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To Fix Up or Trade Up, That is the Question

863 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 7:19 AM

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What is this discussion about? Car Safety, Tires, Wheels, Auto Body, Brakes, Engine, Interior, Paint, Transmission, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Buying Insurance, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, Van

Messages Page 81 of 87

#795 of 863 Re: this and that.... [kyfdx] by dgal

Oct 18, 2012 (10:17 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Oct 16, 2012 8:06 pm)
What do I do once I'm on the site. Sorry, I don't exactly now what you mean. Thanks.

#796 of 863 Re: this and that.... [dgal] by dgal

Oct 18, 2012 (10:28 am)

Replying to: dgal (Oct 18, 2012 10:17 am)
I think I found what you meant http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/1996-lexus-es-300/ ?? This is a blog about a car 1 year older than mine. I'm going to read through it for some more insight! THANK YOU!!

#797 of 863 Re: this and that.... [dgal] by hpmctorque

Oct 18, 2012 (7:23 pm)

Replying to: dgal (Oct 18, 2012 10:28 am)
It seems to me that a Lexus E300 (which is basically a fancy Camry V6) with 72,000 should have a lot of life left ifit's been properly maintained mechanically and driven with reasonable care, once you make the required repairs. Do you know how it's been maintained and driven? I'd want to know why it needs a catalytic converter.

#798 of 863 Re: Fix my Olds 88 or buy? [kapok] by casino2

Oct 20, 2012 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: kapok (Jul 02, 2008 5:44 am)
Have your ever tried Lucas Stop Leaks? Just change the oil and add a quart into your crankcase. I hear that it is very effective in curing this headache.
 
Good Luck.

#799 of 863 Re: this and that.... [hpmctorque] by dgal

Oct 20, 2012 (5:59 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 18, 2012 7:23 pm)
It needs a new timing belt, catalytic converter, engine mount torn, hood support pads, and a new seatbelt buckle. It might also need sway bar bushings and possibly have an engine leak (dealer saw it, mechanic didn't). The dealer said I also need a power steering flush.
 
The mechanic said it was the catalytic converter that turned on the engine light. I guess I can call him and ask why. I really don't know anything about cars. I had thought my Grandfather was maintaining it, but I don't think he new it needed any problems. He didn't drive it to often.

#800 of 863 Re: this and that.... [dgal] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 21, 2012 (7:55 am)

Replying to: dgal (Oct 20, 2012 5:59 pm)
Well the trouble code for the catalytic would show up even with a simple misfire. I certainly wouldn't replace it without a good deal of further testing, based merely on an engine light.

#801 of 863 Re: this and that.... [Mr_Shiftright] by dgal

Oct 21, 2012 (8:09 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 21, 2012 7:55 am)
I will make sure further testing is done before the catalytic is fixed. Thank you for the advice!!!

#802 of 863 Re: this and that.... [dgal] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 22, 2012 (6:42 am)

Replying to: dgal (Oct 21, 2012 8:09 am)
And if the mechanic says he doesn't know "how" to test the catalytic, well then, you have your answer....

#803 of 863 Re: this and that.... [Mr_Shiftright] by dgal

Nov 01, 2012 (9:43 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 22, 2012 6:42 am)
In the end I would be buying the car for $1500 ($1,000 + $500 for freight). Repairs Needed are: Left Inner Tire Rod, Alignment, Sway Bar Bushings, Seat belt Buckle, Engine Mount, Timing Belt, Hood Support Rods, Power Steering Flush, Valve Cover Gasket, and Catalytic Converter.
The total Repair Costs would be $2,223. Without getting the Steering Flush, Valve Cover and Catalytic Converter (not serious) would be $1,148.
 
Now that I have all the estimates, I would greatly appreciate opinions on whether it is worth it to put all the money into car. Thanks in advance!!
 
It's a '97 Lexus ES300 with 72,000 miles, in average condition.
Edmunds.com Appraises trade in value as $2,636 and private party $3,095

#804 of 863 Re: this and that.... [dgal] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 01, 2012 (9:42 am)

Replying to: dgal (Nov 01, 2012 9:43 am)
Yeah, that's okay, but I'd get second opinions on some of these repairs---things like hood struts, you can do that yourself for cheap, and the sway bar bushings sounds to be of dubious necessity.

Messages Page 81 of 87

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