• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

does it make any financial sense to fix a car beyond its value?

A

andylawcc

Lifer
I have a 1996 Toyota Celica with 230k miles. New Transmission (manual). Engine still runs fine, MPG is 10-15% off from its prime. The body is pretty bang up all around (more on that later). Last year two dealers quoted me $1000 if I traded in... and I believe this year will be considerably less.

Just today, I got in an accident today. it was my fault so insurance won't cover it. I need to replace airbags and some body parts.
Airbags (rough estimate) = $800
Body Parts + Paint = at least $1200

I am only considering to replace the Airbags (the car is still drivable). but should I give up the car and buy another one instead?
 
I would give it up.

In my case I have a 1997 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon, runs well overall, but if I got into an accident and the damage was more than a few grand I'd have a real hard time not repairing it (value is probly around $4K right now).
 
Anything to repair cosmetics ( I think airbags fall into cosmetics) is not worth it on a car like that. Anything to keep the car running that is considerably cheap is a good investment. I have a 1998 Ford Escort, 2nd engine, over 200K total miles. It's my daily driver. Recently the the clutch gave and I was told by the mechanic that a new clutch would cost me $1500. My car ran fine other than that. Now I could have bought a new car, and owe money, or I could fix my excort for $1500. I got the clutch. But if my car needed a $300 airbag replacement, I'd take my chances and not buy one.
 
Is there a law that says you have to replace the airbags, or are you worried about self-preservation? I had a friend in a similar situation driving his car with the airbags already blown out. 😛
 
Originally posted by: Balt
Is there a law that says you have to replace the airbags, or are you worried about self-preservation? I had a friend in a similar situation driving his car with the airbags already blown out. 😛
Click to expand...

Pretty sure its the law.
 
i have before. i had a old truck that a close family friend gave me. i continued to fix it until it was just to expensive.
 
Think of it in terms of replacement cost...

Can you go out and get a similar 96 Celica in working condition for less than the cost of repairs?

Because the $2000 to buy another car is what you should be looking at
 
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Anything to repair cosmetics ( I think airbags fall into cosmetics) is not worth it on a car like that. Anything to keep the car running that is considerably cheap is a good investment. I have a 1998 Ford Escort, 2nd engine, over 200K total miles. It's my daily driver. Recently the the clutch gave and I was told by the mechanic that a new clutch would cost me $1500. My car ran fine other than that. Now I could have bought a new car, and owe money, or I could fix my excort for $1500. I got the clutch. But if my car needed a $300 airbag replacement, I'd take my chances and not buy one.
Click to expand...

no, I am not gonna fix the body. Airbags are all I will consider.
 
Originally posted by: b0mbrman
Think of it in terms of replacement cost...

Can you go out and get a similar 96 Celica in working condition for less than the cost of repairs?

Because the $2000 to buy another car is what you should be looking at
Click to expand...

ah... thank you... now with that logic I can understand....
 
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Anything to repair cosmetics ( I think airbags fall into cosmetics) is not worth it on a car like that. Anything to keep the car running that is considerably cheap is a good investment. I have a 1998 Ford Escort, 2nd engine, over 200K total miles. It's my daily driver. Recently the the clutch gave and I was told by the mechanic that a new clutch would cost me $1500. My car ran fine other than that. Now I could have bought a new car, and owe money, or I could fix my excort for $1500. I got the clutch. But if my car needed a $300 airbag replacement, I'd take my chances and not buy one.
Click to expand...
$1500 :Q
 
Originally posted by: BD2003
Originally posted by: Balt
Is there a law that says you have to replace the airbags, or are you worried about self-preservation? I had a friend in a similar situation driving his car with the airbags already blown out. 😛
Click to expand...

Pretty sure its the law.
Click to expand...

That seems absurd.. if you can buy am old car without an airbag, why require blown airbags to be replaced? I can only think that it would be fraud to sell the car pretending the airbag was good..

I could only find this this though.

Edit: This makes it sound OK to have non-functional airbags: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/airbagqa.html#Q2

So, I say keep driving and don't fix anything.
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Anything to repair cosmetics ( I think airbags fall into cosmetics) is not worth it on a car like that. Anything to keep the car running that is considerably cheap is a good investment. I have a 1998 Ford Escort, 2nd engine, over 200K total miles. It's my daily driver. Recently the the clutch gave and I was told by the mechanic that a new clutch would cost me $1500. My car ran fine other than that. Now I could have bought a new car, and owe money, or I could fix my excort for $1500. I got the clutch. But if my car needed a $300 airbag replacement, I'd take my chances and not buy one.
Click to expand...
$1500 :Q
Click to expand...

yeah i was thinking the same... for a clutch? do you mean automatic transmission? cause 1500 for a clutch is a muffin rip.
 
Originally posted by: Zach
Originally posted by: BD2003
Originally posted by: Balt
Is there a law that says you have to replace the airbags, or are you worried about self-preservation? I had a friend in a similar situation driving his car with the airbags already blown out. 😛
Click to expand...

Pretty sure its the law.
Click to expand...

That seems absurd.. if you can buy am old car without an airbag, why require blown airbags to be replaced? I can only think that it would be fraud to sell the car pretending the airbag was good..

I could only find this this though.

Edit: This makes it sound OK to have non-functional airbags: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/airbagqa.html#Q2

So, I say keep driving and don't fix anything.
Click to expand...

Well, my friend is fixing up a car, and it wont pass inspection unless it has brand spanking new from the dealership airbags. And it wouldnt be the first time I've heard airbags are required.
 
i would not pay for airbags or major engine work or transmission work on a car of that age/mileage
 
It's cheaper to keep an old car that you know is good otherwise that issue than pick up some other old car and hope it doesn't need any repairs, IMO anyway.
 
Originally posted by: FoBoT
i would not pay for airbags or major engine work or transmission work on a car of that age/mileage
Click to expand...

so basically I will have to retire the car then? (I really want airbags, at least one for the driver side; I have no friends anyways and no one will want to sit in my junk as a passenger afterall)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top