Would you pay $3k to fix a car thats worth $8k?
Posted by Swan_233@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 229 comments
The timing chain on my SUV went out and I am getting quotes around $3k to repair and it’s very expensive in terms of both the part and labor as it’s a long repair.
Now I wondering if it’s even worth it as the estimated value of my car is worth a little less than $10k but maybe I could only sell it for like 8k. I’m debating on whether I should just trade it in as the car is over 10 years old with 100k miles and I have the funds to purchase a new car right now.
If the cost was like $500 I would fix it but do you think such a costly repair is worth it for an old car like this?
dark7string@reddit
I just spent $1,500 on new tires and a new timing belt for my car that's worth $350. It's survived 7 deer hits, almost never has an issue and has over 270,000 miles on it. It's paid off. Gets me from point A to point B ever time. I don't ever see the point in a new car if it isn't absolutely necessary. Especially these new cars. Pieces of junk that come feature packed if you pay for the subscriptions to unlock them. Like driving around a sad depressed tissue box. Btw... I can by a used plane for the price of some of these new cars. No thanks to a new car every time haha. I'd rather replace the engine on my car before even buying a new one.
Naikrobak@reddit
Tires are not repairs. You have to buy tires regardless of the car condition. Bad analogy
ImplementLogical4130@reddit
You're not buying tyres on a new car bro. Neither are yiu buying them on some used ones. I've sold 2 cars with new Goodyear Asymmetric on them
Naikrobak@reddit
Tires are consumables. You’re buying tires or your buying a new car every 3 years
dark7string@reddit
I would NEVER buy a car every 3 years, But you missed the timing belt part. I've definitely purchased cars before that were used that required new timing belts.
ImplementLogical4130@reddit
Wow that's crazy. Ever heard of operational leasing
Naikrobak@reddit
Crazy why? They wear out
ImplementLogical4130@reddit
You don't need to buy tyres on a car that has good tyres when you buy it
Naikrobak@reddit
Why is this so hard for you? Driving consumes tires. That happens on every car. You pay for that in value of the car or when you buy tires. It doesn’t matter how old or new the car is and it’s a cost you bear no matter what.
dark7string@reddit
Also you completely glossed over the fact that I said timing belt. By your analogy there are actually plenty of situations where I have purchased cars that are due or overdue The timing belt.
dark7string@reddit
Well I'm about to replace the AC on it. That's a repair. And I'm still doing it despite is costing twice the value of the car.
dark7string@reddit
It's needs an AC. 780 bucks. Still fixing it.
sarahenera@reddit
+1 to all that!!!
New-Job1761@reddit
You need to be in Arkansas. My Dodge diesel with over a quarter million miles had the torque converter go bad. My small town mechanic repaired it for $1500. Still going strong a few hundred miles later. 98 model. Hauled a 31 foot Airstream to Death Valley and all over the Colorado mountains. Owned the truck for 24 years and spent around $3000 on it for repairs.
Asleep_Net_5214@reddit
Shop around for the best price and most honest guy. Almost always best to repair financially but what else is near breaking ? Ask the mechanic they know best. Never go to a dealership they are all rip off artist.
ysfex3@reddit
If I really loved it
rconti@reddit
This is what finance people call a $3000 unrealized loss. From my reading of it, OP thinks they only incur the loss if they fix the car, not if they sell it.
kernalsanders1234@reddit
I assume this is a relatively reliable car so yes. Car prices are so insane right now that it makes zero sense to buy a new/used car if you already have one that works. Also your trade in value would account for the needed repair so you’re not really winning anything here. Keep the car till it dies. Prices will only go up as inflation does
mercenarypawn@reddit
I once spent 30K to fix up a truck I bought for 8K and it wasn't really fixed after the 30K so I wouldn't ask me if I were you.
resellpanda88@reddit
Running into a similar situation. Have a x5 that needs valve stem seals and coolant pipe. Would cost me about $6,000 at an Indy and $15,000 at BMW.
Vehicle is worth about $3,000 as is.
Technical-History104@reddit
Lots of owners of older cars thinking about these trade offs. You can see my posting history regarding 30 year old Hondas.
The way I see it is this: assuming a loan on a newer car means a steady monthly payment that is usually greater than you would pay if you stretched out your older car repair budget over the multiple years those repairs lurk the car running (timing chains are often good for more than 6-7 years). It’s daunting only because you cannot predict every repair need and you usually pay it all up front. But if you have the attitude that a “paid off” used car still requires monthly payments (less than a loan payment) and you set aside that money every month to save up for routine and periodic maintenance and repairs, you win financially in the long run. Plus, you often get a car that has some character in the long run vs the more generic looks of some newer cars.
Educational-Ad2063@reddit
Yes. Buying a 8k used car is just buying other people's problems. Spend the 3k
updatelee@reddit
I recently spent $5k to fix a car with $1k
Car guys don’t worry themselves about book value, or even resale value. People that are passionate about cars don’t do this stuff to turn a profit, we do it because we love doing it
NoobensMcarthur@reddit
I’m passionate about cars, but this isn’t some classic or exotic. It’s an $8,000 SUV. I’d be asking the same question as OP.
updatelee@reddit
I daily a 2003 mk4 for context. I’m passionate about vw, are you passionate about that suv? That’s all that matters
If you are questioning your passion just remember people sink 10’s of thousands into minivans… passion is passion. If your passion is that suv, then bro! Do it!!!!
ImplementLogical4130@reddit
Well as you can see "practical" people waste much more money. Guy is throwing away a new car every 10 years and doesn't even put miles on them.
Maglin78@reddit
I recently spent $13k on an $8k 2013 explorer. New transmission/brakes/ABS pump/shocks and struts/ and new Katskin interior.
What the resale of a vehicle is doest dictate if you should repair it. This explorer looks great and rides just as good as the day we got it new. I fully expect my wife to be driving it till 600k miles. It has 280k miles now.
You’re asking if you should get a $500+ a month payment or spend $3k to fix your car. What about tires and other maintenance? Do you not bother? Unless you vehicle is rusted out or heavily neglected it’s always cheaper to fix it than to take on a new loan and possibly someone else’s problems.
mothboy@reddit
That is never the question. The question is how much will you spend for how many miles, compared with what else you would replace it with.
