Posted: 1/5/2009 4:54:35 AM EDT
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I've got a late 99 Protege with roughly 125k on it..
Roughly 2 months ago at around the 120k mark when it was in for service I had a boat load of work done to it: New belts all around, water pump, front axle and a couple other small things for routine maintenance. I figured that would keep me for a little while well not so much. In the Spring I replaced the downstream O2 sensor (I know, shoulda done them both but oh well). Two weeks ago I got a CEL and the code points to the upstream and/or the catalytic converter. Driving around on Friday, the electrical system light came on, then after a few minutes went off, then back on again for a few minutes, then off, etc... Took it home, unhooked the battery to clear the computer and today was the first day I drove it more than 10 minutes continuously with no codes thrown or the electrical light. Now I know the problems didn't just go away but until I get a new set of codes thrown I won't know what is causing any of it. The obvious answer is the alternator is going, but couldn't it also be a loose wire? Not something I'm sure I want to gamble on... So I'm stuck at the crossroads of keep dumping money into it, or cut my losses and go new? My GF has an 07 Mazda 3 5-Door that drives really nice, I'm just not loving the interior as much. My original plan was to hold this car on until the new 3 came out well I noticed that Edmunds had a preview test drive and while the interior changes are interesting (especially the guage repositioning) the exterior I'm not so sure about until I see it up close. So I guess my point is I'm not exactly sure what car to be looking at. I'm looking for more opinions as to keep it / toss it and if it's toss it, suggestions for my next car. I'm looking in the same vein, sporty sedan with an average longevity of 10 years or so. With nearly every dealer offering 0%, it's an interesting time to consider buying. Thanks. |
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I am in some what the same position as you.
I have a 2000 Sierra Z71 with 170k on it. I would like to make it a desert truck. It needs the fuel injectors cleaned because it starts hard when warm and the interior rattles alot, otherwise it is a great truck. Pleanty of power, totally stock, looks fantastic, and has like new Michelin LTX'x on it. I have been considering this new '08' truck at a local dealer. They need to come down about $10k before I will buy it. I cannot believe they are acting like the car market is booming. 
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I naturally keep fixing what I have, simply because I don't want a car payment. Then again, I don't pay other people to fix my cars...
It sounds like you don't have confidence in it. I'm sure it'd be WAY cheaper to fix yours..than it would be to buy new. It's your money... Eventually your "New" car will need to have things replaced on it. Will you get scared and dump it like this one and buy another one? I'm not giving you shit. Alot of people do this. Some just don't want to fuss with a car having problems and working through them. Nothing wrong with that, other than it costing you more money. Do you like the car? That's what you need to decide. There is no point dumping money into a car you no longer enjoy. |
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I naturally keep fixing what I have, simply because I don't want a car payment. Then again, I don't pay other people to fix my cars... It sounds like you don't have confidence in it. I'm sure it'd be WAY cheaper to fix yours..than it would be to buy new. It's your money... Eventually your "New" car will need to have things replaced on it. Will you get scared and dump it like this one and buy another one? I'm not giving you shit. Alot of people do this. Some just don't want to fuss with a car having problems and working through them. Nothing wrong with that, other than it costing you more money. Do you like the car? That's what you need to decide. There is no point dumping money into a car you no longer enjoy. I completely understand your point. My problem is I don't have experience with long term ownership. This is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle. Prior years I lived in Philly and the NYC area so I used public transportation and before that was college. So I'm unsure of what else to expect to replace next. I think I'm comfortable with the idea of keeping it another 3 years but if it's going to cost me 2k a year in parts like it just did then I'd rather put the money to something that I won't have these worries until I get to the 8 year 100k mark again. Yes the latter costs more but there is also a little piece of mind (from my perspective) to spending it. I wish I had the room, tools and knowlege to do it myself. Changing the O2 sensor was easy but stressed the limited things I can do only having a f-ing parking space outside. I'm still torn. I suck at making decisions, especially when money is involved because I'm a cheap SOB. I made this thread obviously to get opinions but to also help walk it out in my head. |
