My car's busted- what's my next step?

[fifthdimensiondweller]

Hey all,

I got the dreaded call from the mechanic today- my car has officially bitten the dust. KBB values it at just under $1,000 and it needs well over $2,000 in repairs.

I just put two new tires on it- the tire place takes returns, though, so I should be ok there.

So my question is- what do I do with a car in this bad of shape? Sell it for scrap value? Take it to a dealer for whatever their minimum trade in deal is?

I'm thinking it'll be a few months before I can get another car. We're going to buckle down on DH's car payments and try to get those paid off my May or June and get me a car then.

Also- what kind of car should I buy? Probably can't afford something brand new, thinking maybe 2-3 years old. Price Range probably around $16,000. Doesn't need to be fancy. All I want is something that will last. It's me, DH, and DS who is 1 month old. We may have another child, but not for several years. I've heard good things about Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus- what's your experience been like? I only have experience with my DH's Honda Civic and it's been great.

Anyone have a Carmax nearby? Is that a good place to buy a car? What about previous rentals, like Enterprise car sales? Pros? Cons?

Thanks!

 

[gmar1210]

Stay away from Carmax. They seem overpriced. Look for a certified Honda/toyota/Subaru. Can’t go wrong with any of those. I would never buy a previously rented car from a place like enterprise.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Hey all,

I got the dreaded call from the mechanic today- my car has officially bitten the dust. KBB values it at just under $1,000 and it needs well over $2,000 in repairs.

I just put two new tires on it- the tire place takes returns, though, so I should be ok there.

So my question is- what do I do with a car in this bad of shape? Sell it for scrap value? Take it to a dealer for whatever their minimum trade in deal is?

I'm thinking it'll be a few months before I can get another car. We're going to buckle down on DH's car payments and try to get those paid off my May or June and get me a car then.

Also- what kind of car should I buy? Probably can't afford something brand new, thinking maybe 2-3 years old. Price Range probably around $16,000. Doesn't need to be fancy. All I want is something that will last. It's me, DH, and DS who is 1 month old. We may have another child, but not for several years. I've heard good things about Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus- what's your experience been like? I only have experience with my DH's Honda Civic and it's been great.

Anyone have a Carmax nearby? Is that a good place to buy a car? What about previous rentals, like Enterprise car sales? Pros? Cons?

Thanks!

I guess it depends on what you mean by "it bit the dust"...is it literally undriveable now (and you can't even get it home without a tow) or is it driveable, but not safely long term, which means you're looking to drive it home and leave it parked until you can decide...

 

[Alesia]

I highly recommend getting a Honda. Those things run forever. Toyotas are great, too.

Your best bet is probably a trade in. Sometimes you get lucky and the dealer will give you more than the blue book value. A junker is going to give you the bare minimum.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

.is it literally undriveable now

Yes it's undriveable now : (

 

[TwoMisfits]

Yes it's undriveable now : (

And does a car dealer mechanic have it, or an independent mechanic you will have to get a tow from?

 

[TwoMisfits]

I will say, this happened to me in 2016...mine had been previously serviced for a battery and warning light issue at my car dealer, and then 3 days later, my electrical completely blew up as I was 100 feet from my regular non-dealer mechanic. Left it there for a day as he diagnosed (and didn't charge me) while I dealt with my dealer mechanic, who wanted a chance to see if it was their screw up. I let them tow it free to their lot, they told me it wasn't their work's fault, and it wasn't gonna be a cheap or easy fix, so we started discussing new car purchases (after I paid for none of the tow/diagnosis, since I still thought their work was partly at fault, and since that was the deal for letting them tow it). I was not happy with their price for a new car, so I emailed other dealers and asked for prices and asked if they would tow my car to be a trade in (included in the price). Got 2 to agree, told my dealer that, and "amazingly" then got a price I wanted (without having to deal with any more drama).

Long story short...you are likely more at the mercy of what to do b/c a car can't just sit anywhere...and every tow gets expensive...so I know you don't want to buy now, but I'd suggest that's your best option...and you might want to pull savings to just pay off the other car right away to make way for the new car (or cancel an upcoming vacation, etc)...