Dieselfumes_tech@reddit
Sir, in a car guy. I have more than 8k into my car worth less than 3k
Faiths_got_fangs@reddit
We have more than 3K in a truck with the kbb value of a tuna casserole.
perpetual__ghost@reddit
As I told my husband when I picked up the latest project, cant wait to sell this thing for $5,000 after I’ve put about $15,000 into it. ✊🏼
SlenderLlama@reddit
Depending on how you phrase it sounds either really good or really bad.
I’m 5k into a $300 Chevy cobalt (not SS).
I’ve had a reliable car with all amenities for 5 years, and 80,000 miles for only ~$5300.
One sounds bad, the other sounds really economical.
PopUpPulsarNx@reddit
I bought my pulsar for $750 in 2005... I probably have 20 or 30 grand into it these days. I am good at math!
unpolire@reddit
You have a Nissan Pulsar?!
PopUpPulsarNx@reddit
Two of em! I've owned four over my life. Two were 1989 and two are 1988. N13 fwd usdm models with pop up headlights. The expensive one is turbo and I race it at a circle track :)
Kind-Crab4230@reddit
My mom test drove one when I was a kid. I loved it but she went with a thunderbird instead.
Beard_Hero@reddit
No, but they registered a star in their name and have spend untold thousands in Rocket construction costs.
unpolire@reddit
It’s an actual car…
Beard_Hero@reddit
I’m aware, but I was making a joke. User’s name contains pulsarNX. It’s be pretty badass if they bought a GTi-R for that $750 though.
DeathToPoodles@reddit
STAR CAR!!!
Fractal_Ey3z@reddit
Yeah, I bleed myself dry to stay out of the used car market for as long as possible. $3000 deeper in the hole on a timing chain SUV is light work. You know how awesome it is to have a mostly refreshed timing system? It’s awesome if you like the old car.
sarahenera@reddit
I’m putting reasonable money and my own time into doing maintenance and replacements on my 2005 5-sp awd Honda Element for as long as reasonably possible.
In the past six weeks I’ve done 2 of four motor mounts, valve adjustment and gasket, passenger cv axel and lower ball joint. Still have drivers side cv axel and lower ball joint, front and rear motor mounts, rear sway bar end links and bushing, front wheel bearings, steering rack and pinion, and power steering fluid flush. The only things that were imminent were the valves needing to be done (based of mileage-I was a but overdue), and I could tell the passenger cv axel was starting to go. The other stuff needs to be done and I need to get it done sooner than later because I don’t want to drive on it for too long before getting an alignment. (Had a few weeks where something important was going on with close friends and my attention went there instead)
There will be more soon, as there will always be maintenance on any car, and especially as they age, but that comes with the territory.
My car currently has 233,360k miles and she’s running great. I hope she’s only middle aged at this point. I’m happy to keep her going and am happy to put a little time and money into her here and there. No car payments, I know she’s well cared for, and there’s no funny business with her like there is with new car CPUs and their inability for one to functionally service their own vehicle.
Disastrous-Group3390@reddit
What kind of car? I’d spend $3k on a $3k car if it were the right car.
InfiniteBoops@reddit
Exactly.
Would I drop $3k on a 10yo Explorer with 180k? lol no
But I did just drop $2k on a 20yo Honda Fit with 250k for a bunch of cumulative stuff it needed (brakes, water pump, belt, etc). Still shifts good and doesn’t lose fluids so 🤷♂️
Beneficial_Leg4691@reddit
No to a 10 yr old explorer but yes to a 20yr old honda fit lol
lucidexium@reddit
Hondas last longer than Fords. It makes sense. The other factor is that it's hard to buy small cars these days so people might keep them running longer.
Beneficial_Leg4691@reddit
Honda is definitely more reliable. A fit vs an explorer seem like wildly different vehicles/ customers and use cases. This is probably just a customer preference situation. I am a giant guy and a Honda fit is simply not possible
InfiniteBoops@reddit
I'm 6ft 200+ and the Fit is fine, it’s deceptively big inside. I actually have three across narrow car seats in the back for my kids 😂 we tested a lot of other compacts when we bought this thing new, and it had an order of magnitude better space management inside. My wife and I can be in the front and fit two BIG adults in the back without them hitting their knees, I think they figured out the Harry Potter expansion charm with this thing.
That being said, I do prefer my Tacoma unless I'm in town or doing errands/parking lots, haha.
Js_cpl@reddit
I would put money into a 40 year old honda before a 10 year old ford
ItsMister2You@reddit
Yes and why are you having a difficult time comprehending that
HDauthentic@reddit
To be fair, I completely understand
getinshape2022@reddit
What about a 21 year old Volvo wagon with 250K on it?
4x4Welder@reddit
I'd rather spend the money on a 40 year old one with 400k
josh_moworld@reddit
This is timely. Same situation as OP. I have a 2017 Sierra 1500 with 250000 miles on it.
KBB says my trade in value is $1500, private sale maybe $7500. Going to drop $3000 doing all the fluids, leaking oil lines and changing out the torque converter.
I don’t know where I can find a pickup for less than $3000 though so my choice is either pony for a new truck or pay $3000, not what the truck is worth today or tmr.
Empty_Art2176@reddit
From what you described, those are not difficult repairs to do yourself. I know time and tools may be an issue, but under all that plastic crap is just an engine and transmission. The torque converter is scary, but doable.
Demoire@reddit
Swapping torque converter is by no means doable for someone who only can do brakes and oil changes. Most folks stop at dealing with motor mounts, subframe, etc. Nevermind fully supporting both trans and engine to separate the two for access to converter.
Empty_Art2176@reddit
See, you have done plenty of these in your driveway. Its a big job, but to save $2000 it is absolutely doable. There are DOZENS of YouTube videos showing how to do it. I was doing this in my garage at 15 years old. A few tools and a little knowledge can do wonders. $100 at Harbor Freight and you have all the tools you need. Between $300-$600 for the converter and some fluid, youre on your way!!
Demoire@reddit
I agree with you now at this point in time, because my neighbor has walked me through all of this and I’ve done the jobs with him. He’s sent me on my way to do big jobs like pulling the motor on the corvette we just finished building, and even YouTube didn’t give me the confidence without his help.
Point is yes some tools and tutorials will make it possible, but man, it’s intimidating without having someone there who’s done it. Doable yes. I wouldn’t go from no experience in heavy work to swapping converters.
