What do I do with my old car?

[Savij]

I am about to purchase a 2004 Acura RSX Type S, and am trying to figure out what to do with my old one. The old one is a '93 Mazda 626. It ran great till a few weeks ago and a lot of people were surprised when I told them how old the car was because of how it ran and how well maintained the interior was. Then in the last week of Sept. it started having major engine problems. It's still running as of today, but I've been told that it will give out any day now.

I don't think I could donate the car in that condition and even a complete car noob would know that there is some type of major problem. I am considering running it as a daily commuter car till it dies, but then I would be back to what to do with it. In addition, it's going to cost me about $500 a year to insure (state minimum). The tires on the car are less than three months old, and the mechanical parts seemed to be in good condition.

I'm looking for suggestions that make the most sense financially or provide the most entertainment. If someone in the Boston area has a large amount of explosives that they need to get rid of and we might be able to strike a deal that would be most excellent.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Put a used engine in it and then sell it. If the rest of the car is in good shape, that's the way to go. Used engine shouldn't cost too much. Hell, long-run you'd be better off financially to put the new engine in the 626 and keep driving it instead of buying the Acura. Of course, it's probably about time to move on from the 626 given the age.

ZV

 

[sniperruff]

if you can put a used engine in it for around $500, do it and sell it for at least $1500.

 

[Savij]

Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for a used engine?

 

[PottedMeat]

Have you ever wanted to see thermite eat through the engine of a car in person? Thats what I would do. The fire dept. would probably have a problem with that though.

 

[Savij]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
Have you ever wanted to see thermite eat through the engine of a car in person? Thats what I would do. The fire dept. would probably have a problem with that though.

Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for thermite?

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Savij
Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for a used engine?

junk yards... although im doubting that the cost of labor will be cheap.

 

[Savij]

Originally posted by: sniperruff

Originally posted by: Savij
Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for a used engine?

junk yards... although im doubting that the cost of labor will be cheap.

The mechanic I normally go to was saying the labor would be anywhere between 800 and 1000, but that was his guess, not an estimate. I suppose I can shop around for cheaper places.

 

[Thegonagle]

Craig's list. $250. Cash Only.

Be sure to get the all the buyer's info, including drivers license number, so that you'll have recourse if he doesn't transfer the title and racks up a bunch of parking tickets or something.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: Savij

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
Have you ever wanted to see thermite eat through the engine of a car in person? Thats what I would do. The fire dept. would probably have a problem with that though.

Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for thermite?

It's just powdered aluminum and iron rust, lit by a magnesium igniter. It's a reduction reaction where the oxygen downgrades from the iron to the aluminum and releases the energy difference.

Fun stuff 🙂

 

[Stifko]

You could donate it to charity and get a tax break. Usually you can take the car's kelly blue book value off your taxes.

 

[aleckz]

You could do the engine transfer, look on craigslist or ask the mechanic that you normally get your services done if he'll do it as a side job, which will probably cheaper. I dunno though, even with a new/used engine you might not get your money back D: I would just say sell it as/is on craigslist for cheap.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Savij

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
Have you ever wanted to see thermite eat through the engine of a car in person? Thats what I would do. The fire dept. would probably have a problem with that though.

Excuse my ignorance here, but where would I go to look for thermite?

equal mix of iron oxide powder and aluminum powder, light it off with a magnesium ribbon.