And I'd negotiate with multiple dealers by email, telling them all you are doing so, and getting the tow and trade in included in the price...

 

[Alicenwonderment]

I feel your pain with the car situation. I am pretty much to that point with my 2004 Saturn Ion. This summer it needed new brakes, tires, and exhaust work to pass inspection. Finally got the tires in December 2 hours before our first snow. Now with all this cold weather I had to go to Midas because my coolant light was on. Although nothing was wrong with the coolant they did find the battery is over charging. Ugh!! I've been delaying taking the car to my mechanic just because I don't want the news. lol The service engine light has been on for over a year but no one can figure out why. I was just hoping I could make it into the spring or summer with this car. I do have to say that I have driven this car into the ground. I bought this car in 2005 for around 8,000 dollars. It had been a salvage vehicle but the place I bought it from remakes these vehicles. The damage to this vehicle was labeled water damage. I have had no problems with this vehicle until lately. This is not the first vehicle we have bought from this guy. Over the years I have gotten 3 of my vehicles from this guy and my sister has also bought cars from him. I believe when I bought this car I ended up donating my old one to Make a Wish Foundation. Well from what I remember they are the ones I designated to benefit for my donation. I remember somebody came and picked up my car. I think they use those parts to sell. If interested in the place I got my car I can PM you. The auto place is not located in my state but KY where my family is from so usually my uncle will go and look at the vehicle before we buy and my uncle drives the car to us.

Good luck car hunting.

 

[tvguy]

Well, no surprise to anyone on this board, I'd spend the $2,000 to fix your current car. KBB value is NEVER EVER EVER a reason to use IMHO on whether to fix a car. The question to ask is, "How many more miles will I get out of the car if I spend the $2,000?" But these days a new set of tires can cost $2,000.
You certainly can check with donating the car, but some charities now want only running cars.

As for CarMax, the good, and the bad. The good, they say they will buy any car, and my DIL sold a car with a blown head gasket and got $3,000. They seem to pay top dollar. The bad, they will be about $2,000 more expensive on cars they sell than anyone else.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

First, get a second opinion on repairs. As a previous poster said, ignore NADA and KBB values. Could you get $2000 worth of use out of your vehicle if you fixed it? Does it need a lot of other repairs? Is it high mileage?

I’ve had good experience with Nissan. My last one had 275K miles on it when I sold it. My current Xterra is 16 years old and has 189K miles on it.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

please provide us with the details..........
make/model/year of car
engine/transmission type
odometer reading
the major and minor things wrong with it

We put 2000 dollars in a car worth 2000 and drove it for over 2 additional years. That allowed us the time to set aside extra money for the next car. It is not the value of the car that should determine whether it gets fixed, but the likelyhood that you can get your "money's worth" out of the car after it is repaired.

If the 2000 bucks gets you 7 more months on the road, you have about broken even. If you can drive the car for an additional 12 months, you are coming out ahead.................these are not absolutes, but a general guideline based on a 300 dollar a month car payment.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Hey all,

I got the dreaded call from the mechanic today- my car has officially bitten the dust. KBB values it at just under $1,000 and it needs well over $2,000 in repairs.

I just put two new tires on it- the tire place takes returns, though, so I should be ok there.

So my question is- what do I do with a car in this bad of shape? Sell it for scrap value? Take it to a dealer for whatever their minimum trade in deal is?

I'm thinking it'll be a few months before I can get another car. We're going to buckle down on DH's car payments and try to get those paid off my May or June and get me a car then.

Also- what kind of car should I buy? Probably can't afford something brand new, thinking maybe 2-3 years old. Price Range probably around $16,000. Doesn't need to be fancy. All I want is something that will last. It's me, DH, and DS who is 1 month old. We may have another child, but not for several years. I've heard good things about Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus- what's your experience been like? I only have experience with my DH's Honda Civic and it's been great.

Anyone have a Carmax nearby? Is that a good place to buy a car? What about previous rentals, like Enterprise car sales? Pros? Cons?

Thanks!