I’m not familiar with OP car so maybe there is less work involved and can leave some mounts on to support engine or trans. I’m not sure.
Empty_Art2176@reddit
The guy I was talking to wasnt the OP. The guy I was talking to has a 2017 Sierra. So, a full size pick up truck made before 2020. Changing the converter isnt a physically easy job, but its a few bolts and a tiny bit of knowledge, like filling the converter before putting it in, and I believe there are 3 drops when installing...if you know, you know. Many people only do 2 drops, and cant get the transmission back on the engine.
Other than that, remove the drive shaft and cross member, unbolt the tranny...which is pretty ok on a full size truck....remove and replace the converter, replace tranny, put shaft back on, add fluid. Again, not an easy job, but id rather do that than change the spark plugs on MOST modern cars. Again, if you know, you know.
The point is, saving $2000+ is worth grabbing a buddy or two and figuring it out....in my opinion.
TheBigMan1990@reddit
Make yourself a friend. Throw a message out on local car groups on fb and say you’ll give someone a couple hundred bucks and will provide the beer if they come out and help you. Gotta have the expectation that for a couple hundred bucks you are more than likely just getting someone to come over drink beer, hack darts, and chitchat with you while you are working on your truck. Honestly even if they don’t know what they are doing, if you did all the research and know how to do the job having them there thinking that they know what they are doing will likely be the placebo you need to have the confidence to get it done yourself.
It’s also possible that you’ll luck out and get someone to come out for that who is actually a go-getter who’ll essentially just do the whole job for you-I just definitely wouldn’t count on that though. They’ll probably also bring a bunch of tools that will be handy to have around; showing off their tools is the next best thing to showing off their vehicle to a lot of car guys.
MarsRocks97@reddit
Some people don’t even have a driveway. Some people are slightly mechanically inclined and some are not at all.
ThorMcGee@reddit
Transmission? No. Differential? Yes. But itll take me forever.
TheBigMan1990@reddit
Diff-a couple of hours, trans-probably the better part of a day, same with an engine (depending on the engine-I could probably swap a Subie engine in less time than swapping a diff on a truck, lol)
AudieCowboy@reddit
It's a rwd truck, you drop the driveshaft/s, put a trans jack under the tranny, lower it, pull torque converter and then do it backwards
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
On cars that the engine comes out the bottom, cribbing and a bunch of cinder blocks. Need 2 floor or trolley jacks as well. I'd much prefer a post lift, but I've done it the hard way before.
The body isnt that heavy without the subframe and drivetrain, but it's going up about 5 feet at the front bumper to clear the intake. The back can stay on the tires.
Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit
If the truck is in good shape I'd probably still fix it lol. Now if the trans was slipping or something and it was a rust bucket I'd probably sell it lol. Knowing the truck market depending on my financial situation is probably sell it still at a profit and buy something newer maybeee
I keep going back and forth on selling both my vehicles but new cars suck so much and a new GMC sierra some of the easy repairs are a full day job and lots of swearing. I was looking at changing the light bulbs on them... It's a bitch and for all the space under the hood it's like they on purpose wanted to make it impossible for your average DIYer
PositiveAtmosphere13@reddit
Been there, done that got the t-shirt.
New_Breadfruit8692@reddit
Yesterday I saw a local ad by owner for a 1999 Mercedes C class (before Merc went to shit) with 77k garage kept miles on it for $5k OBO. That would be worth such a repair, but the ad says one owner, no accidents, impeccable maintenance records, and that would be one I would jump on if I did not already have a great BMW.
Original_Jagster@reddit
With a broken timing chain, your $8k truck is a $3k truck because no one is going to buy it trusting that it just needs a timing chain when they have no way to do a basic used car checkover and test drive etc. A dealer trade in would be even less.
So options are sell the truck broken for $3k (maybe a little more if lucky, but could also be less) and have no vehicle, or fix it and end up with an $8k truck you can drive.
UmatterWHENiMATTER@reddit
It seems op doesn't understand that a broken car is not worth what a working car is... even when that's a big part of the post.
Able-Piece1330@reddit
I paid $20k to fix my car worth $20k, it depends on how much you like the car 🤣
Monst3r_Live@reddit
Think of it this way, if you dont fix the car, its scrap. It has no value. Would you buy your own car for 3k?
Invisible7hunder@reddit
Unless the rest of the vehicle is falling apart as well, then yes.
MachoCamachoZ@reddit
If it would last another 2 years... yes
arbakken@reddit
If it's worth $8k fixed, it's worth $1k broken...
outline8668@reddit
I think OP isn't grasping this point. They didn't take it in to the shop because the problem wasn't severe enough to warrant it.
BlueCollarToolCollec@reddit
Wish I could convince some sellers on marketplace that lol
EventHorizonHotel@reddit
Yes the repair was already paid for in reduced value as soon as it happened. It will be seen as a problem car and you get less for it because someone’s thinking if this $3k fix is needed, what else is wrong with it.
TheWhogg@reddit
Can confirm. My wife wrote off her car. Fairly cosmetic but needs $609 part. The insurer gave me $9850 market value and then sold me the salvage for $1000 + unexpired registration.
Sour_Sal@reddit
Was the now $1000 car repairable? or at least driveable?
Seems like a sweet deal!
TheWhogg@reddit
They actually wasted money repairing some damage which was bent steering components. I brought to their attention a TSB about a new rack and they belatedly wrote it off. So they pretty much hit me for the suspension work they already put into it and gave me the car back to save the hassle of towing and auctioning the wreck.
I need to fit a used $600 rack because a BMW rack isn’t serviceable after impact. That’s the only remaining mandatory repair - bumper has scratches but that’s its job. No actual panel damage visible. I could have the bumper repaired.
GAS2HI@reddit
If the owner is saying if the car did not need a repair it would be worth .$8k..? If he does not do the $3k repair, what is the "market value of a "non running/poorly running car? In all likelihood, he will take a minimum of $3k hit to sell the car that needs the repair! So in effect, he is "paying the $3k either way, so I recommend he put the $3k in the car and drive it for a couple more years. People get hit all the time at dealerships when let's say a transmission has failed and the dealership says , we recommend buying this "new" car vs putting X amount of $'s in the old car! Problem with this transaction is the dealer will give you virtually NOTHING for your old car at a minimum the "cost of new transmission" and saddle them with a much higher payment if their old car is not payed off or a minimum if the car is payed off, now they will have a large new monthly payment with their new shiny ride. Yes, everyone likes shiny new cars, but if they have the $'s for the repair or worse case, go to your local CU and borrow $3k for the repair and drive the car for a couple more years. Just my opinion, that is what I would do.., but I am cheap..
dbear496@reddit
But the dealership will give them a good deal /s
Malarky3113@reddit
☝️
Happy-Table-9515@reddit
You had a timing chain go bad? I’d pass. G’luck.
