Author Topic: Sell it, or drive it until it dies? (Read 7667 times)

arcter · « **on:** March 03, 2010, 09:36:58 PM »

Okay guys, so I've posted a lot recently about my recent car problems. Here's a summary:

The car had the timing chain job done, as well as a new radiator, ignition wires, all relevant gaskets (when doing the timing chain job), and a few new intake hoses. I'm left with the same rough startup problem when ice cold, and after giving the car to the shop to find what was wrong, it also developed a pretty hefty smoke problem from the tailpipe. I had noticed a small amount before only after sitting overnight and it went away very quickly, but there's a lot more coming out now, until I get totally warmed up.

Anyway, what do I do? I've got a lot of money in the car recently. It's got 210K miles and it runs great other than those two problems. Do I try to sell the car and buy something else, or should I just run it as long as I can and save up for a new engine? And by the way, how long can I expect to keep driving it do you think?

Anyways, I love the car so I'd rather not get rid of it but I need to know what's most practical moneywise also. Thanks!

Joe

arcter · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2010, 10:20:31 PM »

Sold it

Ryann · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2010, 10:45:26 PM »

Looks like a beautiful example to me, I'd suggest you hang on to it. A compression test was mentioned in your idle problem thread. The results of that test might be a good indicator as to the extent of your engine issues. Did the shop put fuel treatment in your tank to try and clean out the "carbon buildup"? I have seen excessive amounts of this cause engine exhaust to be smokey. Also, a fuel injector could stick open and wash a cylinder of it's oil causing poor fuel economy, rapid ring/cylinder wear, and rough idle. This might look like poor ignition at one spark plug. It's none of my business the shop you're dealing with, but based on what I've read it seems like the people you're dealing with may not be the best choice.

arcter · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2010, 10:50:58 PM »

Quote from: Ryann;88817

Looks like a beautiful example to me, I'd suggest you hang on to it. A compression test was mentioned in your idle problem thread. The results of that test might be a good indicator as to the extent of your engine issues. It's none of my business the shop you're dealing with, but based on what I've read it seems like the people you're dealing with may not be the best choice.

I think I agree with that. I've got a few friends that can help me work on the car myself, I usually just don't have time so I bring it in to the shop to have them diagnose a problem.

So as far as hanging on to it goes... how long can I expect to drive it like this, and what should my goal be? Rebuild or should I aim for a totally new motor?

Admittedly, after having put so much money into the car, selling it for half what I've got in it and then gambling on another used car doesn't sound so good. I'm a college student so funds are limited

I'd certainly hate spending money on a car I didn't even like.

iamcreepingdeath · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2010, 10:57:16 PM »

sell it. to me. now.

Ryann · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:00:55 PM »

Do a compression test and post the results. Then we'll know. If it needs engine work I'd garage the car and shop for a low cost used Japanese beater to drive until you're in the position to repair the car.

arcter · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:02:39 PM »

Quote from: Ryann;88825

Do a compression test and post the results. Then we'll know. If it needs engine work I'd garage the car and shop for a low cost used Japanese beater to drive until you're in the position to repair the car.

Well, the thing is, I doubt I'd have the money to hang on to this and find another car to buy. If I could, I would, but that's why I'm wondering whether I should sell it now or just try driving it and saving up.

B318M42W · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:02:42 PM »

i'd say to hang onto it. keep monitoring the oil level to make sure you wont run out... and so what if you smoke a little??? honda's smoke A LOT, even when barely used. IMHO, i dont beleive that your car is about to explode or die very soon. it might start running like crap, but it'll still be drivable.

Ryann · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:07:01 PM »

When I say used beater I'm talking $500. One of my co-workers has been driving a Geo Metro (Suzuki) for which he paid $400 back and forth 30 miles a day for the last 4 years. It's a total piece of embarrassing shit, but hey.

arcter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:07:59 PM »

Quote from: Ryann;88830

When I say used beater I'm talking $500.

Haha, alright. I'm not that broke, $500 I can do. But what should I look for? Seems like it'd be hard to find something that runs good. Wouldn't I just end up paying to keep the beater running?

doitover · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2010, 08:45:02 AM »

I would keep it and keep poking around on it. Maybe you'll find the idle problem and be happy. There are getting to be fewer of these cars out there, yours looks like an extremely nice one.

Like with any car, be prepared for what you will do when it dies. If I had $500 for a second beater I think I'd be looking for a used M42 instead.

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2010, 10:30:56 AM »

look into the oil separator thing inside the valve cover. The gasket got ruined on mine and it started sucking alot of oil and smoking like grandma.

Chalino · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2010, 01:47:05 PM »

The thing is uber clean; keep it and fix it.

arcter · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2010, 08:46:32 PM »

Thanks guys, I'm definitely keeping the car. But what should my goal be? How hard would it be to find a good motor for a good price? Or should I just rebuild this one totally?

B318M42W · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2010, 09:26:21 PM »

compression and leakdown #'s before rebuild!!!