A 2016 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder may meet your needs. They are reliable, plentiful,and affordable. Punch them in on the autotrader site and you will see them. Just avoid any rental cars. Leased cars and personal cars tend to be in better shape. The free carfax shown on many car listings can help you weed out the rentals. We have a 2015 and it has been trouble free. This generation of Camry has been a good one and the prices have dropped because the all new (top to bottom) 2018 model has been released and is on sale.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Sorry about your car.

I have a 2010 Honda CR-V bought brand new and love it. Haven’t had a bit of trouble with it. Handles really well and easy to park.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

And does a car dealer mechanic have it, or an independent mechanic you will have to get a tow from?

Car dealer mechanic has it.

Could you get $2000 worth of use out of your vehicle if you fixed it?

I've been tossing this around in my head, and it's honestly a toss up. On the one hand, it's a relatively young car, a 2009 with 100k miles. On the other hand, the car's had a fair bit of problems for its age, so the chances of it blowing again before the 2k in repairs are worth it is high.

make/model/year of car
engine/transmission type
odometer reading
the major and minor things wrong with it

Chevrolet Aveo 2009
automatic transmission, I believe 4 cylinder engine.
Odometer is about 97,000 I believe
No air, no heat, radiator gone, exhaust is blown to bits,
has been rear ended twice

The point about whether or not I can get $2,000 worth of driving out of it is valid... It's honestly a toss up with this car. if this were my husband's car I'd throw the money down in a heartbeat, but this car... I wouldn't call it a lemon, but it's had more problems than one would expect, and of course the two rear endings haven't helped.

 

[tvguy]

Car dealer mechanic has it.



I've been tossing this around in my head, and it's honestly a toss up. On the one hand, it's a relatively young car, a 2009 with 100k miles. On the other hand, the car's had a fair bit of problems for its age, so the chances of it blowing again before the 2k in repairs are worth it is high.



Chevrolet Aveo 2009
automatic transmission, I believe 4 cylinder engine.
Odometer is about 97,000 I believe
No air, no heat, radiator gone, exhaust is blown to bits,
has been rear ended twice

The point about whether or not I can get $2,000 worth of driving out of it is valid... It's honestly a toss up with this car. if this were my husband's car I'd throw the money down in a heartbeat, but this car... I wouldn't call it a lemon, but it's had more problems than one would expect, and of course the two rear endings haven't helped.

Okay, I will qualify my previous comments. You didn't mention the collision damage. Depending on how severe the damage, that could be the overriding factor. However, a car like that sells for about $8,000 here, not $2,000. https://www.carmax.com/car/15416377

 

[MamaBelle4]

I am no expert, by any stretch. I mean, I'm an expert in owning crappy cars, lol, but no expert otherwise.

Our philosophy is to run our cars until they fall apart. (See our still running and still reliable 1996 Saturn Wagon). But my DH is my mechanic. He can do anything with the cars and has rebuilt transmissions and engines on them. So we will always put the money into repairing what we have until it is time.

For example, we had money to put down and our minivan had a transmission that was slipping. It had over 230,000 miles and was a 2006. It had a lot of smaller issues as well (including issues with the doors working properly). We had finished paying off our other vehicle and, instead of putting $1500 or so into the transmission, we decided the smarter move was to go ahead and trade it in. Had it had less mileage or no other serious issues, we probably would have just rebuilt the transmission.

 

[LadyD]

It definitely is worth really sitting down and playing out the costs of what fixing the car to be driveable and then addressing normal wear and tear maintenance on the car would be for the next few years vs the upfront costs and wear and tear maintenance of a used vehicle in your price range.

I’m driving a 2010 VW sportswagen tdi (yep one that was part of that whole diesel scandal), and I ultimately decided to keep the car despite the cash offers for a new vehicle for trading it in. Why? The mileage I have on the car coupled with the amount of the car now under an extended warranty (the dealer just replaced my engine harness under the extended warranty among other big ticket items) and how long these engines tend to last as well as the superior gas mileage compared to most other cars that feel and handle similarly to mine, it is going to cost me a lot less to keep it for a few more years and drive it into the ground than buy a new one.