13dinkydog@reddit
You dont have 3k for a car but you have enough for a new one? Im sorry to break it to you but you cant afford a new one...
Visible_Structure483@reddit
84 month financing means anyone can buy anything!
(if they're bad at math)
Prairiepunk111@reddit
I once payed 7k to fix a car I payed 10k for.
_totalannihilation@reddit
Yes I would. If my 02 Tacoma needs 3k worth of work rest assured it will get it. That car asks for nothing but basic maintenance.
WildKarrdesEmporium@reddit
Can you buy a reliable car for $3k? If not (probably can't) then it's worth the repair.
I've spent almost $5k on my $15k car since I bought it last November. Got about $5k more worth of work to put into it. It's worth it, because they don't make cars like that anymore. If you love the car, it doesn't matter what it's worth to keep the car going.
If it costs less to fix the current car than to buy another car, then it is also worth keeping it going.
EddieTreetrunk@reddit
I have a 2004 Volvo cross country , 200k miles , I would pay 3 k to fix it , it’s not about what it is worth but what it costs to replace.
PhD77777@reddit
I had a Mazda 626 for 26 years. As it got older, it cost me $800 - $1000 every 18 to 24 months for something that needed fixing. Dirt cheap transportation.
LemmingOnTheRunITG@reddit
Having paid over 8k to fix up a car we bought for less than 3k yes absolutely lol
FunnyAdhesiveness256@reddit
Go to a small shop
FunnyAdhesiveness256@reddit
You’ll get zero trading it in they’ll tell you your getting a few grand but really it’s nothing
Sweaty_Illustrator14@reddit
I just did. Twice this yr. Cheaper than a car payment.
4x4Welder@reddit
If you fix it instead of replacing it, you're not spending the money on a new car instead. If it's not in bad shape otherwise, why not keep it?
wannakno37@reddit
I spent $4k over 3 months on a car that was worth $5k because I needed it for just 6 more months until my son moved out on his own. Things just kept breaking down every couple of weeks. It's now in great running condition and I use it as a backup for when I go out because I use my daily in the landscape business. I could sell it but nobody is willing to pay $5 k or even $4k. It's a '09 Civic.
maybach320@reddit
I’m a car guy who wants to drive his daily for the remainder of my life so absolutely.
In all seriousness you should consider what kind of vehicle you have and how much you might have to spend on something new/newer. If you’re spending $3k on an $8k Toyota that could get you years of life out of the car, $3k on an $8k BMW could get you a months or weeks.
HerefortheTuna@reddit
I’ve paid 4k so far to fix a car I bought for $1500
So lol it depends on your budget and if it’s a project or your only car
kg175g@reddit
I have an early 2000's Honda Civic. I just spent \~$3K on repairs/maintenance (brakes, belts, fluids, coils, etc). Might seem high, but the car has \~130K kms / 80K miles. That works out to $250/month over a year. If I bought a new vehicle, payments would be at least double that.
Tool_junkie_1972@reddit
You’re not getting $8k for a $ 10k car that needs $3k in repair. $5k is likely the upper end of what anyone would realistically be willing to pay for it…and probably less tbh. Even if you traded it to a dealer and they “gave” you 8k, they would be making it up elsewhere in the deal.
Unless it’s a vehicle with known issues (for the model) or simply is in poor shape, I would fix it. If you drive it form another 12 months that’s $250 a month- you’re not going to get a car at that payment.
BrandonC41@reddit
Yeah and I have. It a devil you know situation if everything else has been good with the car.
liberalsarefascists1@reddit
I am a fan of fixing what you got. Even if let's say your in a car or truck for 15k when you get done fixing everything if the frame and body are good it is worth it. It is always more expensive to get a new car. As long as my frame and body are solid I would dump whatever it takes to fix it.
VoidingSounds@reddit
I have a '01 Silverado with 270k that I bought $2700. I have put two $3600 transmissions into it and would probably do it again because any truck I could buy for less thank $20k has a really good chance of needing $3k in sudden repairs/deferred maintenance.
BlueCollarToolCollec@reddit
The ol devil i know situation lol
VoidingSounds@reddit
These new devils are too damn expensive.
Efficient-Fan3976@reddit
If it keeps me away from car payments, id spend 8k on a 3k car as long as itll give me more than 5 years more.
aaacb01@reddit
Yes. After spending $3k. You still will NOT have a car payment, vs. New(er) Car=car payment + higher insurance.
thePhoenixEatery@reddit
Get rid of it. If the chain broke, the valves are likely toast and you're going to need a new engine anyways.
MochiSauce101@reddit
No.
NefariousnessAdept53@reddit
This is an "it all depends" question. Is the SUV in very good condition otherwise? Is it your daily driver? How many miles/hours are on the vehicle?
If you maintained it well and have replaced or repaired parts it very well could be worth fixing. If you think you will still have doubts about the reliability after the repair you will probably be better off getting something else.
Also, you might check around and see if you are getting the best price to do the repair.
DanceEng@reddit
I forgot where I read or saw this but generally, if you’re trying to save the most money, it is almost always more frugal to fix the car you have. If it’s constantly breaking down then maybe not, but otherwise you’re almost guaranteed to spend way more getting a new car. Not to mention the loss you’ll face trying to get rid of a broken car.
Sea-Topic9855@reddit
I got a $2k ebike because my $300 van shit itself.
Wide-Style1681@reddit
Can you buy a better car for $3k compared to your fixed car?
bradperry2435@reddit
Nope
imightknowbutidk@reddit
Yes
Unboxious@reddit
Depends on the car but almost certainly yes.
imnobodyspecial77@reddit
If the car is worth 10-8 thousand dollars, and it doesn’t run because of an expensive repair, you’re not going to get very much trading it in or selling it. I’d me surprised if you get $2000 for it. Is the car in good shape otherwise? No issue that you are aware of? If so you have to decide do you want to fix it and keep driving, or are you ready for a car note, that will long run cost a lot more than the repair. I tend to drive vehicles until they start costing me regularly to keep them running. Then I get a new one and repeat. I’ve probably saved thousands over the years by not replacing cars as often as most do.
smward998@reddit
Yes
Kdoesntcare@reddit
The first question is do you like that car or is it something you wouldn't mind losing?
