Rust is one thing you can never really fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 I have a 97 Legacy that has had significant work done on it since I got it, including timing belt, water pump, radiator, brakes, tires, TPS, alternator, knock filter and such. The car has 171k on it and I put 50K over the last 2 years. I need new rear bearings, have a possible leak in the oil seal, plus I've gotten a P0420 codes pop up a couple of times over the past 6 months. Should I keep repairing it, or should I start looking for a new daily driver? So far i see nothing out of line here, the car is ageing, and its all stuff that would happen to any car with age. The trouble code is a front O2 sensor. keep it. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98obster Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 I have a 97 Legacy that has had significant work done on it since I got it, including timing belt, water pump, radiator, brakes, tires, TPS, alternator, knock filter and such. The car has 171k on it and I put 50K over the last 2 years. I need new rear bearings, have a possible leak in the oil seal, plus I've gotten a P0420 codes pop up a couple of times over the past 6 months. Should I keep repairing it, or should I start looking for a new daily driver? First, I also hate the bank thing too-but a couple year loan is manageable. From what you've mentioned-work wise-171k is great. I don't see any $2k repair bill listed but at this mileage that is probably the other foot you are thinking is getting ready to drop. As always, it's good to have reasonable repairs at reasonable intervals eh? And besides any fatal problems with the engine and tranny which can be replaced fairly reasonably-esp. since you have a shop you trust; there is suspension, steering, exhaust components that will always eventually need "refurbishing". I think you might be looking for another DD so you can give the 97 a rest. I think 3500 to 4500 can get you a lot of newer DD. bottom line, your high mileage DD (project car) shouldn't be your only mode of transportation. Jon 98 OBS 137k 97 Leg OB Ltd 202K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzam Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Keep it running, some of what you mention is scheduled maintenance like timing belts etc. If you get another car you'd be looking at repeat cycle of same costs for maintenance again. And possibly replacement of similar parts. You already decided that the car was worth the investment when you did those repairs. If you trust the car in its current condition, I'd drive it until it gives you a real repair bill that exceeds the total value or at a point where you feel it is no longer reliable transportation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 If you trust the car in its current condition, I'd drive it until it gives you a real repair bill that exceeds the total value or at a point where you feel it is no longer reliable transportation. I think we need to change the formula that we use. I go by what is the cost of repairs vs the new car payments for a year and additional insurance. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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