If you do ultimately decide this car is just done and you want to move on, Nissan may be another brand worth considering. My wife bought a “used” 2015 Nissan Versa for less than 12k (vs like 18k new at the time for the same model). I put used in quotes because we bought it in 2015 from the dealer with less than 4K miles on it. It was definitely an excellent deal, and we haven’t had any issues with it in the last 2.5 years. If you can stumble across an amazing deal like that, trading it in might ultimately be the better option.

 

[Klayfish]

Oooh, I can help. Cars are what I do for a living.

Sorry to hear about your problem. No offense, but the Aveo was a wretched car, unfortunately you're finding that out the hard way. It was GMs ultra lazy attempt at selling an economy car here...it's nothing but a rebaged Daewoo. Let it die in peace. That price tvguy quoted that CarMax is trying to sell one for is a pipe dream. In good shape, it's worth $3000 at best. Your best bet with it is to put it on Craigslist for $750. Guarantee you'll get plenty of takers, often kids who somewhat handy with a wrench or have friends who are. Time to move on for sure.

As to what to buy, contrary to opinion, there's nothing wrong at all with buying a used rental car. Enterprise and the like actually maintain the cars far better than the majority of private owners. Yes, renters often use them hard, but cars today in general are pretty tough. The only downside is they tend to use a lot of cars that aren't tops in their class...things like the Malibu, Focus, etc...

Generally speaking, if you're looking for a solid family type car on a budget, your best bet is Japanese or Korean nameplates. Honda and Toyota (though the last generation Camry was as lame as they come) really are the top of the Japanese class. Nissan, Subaru are decent, not great. Hyundai/Kia are also fabulous values, especially used. Go look for a 2 or 3 year old low mileage Elantra, Sonata, Forte, Optima. Fantastic value for your money and they last forever. Stay away from the European, specifically German and Italian. On a lower budget, that would mean VW and Fiat. Don't even consider them, they are both absolutely horrid when it comes to reliability.

 

[tvguy]

It definitely is worth really sitting down and playing out the costs of what fixing the car to be driveable and then addressing normal wear and tear maintenance on the car would be for the next few years vs the upfront costs and wear and tear maintenance of a used vehicle in your price range.

I’m driving a 2010 VW sportswagen tdi (yep one that was part of that whole diesel scandal), and I ultimately decided to keep the car despite the cash offers for a new vehicle for trading it in. Why? The mileage I have on the car coupled with the amount of the car now under an extended warranty (the dealer just replaced my engine harness under the extended warranty among other big ticket items) and how long these engines tend to last as well as the superior gas mileage compared to most other cars that feel and handle similarly to mine, it is going to cost me a lot less to keep it for a few more years and drive it into the ground than buy a new one.

If you do ultimately decide this car is just done and you want to move on, Nissan may be another brand worth considering. My wife bought a “used” 2015 Nissan Versa for less than 12k (vs like 18k new at the time for the same model). I put used in quotes because we bought it in 2015 from the dealer with less than 4K miles on it. It was definitely an excellent deal, and we haven’t had any issues with it in the last 2.5 years. If you can stumble across an amazing deal like that, trading it in might ultimately be the better option.

Nissan Versa is a good choice, but only if you get a manual transmission. The Nissan CVT Automatic Transmissions have been a mess. Although Nissan has had to extend the warranty on those automatic transmissions to 10 years and 120,000 miles because they are so bad. http://www.nissanassist.com/ProgramDetails.php?menu=2

 

[JAMIESMITH]

Chevrolet Aveo 2009
automatic transmission, I believe 4 cylinder engine.
Odometer is about 97,000 I believe
No air, no heat, radiator gone, exhaust is blown to bits,
has been rear ended twice

Full disclosure: my husband and my dad are both mechanics. The only necessity I see in your list is the radiator. Possibly the exhaust, but aftermarket would probably be a better way to go. Your dealer won’t pffer that, but a muffler shop should.

Can the radiator be repaired? The dealer won’t offer to do that, but a radiator shop may be able to fix it depending on what is wrong.

Those two things should add up to $2000 in my opinion. The heat and air can be expensive repairs, but can you live without them while saving up for another vehicle? I don’t know the climate where you live.