With a timing chain failure it's possible that the engine had eaten itself and needs to be replaced or if possible completely rebuilt.
If you have a garage bring the car home and drop an LS in it. 🤷🏻♂️
Mrcostarica@reddit
It’s getting tough out there. $3k will be the least you spend out of all your options.
joe_6699@reddit
If the frame is fine other parts are fine, yes.
Thumper45@reddit
Depends on the car and your financial situation.
$3000 to repair a vehcile that you own nothing on and can keep driving it for years is FAR cheaper and smarter than ditching that vehcile and getting a new car with payments.
Even if you get somethinc cheap ($300/month payments) it only takes 10 months of owning that new car to have simply paid off the repair of the broken car and keep driving that.
You need to provide more specifics on what vehcile you have now that is needing repairs. If it is a junk car with many know issues then it could be better to take the 3k and buy a different mroe reliable vehcile.
SuspiciousOwl816@reddit
Seems like the 3k repair would be worth it over having to pay 400-750/month for a new car. Check around, that’s how much cars are running now.
You said the SUV has 100k+ miles, but how many??? If it’s 100k-150k, and it has no other issues, then sure. You’ll still get another 100k-150k miles before it’s done, which is another decade. If it has more issues and more miles, then maybe not. If you need a car asap, then get moving asap as well. You need more details to get a solid answer. You also need to consider budget; you say you have money for a new car but you don’t want to fix the one you have? Nothing wrong with that, just wanna point out that more details will result in a better answer.
If you simply want a new car, then any guidance we give you will likely fall in deaf ears. You might be convinced not to get a new car, but that’ll be less likely to occur.
TheTigerbite@reddit
I spent 8k to fix my 2k car, because it's still cheaper than 30k.
largos7289@reddit
Well i mean new car's can get up there. you have a 8k car that you know what's wrong with it. I suppose what i'm getting at is. Sure you could buy a 10k car but you're also buying the same scenario that you just said. IT wasn't' worth to fix, so they sold it. So what repairs are you going to have to do to the 10k car.
Neil542@reddit
Not worth 8k unless you fix it
Icy_Nose_2651@reddit
Damn, for that price spend a bit more and get a completly rebuilt engine
jp1372@reddit
Of course it makes sense to fix it. If you don't want the car anymore, spend 3k to fix it, sell it for 8k, and have 5k to put down on your new car. I promise you won't get 5k for an undrivable car, though, so you'll need to fix it to get any value out of it.
Mrmagoo1077@reddit
Fix for 3K, sell for 8k, pocket 5k. Math.
InternationalBite690@reddit
Fix for 3k and drive for 100k-still worth 8k
Dinglehopper180@reddit
I spent 1k to fix my car that I paid 12k for. The following year they told me there were several other issues and in other to fix some knocking sound it'll be 6k. I bought a new car instead lol. Still have the old one
Tractorguy69@reddit
It depends on factors, the main one being is this an otherwise solid vehicle or is this the first incident on a cascade of death by a thousand break downs. Do you like the vehicle, and do you otherwise trust it? I most certainly would fix something like this for myself (doing my own work) because I’m a big believer of better the devil you know. Note of it’s a clapped out beater it’s done. Also need careful that you don’t end up in a scenario where that 3k balloons once they get started.
Auqakid07@reddit
Its far cheaper to pay for the repair than it is to buy another comparable vehicle.
pfizersbadmmkay@reddit
Trade the devil you know for the devil you don't plus debt? Why?
Loosehead217@reddit
I just paid $9k to fix a truck worth $3k 😭. So ya, I guess
Nordicpunk@reddit
I spent $2k on suspension on my CRV that I could get $2k for. Why? Replacement cost. At some point it’s fully depreciated and you are maintaining something with the opportunity cost being really high to get a new car. $2k is fees on any car and then $20k-$60k over 5 years
Former_Swordfish646@reddit
Repair the car, sell the car, buy a car.
Rough math for you.
You don’t repair it and try to sell it, you’ll get maybe 3k if that.
You repair it then try to sell it, you’ll get 6 to 8k for it.
The delta is maybe 1 to 2,000 dollars. Here’s the logic issue you are running into.
You repair the car, -3k. You sell the car, +8k -3k =5k. You buy a new used car. -25k+5k =-20k.
You repair the car, -3k.
Do you just straight have cash to buy the car? If you don’t have 25k that you don’t care about, just fix your car.
brownroush@reddit
I’d grab a Haynes manual and hopefully figure it out. As long as it isn’t major engine or transmission repair.
Still, $3k is better than financing a new car for $30000
CaterpillarKey6288@reddit
Your vehicle is worth 10k running. Without the fix only around 2k if you can find anyone to buy it.
New_Breadfruit8692@reddit
No. That sucker is totaled. Because it is at that point where the repairs and maintenance is more than the car is worth on an annual or semi annual basis.
Shoddy-Goat-6206@reddit
I think the real question is do you want to deal with payments for a new car. What could change in 5 years to make that easier or more difficult?
BarrelOfTheBat@reddit
I was driving a 2015 Accord that I was planning on moving on from at the end of 2026. It was November 2025 and it started having a lot of issues that needed to be addressed, it was at 180k miles as well. I got an estimate at $6000 for the work. I was looking at $500 ish payments on a new car, that's a year of payments! I decided to see what it was worth as a trade, all of $3000. I took that and got a new car. Could there have been a less expensive route? Sure. But in the end I'm okay with the decision I made.
Chicken_Lights_567@reddit
Do you wanna spend $3K and be good for a couple years or pay $5-600/mo for 4-5 years?
pk152003@reddit
Depends entirely on the vehicle but I have been here before twice in my life and follow the following:
does the repair cost equal too or exceed the value of the car. If not repair it because it’s cheaper than a new car.
if it does then you have to weight on the type of car/truck and the R.O.I on how long you think the affected car/truck would continue to run. If it’s a Toyota for example then it’s a safe bet it would last another X years. Then repair
if less than any of the two above then do not repair and look for a new ride.
