Should we buy a new car, used car or repair this car? UPDATE post #21

[EllenFrasier]

Well, our mechanic finally got a chance to look at my dd's car today. We have been providing her with transportation to and from work because we weren't sure what was wrong with the car and if the antifreeze was getting in with the oil, she could burn up the engine, so not safe until we knew what was wrong.

The verdict is, don't fix it. The car is 15 years old and the mechanic said there is too much wrong with it. The gas lines are rotting, the gas tank is rusting. The brake lines need to be replaced and the muffler is shot. The defroster does not work and the manifold head gasket may go at any time. He said it would cost at least $2,000 to fix what is wrong so she should just use it while she can and look for another car. No sense in sinking that much money into a 15 year old car.

So, I guess it's sort of good news. She won't be putting money into a car that is really old. Her Grandma said she give her, not loan her, give her $1,000 towards another car and we can loan her about $500, so maybe she can get a good used car and the payments won't be extremely high. That's assuming she can get financing. Never a dull moment.

 

[Maddle]

In the long run she'll be happier and safer in a late model used car. Safety engineering has taken such long strides in 15 years she will be better off.


Maddle