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2000 Honda Civic: Time to buy a new car? :/

7 messages,  Last post on May 11, 2012 at 9:11 AM

You are in the Honda Civic Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Civic del Sol, Car Buying, Car Values, Auto Repair, Scheduled Maintenance, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#3 of 7 Re: It's worth fixing! [isellhondas] by kirstie_h HOST

May 09, 2012 (7:42 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (May 09, 2012 7:15 am)
I agree. These are not signs of things that are "broken", but signs that wear & tear items have not been replaced along the way.
 
Think of it this way: If you don't do the necessary repairs now, how much do you think you will get for the vehicle? Let's say it's $2100 - the cost of the repairs - which I think is pretty realistic.
 
You're going to take that $2100 and either 1) buy another used vehicle for that amount, which will of course probably need work, or 2) use it as a downpayment and have payments on another vehicle, which will soon exceed the $2100 you'd be putting into the current car.
 
We recently had the same dilemma - in the past year on our old truck, we've had to replace the fuel pump, radiator, and a/c compressor. About the same amount - $2000. Problem is, no one would have wanted to buy it with those issues, so we had to fix them whether we sold it afterward or not. Even so, with the transmission and engine in good shape, $2000 at once is better than a car payment every month. If the engine & transmission are in good shape, the best bet is to fix the car. If you want to upgrade after fixing it, you should get the money back in the selling price of the car, because people will expect a DEEP discount on a car with much maintenance needed.

#4 of 7 Re: It's worth fixing! [kirstie_h] by deannada2

May 09, 2012 (9:27 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (May 09, 2012 7:42 am)
I just rechecked my records and did have my timing belt changed at 101, 000 miles. I normally bring my car into an independent mechanic/garage and ALWAYS follow their recommendations. Over the past year or so they have told me over visits that a few issues could wait or where not necessary/high priority at the time (??). I'll admit that I do have to be more proactive about referring back to my records and schedules as far as maintenance requirements and schedules, but I always thought that I staying on track with everything.
 
I'm definitely going to put the rest of the fixes into it because I do agree with what you said about not having a car payment, keeping it in good condition and for resale purposes. I'm debating now whether to just start bringing back to the dealership mechanic or stick with my small garage guy.

#5 of 7 Re: It's worth fixing! [deannada2] by kirstie_h HOST

May 10, 2012 (7:14 am)

Replying to: deannada2 (May 09, 2012 9:27 pm)
All of the items you mention should be repairable by any qualified mechanic. If your small garage guy does good work at a lower price, that's probably your best bet. If you had issues that required serious Honda expertise, like a big electrical problem, or the computer module going out, I would suggest taking it to the dealership. But, the items you listed appear to be pretty run-of-the-mill.

#6 of 7 Re: It's worth fixing! [kirstie_h] by isellhondas

May 10, 2012 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (May 10, 2012 7:14 am)
If it's the same shop that did the timing belt 9000 miles ago is telling her she needs a new one now, I have a serious problem with them.
 
If a car is new to a shop and they don't know if the belt has been replaced they can loosen a few bolts and pry back the timing belt cover and take a look at it with a flashlight. If the belt is fairly new they can tell right away.
 
I somehow get the feeling there isn't much wrong with this car and that she is being sold unnecessary work...but...I could be wrong!

#7 of 7 Re: It's worth fixing! [isellhondas] by kirstie_h HOST

May 11, 2012 (9:11 am)

Replying to: isellhondas (May 10, 2012 2:31 pm)
That was the dealership - and yeah, I hadn't noticed the short mileage interval since the belt was changed. If it's ready to be changed already, there's a problem with the belt quality or installation... or something. That's not normal.
 
I'd at least take it elsewhere for a 2nd opinion, even if it's to a different dealership. They need to be able to explain why the belt needs replacement already.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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