MountainFace2774@reddit
Yes, if I wanted to keep it. I just spent quite a bit on a car that might be worth $2-3k. There's nothing wrong with it (now that I fixed a few things) and I don't want to spend $10k+ on a nicer used car. So I'll just keep fixing this one and driving it.
Resurgo_DK@reddit
It’s pretty subjective. I have a manual transmission 3 series that’s probably only worth 4K now with 200,000 miles. I’ve put 2K+ in repairs in it in one year alone (3 years ago)
Thing is, where am I going to get an all wheel drive sedan with a manual transmission that drives like that in today’s market? There is literally nothing out there that can replace it 🤷🏻♂️
SplashingBlumpkin@reddit
I’d fix what you have. This vehicle is the devil you know and you’re either going to have a vehicle payment or step into someone else’s used vehicle and get to figure out what they did and didn’t do maintenance wise. I keep fixing my 04 Silverado because it has so little of tech in it to fail and I don’t want a vehicle payment.
Bulocoo@reddit
Without knowing the car it's hard to advise.
The car has 100k miles. If you fix it and it gets to 180k you get 80k for $3K.
If you drive 15k a year that's 5 years or $50 a month.
Based only on that I'd fix it.
s_nz@reddit
Yes.
While a bit portion of the cars value, you options really are:
- Sell the car to a scrapyard. Perhaps for $1500.
- Sell the car broken to somebody wo can repair. Perhaps $2,500? - Any such buyers is going to price in that they may discover other things broken in the repair process.
- Spend the $3k, and have a car worth $8k. Net value $5k. You can either sell or keep.
Factors that could influnce your decison:
- Likely hood of the repair cost blowing out (do you have a fixed quote, or is it an estimate?)
- Wait time on parts - You may be better off to buy a replacement than rent a car for the repair period, and may not have the cash to both buy a new car and fund repairs.
- If it is an enthusiast car. Blown engine in something like a Hilux surf petrol with a tidy body, makes it a great caditate for an enthuist to swap a v8 into. Same deal for anything interesting enough for an enthusiast to do a backyard fix on (such people are often passionate enough to view their effort as fixing up their latest car as recreation, not a cost).
- Your general mood & financial situation. Is it work $2,500 to you to just have the problem gone from your life.
SkyConfident1717@reddit
Is the car reliable? Would you just be replacing it with another like it? How many miles? I have a 2003 Lincoln Town Car and it’s in great condition with 130k miles on it, and worth 3K, I would drop up to 5K on it at once. It’s reliable, comfy, and enjoyable, and spending 5K to avoid a car note and extend the life of a reliable car is way better than buying a new used car and having to do all the catch up maintenance on that, or worse, 38-50K on a new equivalent sedan that won’t last nearly as long.
biznovation@reddit
Do you feel that the car would otherwise be reliable and give you another two years without a major issue?
I would consider the fix if the answer is yes.
edwbuck@reddit
So is the vehicle worth $8k broken? If not, then it's not $3k to fix an $8k vehicle. It's $3k to fix a 3k vehicle, restoring it to an $8k vehicle.
The price for a broken vehicle is a lot less than the price of a working one. If you don't intend to sell it for scrap $500), it's a lot harder to find a buyer too.
These are things to consider.
Dry-Discipline-2525@reddit
There is other value than monetary value at play
10_Ply_Big_Guy@reddit
My 2013 avalanche needs a new oil pump, im sure that'll cost about 3 grand but its the only issue that trucks ever had so ill pay it to have my daily back
maxsilver@reddit
Do you like your car? Is it, otherwise, nice? (Does it feel comfy to ride in, do you enjoy driving it, is still in good condition -- not rusting out or some such)
It's totally subjective of course, but if you like the car, I'd rather put $3k into repairs on an $10k SUV I have owned myself for a while, vs say, buying a used SUV for $15k and having no knowledge or insight into it's past history or maintenance.
Otherwise, if you already know you don't really like the car that much, then yeah, major repair is a good time to trade it in for something else.
tbright1965@reddit
If the rest of the car is in excellent condition, no problem with this strategy.
Storm_Surge_919@reddit
How much life do you expect the repair to add to the car?
What car can you buy for $3k to replace this car?
Those are like your “break even” questions if your first concern is cost.
If you’re already ready to get a replacement car, I wouldn’t sink money into this one that’s on its way out. You might get your money back on a private sale, but you definitely won’t if you’re thinking of trading it in.
Nessuwu@reddit
Well, do you want to pay $3K for a running car, or $10K for another one?
Stock-Swing-797@reddit
$10k for another one that may very well need $3k in 6-12 months itself.
Individual-Fail4709@reddit
Fix it. Don't trade no car payment for a car payment for a fix like a timing chain. You can also get quotes from other shops.
Key-Rub118@reddit
Unless you can just go out and buy a new car willy-nilly or you don't think the car will last 6 months before having a catastrophic failure.... A new car payment is 500+ so a $3,000 repair is only 6 months car payment so to speak.
PossibleProgress3316@reddit
I guess you have ask yourself is the car paid off? What’s a new comparable car cost? How much will I need to pay a month for a new car or is 3k all at once worth not having a car payment? I would much rather drop 3k on a car that’s paid off then get a new car and pay interest to scummy banks
ItsMister2You@reddit
Yes, I would as long as everything else checks out. Id much rather have a parts payment than a car payment
Short-Investment4438@reddit
Sure.
bikesandfinance@reddit
Devil you know
Sour_Sal@reddit
You failed to mention Year, Make, Model and Mileage...
It has no value with a bad timing chain (maybe a little but really nothing)
Are you wanting to sell it? if not, do not think about resale value, it makes no difference.
Can you replace it for $3k?
Does it do what you need it to do?
Is it in otherwise good shape?
Are there upcoming other expensive repairs that will be needed?
Do you like driving it?
Do you simply want an excuse for a new car, no matter the actual cost?
Can you afford a new car in cash or do you need to take a loan and pay even more over time?
Do you really want to slow down your retirement savings to buy a new car?
Answer these questions truthfully to yourself and the answer should be easy to determine for yourself.
Advanced-Elk-7581@reddit
No
JonnyGee74@reddit
Yes, if having a running, reliable $8k car keeps you from buying a $15k or $20k car.
