Replace transmission or get another car?

[Shawn]

My sister's got a 1989 accord LXi with 245k miles. It's got an automatic transmission and the transmission is starting to slip. We brought it in for an estimate and they said it needed to be rebuilt. It occasionally slips in all gears when cold. When warmed up it very rarely slips going from gears 3-4.

I'm not sure how long it'll last like this but my sister doesn't want to get stuck somewhere. Should we get it fixed? Repair cost will be above $1000. The other option is selling it and buying something else. Assuming we get about $500 for it, we'd still need to spend about $1000 to get anything worth buying and another $500-1000 for something decent.

The engine runs really well, but everything rubber in the car has dry rotted. It leaks oil and coolant and needs a new muffler. It could use new engine mounts and maybe new springs too. Also the AC doesn't work.

However, nothing besides the transmission is critical (even that may last another year). I showed my sister how to top off the fluids and I could probably fix the leaks myself. Nothing else really affects the reliability of the car. So what do you all think? Is it worth the hassle of selling then rebuying another old used car or should I just get it fixed?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Geez man, are you even comfortable letting your sister drive a heap like that?? I sure as hell wouldn't be.

 

[spaceman]

i'd junk it.

 

[StageLeft]

If you've been going long term with those leaks and other issues, I'd pay the $1k because to buy another car in the same price range or even put a bit more on top, you will have no idea what hidden problems there are. It's always risky with a car in this price range, but unless you're going to spend a few K on a newer one (and of course its transmission could die shortly thereafter, too), I'd keep this.

OR, like I said get a small loan or something for a used econobox, possibly even with some remaining warranty, from somewhere else. Can she not buy a used, nissan certified versa or something like that?

 

[Vette73]

Well also look into a used Trans.

But with over 200k and over 15 years old I don't think it is worth the cost of a Trans rebuild.

Check out craigslist, she may be able to find something decent in the $2000 range.

 

[Shawn]

I was considering used as well. There is a transmission on ebay with 144k miles with no bids starting at $99. Shipping would probably be around $150. So $250 for the tranny then $350 to have the transmission place put it in.

Locally there is a transmission available for $400 with 150k miles.

Dunno if it's worth the trouble getting a used tranny but it would save a considerable amount.

 

[radioouman]

Old Accords are great cars. Since you know the maintenance history of the car, you're probably better off with that car than by buying another $1000 car.

In the north, a car like that would dead after one winter thanks to salt, but in Florida that Accord will probably keep running for a long time.

 

[jRaskell]

It's almost a 6 of one, half dozen of the other scenario. Put the money in your current car and even though you know of it's current problems, there's no guarantee that months from now you won't have another major failure (timing chain failure, possible complete engine failure. With nearly 250k miles, everything is questionable). Swap this car for another old car, and you're just as likely to have a major problem with your new unknown vehicle in the near future as well.

IF you could find something in your price range with under 100k miles, I'd say go that route. Otherwise, it's just a crap shoot.

 

[Shawn]

Well I sold it. $800.

 

[bananapeel42]

you ripped off the poor guy who bought it. with the problems you just mentioned that car is worth nearly 0.

an engine with 250k miles that leaks all its fluids! hahahah, id fill that car with propane and gasoline cans and set it on fire in your yard after i found out what a piece of shit it was and you ripped me off.


I hope the guy who sells you the next car fucks you over too! ass hole.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: bananapeel42
you ripped off the poor guy who bought it. with the problems you just mentioned that car is worth nearly 0.

an engine with 250k miles that leaks all its fluids! hahahah, id fill that car with propane and gasoline cans and set it on fire in your yard after i found out what a piece of shit it was and you ripped me off.


I hope the guy who sells you the next car fucks you over too! ass hole.

:Q

 

[Shawn]

I stated what was wrong with it when I sold it. I still got about 15 e-mails in less than 24 hours. The car looked really nice. It was painted a nice Blue by the previous owner and I had 16" rims on it. The rims were worth about $400.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/iloveme2/100_0604.JPG

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Shawn
I stated what was wrong with it when I sold it. I still got about 15 e-mails in less than 24 hours. The car looked really nice. It was painted a nice Blue by the previous owner and I had 16" rims on it. The rims were worth about $400.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/iloveme2/100_0604.JPG

Did a guy name Jesus buy it?

 

[MovingTarget]

I still would've gone with the new tranny if the body itself was still in good shape.

 

[steppinthrax]

Dude with all the things going on in the economy I would get her a new car. Only because dealers are doing some mad things to try and get all the overproduced vehicles off the lot. But if you want to replace the tranny I would just get a used one from a junkyard. That's a Honda and as their name (quality) shows that's a pretty good automatic tranny for 245K.

You can probably get a used one in great condition for 600 or so and just pop in it. I would also worry about other things at 245K, which would make it worthy or new car.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

damn you've driven that car into the ground! get another car! 245k miles is excellent mileage for a still running 1989 car.

i sold my 1987 accord for $900 recently. great resale value!