Narrow_Sig_280@reddit
Sometimes you have to realize that you’re not spending money on an object of a certain value. You are spending money on transportation. If spending $3000 gets you reliable transportation, that is cheaper than buying something else.
You are in a spot where you don’t have transportation. You need to buy it.
HOWEVER… if this is a problem vehicle otherwise and has sketchy reliability or known legacy issues, it may be best to cut your losses and get something else.
Same-Airline-9224@reddit
3k is cheaper than buying a new car
HDauthentic@reddit
What kind of car is it
lucidexium@reddit
Every car is a money pit regardless of its age or condition.
10 years old with 100,000 miles seems relatively low to me and probably worth fixing. What kind of vehicle is it and how much life do you think is left in it if you fix it? How much are you budgeting for a new vehicle?
If it costs you $3k to repair your current vehicle and you feel it's possible for it to last you another 100,000 miles then it seems like a no brainer to do the fix. You didn't share your budget but new cars tend to be in the $25,000 range to start so holding onto this cash and investing it or saving it for a rainy day for as long as possible seems more logical to me.
AgonizingGasPains@reddit
I NEVER even bother thinking about "resale value". I don't buy vehicles to turn around and sell them; I buy them to use up. Last year I put $12k into a 2006 pickup truck because that $12k will keep it running another 20 years, and saved me about $77k over a new one. "Fix what you have" is almost always the right answer.
Beneficial_Leg4691@reddit
If you dont fix it. Selling as is will be a very low price.
I just put 3500 in a truck worth 8k due to high miles. Otherwise i was gonna sell as is for 2k
AwarenessGreat282@reddit
So many variables go into that decision. Straight math tells me that $3K is worth it as a like replacement will obviously cost more than that. But then you need to factor in expected lifespan beyond the fix. My vehicle is running fine, but the rust is killing it. If a $1K repair came up, I'd dump it because at best, it may only have a year left before it won't pass safety inspection.
Federal_Software6076@reddit
Hmmm I'm probably 10k down into my 2.5k Fiero...
Several_Ad_6576@reddit
In 2020, due to storm damage my 2009 Nissan Versa was totaled. It had hail damage and a small dent on the side of the roof from a tree branch. Insurance offered me $5k and they would take it away. Or they offered me $4k and I could keep it. I took the $4k. Got the brakes done, and all fluids and new tires. My son is still driving that car. It doesn’t look pretty but it gets the job done.
Downtown_Reward_6339@reddit
The first 15 minutes of your new car ownership will cost you $3,000 in depreciation.
Right_Perception_497@reddit
I would say it depends on the car. 3K on a Honda that jumped timing, sure. 3K on a Jaguar, nope.
SeminoleVictory@reddit
You're going to have to fix it to get the 8k out of it, right?
Pup111290@reddit
I've put $1700 into a vehicle I only paid $1500 for. It really depends on the vehicle and if there is anything else wrong with it.
Loveschocolate1978@reddit
I would spend $500 in getting parts directly from the dealership, in order to ensure quality and proper fitment, and then do the labor myself.
Akin_Ra@reddit
Find something else to do with your money before the dollar completely crashes. If the car is otherwise a reliable one, I would fix it. It's only got 100k and that's nothing for most modern cars with proper maintenance. You could end up buying another car the gives you more problems. So it depends on the car and how reliable it has been for you.
rdmodsrtrsh@reddit
If you think you car is going to last more than a year after the fix, whatever new car payment is probably going to be more than 250/month.
Late-Button-6559@reddit
If the car is structurally sound, well maintained, and is otherwise what I want - yes.
havnar-@reddit
Depends on you entirely.
Just… Don’t reason yourself into a 80k hole because you didn’t want to spend some money on keeping a car on the road.
V8sOnly@reddit
Its worth $8k after you spend $3k...but what did you pay for it initially?
FatherIncoming@reddit
I spent 11k on a honda odyssey years ago, Hondas are real easy to work on so I have saved a lot on repairs doing them myself mind you. I must be nearing 4k in parts over 6 nearing 7 years so far for for standard maintenance and repairing larger issues. It has lasted me 6 almost 7 years and about 70k~ miles. If I had to bring it to a mechanic I would say no it isn't worth it because that 4k would probably be doubled but because I can do it myself it's worth it to me. The last time I checked a dealer offered me 8k for trade in value.
juken7@reddit
The problem is that a car that " might" be worth 10k with a broken motor isn't going to get 7k because it cost 3k to fix it.
It's only going to get around 1-2k and bought as junk. So it's in your best interest to fix it, to not lose money.
Then later you can try to get 10k for it and buy something else if you want.
Medium_Macaroon7722@reddit
Go spend a couple of hundred dollars on the part, go to YouTube University & do it yourself.
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
If you have a verified $8K offer from somewhere, do it. Even if you have to put all of that on debt who cares, pay it off when you sell it
Particular-Koala1763@reddit
How much do u love the car ? What is it worth to you ? If youre whatever about it and been thinking about a new car maybe nows the time
Fiss@reddit
Depends on the car and the situation. How much do you owe on the car? If it’s $3k to fix it and it might run for a long time that sure beats new car payments. Do you even want another car? Can you just buy a used motor for cheaper and just toss that in and keep going? We need more info
Slumberjack08@reddit
The whole point of a timing chain vs a timing belt is that you shouldn’t have to do major maintenance on it so…did you massively ignore maintenance to the point your timing chain needs adjusting? Or are these mechanics trying to rook you?
The_BigAsianBloke_@reddit
Depends how sentimental the car is. Sometimes an 8k car is worth it. I have a car which is ultra rare and not worth much but I always get offers if I’m selling it running or not
Salavar1@reddit
Yes, if you can get 6 to 12 more months of payment free driving out off it.
ShatterProofDick@reddit
Your timing went out. Exactly what is wrong as this kind of failure is usually catastrophic engine lunching iteself immediately to hell kind of failure?
Old_Suggestions@reddit
What's the replacement cost? If spending 3k will keep you from paying 5k more, its a win for me.
traineex@reddit
I have $8k into my $1 car. It looks good
Most-Description4665@reddit
I spent 7900 bucks on my engine for a 1000 dollar car. If fixing the car will allow you to sell it for more than the repair cost plus the value of a non-running car, you're making a good choice to fix it. If it's never going to be worth anything to sell it, running or not, it would be a poor choice, unless of course out of necessity because you don't have or can't afford another.
For example, I would kever sink 3000 bucks into my 02 sportage. It would go to scrap. But if my truck takes a shit, 3000 is nothing for me to get it fixed because I need that shit yesterday.
snipsuper415@reddit
The timing chain only lasted 100k miles? What car do you have? I personally wouldn't keep it because that is such a major malfunction in such a small amount of miles.
Ultimately speaking, if you can afford a $30k+ SUV used/new i find a more reliable SUV. IMO nothing is more expensive than a constantly breaking down car. Time is money!
Then again 3k to last another 100k might be the better option if you can't afford monthly payments or a full payment on a new cars
FriendlyArachnid6000@reddit
Well, you see, when a boy and a car love each other very much,
AutoXCivic@reddit
Is is paid off? How much are you willing to spend on a new car? Do you want a payment? These are the right questions to ask. I would pay $3k to fix a car worth $4k if it meant I didn't have to pay more for a new car or acquire new debt.
lockituup@reddit
It will cost you more to sell the car and get something else than it will to fix the car.
Captkarate42@reddit
Brother this is the wrong place to ask that. Half of us here have spent tens of thousands of dollars on shitboxes worth a fifth of what we put into them.
The answer is maybe. Timing is expensive to have done, but it is expected maintenance at certain intervals for pretty much every engine ever produced, usually 100-150k miles. While you may have the funds to get a new car right now, is the numerical difference between whatever you can get for your car and whatever you would replace it with more or less than 3k? Would your new vehicle be used or new? If used, what if the timing on that vehicle goes out soon?
Usually I wouldn't give up on something because it needs the timing done, but I would probably do it myself which definitely adds some bias to my opinion.
No_Arugula4195@reddit
If the rest of the car is in good shape, it's worth it.
Substantial-Onion-92@reddit
Need to know make and model. Do you like the SUV otherwise?
Remarkable_Art8812@reddit
If it’s otherwise in good shape a replacement suv is likely to cost at least 5k a year in car payments (for an entry level compact with 0 down, 0% apr, and 60 month term). If the 3k fix gets you another year with this car, I’d say repair it.
Questions_Remain@reddit
I put an 8k engine into a 19yo truck that’s my vehicle used for towing. Sometimes it sits for weeks or months. Not worth replacing for 80+k when the new motor was leee than the taxes on a new unit. I’m currently rebuilding a 50 yo MC. With 1600 worth of new parts, detail cleanup and 40 hours labor. It will be “worth” about 3500, but a comparable new one is 12K and offers zero performance, handling or functionality. It will look and run as good as any bike with one year off the showroom.
If a vehicle is otherwise sound, isn’t shredded inside, isn’t best outside its worth repairing. 3k is 250/mo over 12 months. You can’t pay the tax on a new car for 3K. If it needs another 3K in repairs in a year. Make another decision.
pbrown6@reddit
Yes. $3k < $20+interest. Mathematically, it almost always costs far less to fix a car than to buy a newer one. You're just looking at a math problem, that's all.
One-Attention4220@reddit
I’ve spent $3k on a $1k car before and can confidently say it was worth it
Temporary-Chest-3111@reddit
If it’s nothing of sentimental value to me I’d probably just try to see if someone will actually pay me the $8k and get rid of it.
RightGuy23@reddit
If you fix it. Do you plan on keeping it for a few more years?
Trade it in to Carmax. Do it online. Get some value for it. Put those funds towards a new car
DarthSwash@reddit
Hows it look? Hows it run? Has it been properly cared for for the last 100k miles, and do you think you can and would drive it for another 100k miles, realistically? Either way, if its worth 8k running, and it would cost 3k to fix it, why not get it fixed to sell? At most for a non running 10 year old car, your probably gonna get 1k, maybe 1500 for it. 🤷♂️🤷♂️
bmxracers@reddit
No one can help you because you have not made known what vehicle you own.
Parking_Abalone_1232@reddit
Cheaper than a new(er) car.
watchgeek401@reddit
I must have missed it. What kind of car?
Dr-Deedle-OnDaLeedle@reddit
Depends on how much you want the car back on the road.
I put a lot of time and money into an old VW golf that any sane person would’ve junked. I did this because i love how these cars look, and now I can say that I’m over the moon with how they drive
mattkime@reddit
Thank you for your service 🫡
Organic-Baker-4156@reddit
Somebody is going to fix it and put it on the road. Why shouldn't it be you?
Celticrightcross@reddit
I just had to replace the water pump on our ‘13 Explorer a couple months ago. That was about a $3k job on a car I might be lucky to get $6k for if I sold it (I dunno, I’ve been out of the market for quite a while, it could be worth more with the economy these days…). But we bought it new and I’ve done all the maintenance on it, so I know it’s history and exactly what condition it’s in, there’s no guess work for me. It’s a solid vehicle and we’re keeping it until it falls apart. My guess is that’ll be somewhere beyond 300k miles or another decade easy. But I’m in no hurry to ever buy another new car and like I said, I know this one’s history. Your situation may vary.
Any-Investment5692@reddit
If the timing chain failed at 100K miles. Then that means the oil hasn't been changed as often as it should have been. Timing chains should last 250K miles or more if the oil changes were done. I think you whatever you decide is the right choice. If its a honda or toyota. I would fix it. If its any other brand i would walk away. You could just fix it. Drive it for a few months and then sell it off.
bugeyetex@reddit
God I wish that was true
Prayer_Warrior21@reddit
You clearly have not heard about the GM 3.6 V6s. The early ones absolutely eat timing chains.
halfuhsandwich@reddit
I would, but that doesn’t mean you should. I’ve put about $4k into my w168 A class and I bought it for $5k lol. It might not be the smart choice but I love that car. It’s worth it to me.
Slipknot31286sic6@reddit
New suv are north of 40k. Used junk 15k to 20k
If yours is in great shape other than that. Fix it duh. Do you really want a 800 to 1200 car payment? Not including higher insurance and registration.
Treykrumwiede@reddit
What’s the vehicle? Is this quote from a dealership? Depending on the suv the quote could be inflated or really good. If it’s at a dealership then definitely go to an independent shop that specializes in your brand and the price will most likely be much nicer