| With the price cuts dealers are offering now, making the fiscally responsible decision is much tougher. I have an '02 with 120K on the clock I was planning on driving a couple of more years. Without knowing what that vehicle will cost me in two years, it's impossible for me to make the "right decision". I have to figure if I buy now, I'll have to replace the new vehicle two years earlier too. I think I'm going to keep what I have for two more years & sock the $$ away. I'm not sure that's the right choice but I feel like there's little chance of regret if I keep it. |
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| As my vehicles get older, I like to buy a Haynes or Chilton manual and start doing most of the repairs myself. It takes a lot of saved repair work to add up to more than a monthly car note. I'm not a mechanic by any means but I've discovered that with a good manual and access to the right tools, I can do most any repair. That being said, I tend to own multiple vehicles. Therefore, if one is in need of repair, then I drive the other one until I have time for the repair. I've currently got a 2001 Dodge truck (137,000 miles) and a 2002 Dodge Caravan (138,000 miles) plus my wife's 2001 BMW and my 1982 Honda motorcycle. I generally like to push 200,000 miles with a car or truck. I've gone over 200,000 miles. The least I've gotten rid of a vehicle at was 150,000 miles. I only got rid of it because I WANTED a new Jeep. The main reason that I use to justify buying a new vehicle is because I want it! (Not saving money.) |
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You can fix anything that will go wrong with the car for another 100K miles for the price of a couple car payments. QFT. I went through this recently myself. For roughly $300 I fixed both my cars and I don't have a car payment, insurance, or the taxes to deal with. |
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I say keep it until it's no longer financially reasonable to repair it.
Look at it this way: With the money you'd spend on a new car payment, insurance, tax, tags, you'd run out of things to do to keep your current car running in tip top shape. I learnt my lesson buying new vehicles. My F150 is gonna be the last vehicle I purchase for a long time. ETA - And a little exhaust work and an alternator at 120K+ miles, pshaw, that's a drop in the bucket. |
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I wish I had the room, tools and knowlege to do it myself. Changing the O2 sensor was easy but stressed the limited things I can do only having a f-ing parking space outside. . I know how you feel.  I'm not even allowed to work on vehicles @ my apartment.
I would love to just be able to do that!!!! I have to borrow someones driveway to do anything. Or autozones parking lot. 
My life won't be complete till I have a heated garage or building for working on junk. Someday... (we can dream, right?) |
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Okay so help me out a little with parts procurement.
The shop I go to is a nice bunch of guys and there really isn't anything else really close that I trust; however they only go back to the manufacturer for big parts and it's stupid pricey. eg: I called about the cat and they told me it would be $500 just for the part. They said I can bring in any part I like, it's $90/hr labor and obviously they won't warranty the part itself. I've searched a little online and the two things I've come to figure are: 1) I'm not sure I trust any of these sites and resellerratings has either no info or not so good info on them. 2) I'm not sure what I need to buy. Back in the 80's, JCWhitney used to be a good place for parts, they still any good? I mean, wow: http://www.jcwhitney.com/CATCO-UNIVERSAL-CATALYTIC-CONVERTERS/GP_2006218_N_111+1999+200728926+600001717_10101.jcw $60 is a far cry from $500. Or even $160: http://www.jcwhitney.com/CATCO-HIGH-CAPACITY-CATALYTIC-CONVERTERS/GP_2006217_N_111+1999+200728926+600001717_10101.jcw I'm guessing just put a caliper on the pipe to check the fitting size? I just noticed that Autozone states they can to an alternator test with the unit still installed so I'll have to stop by at some point. But if I do need it, I've heard remanufactured units can cause just as many problems. I'm thinking the extra $100 or so is worth it? http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000491389/mediaCode-ZX/appId-11997911/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:10000049138911997911 Or let me know your favorite parts resource. I do have an Autozone and Advance Autoparts near by but I haven't had much luck locating parts online with them, maybe in the store... |
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Changing the O2 sensor was easy but stressed the limited things I can do only having a f-ing parking space outside. . I know how you feel. I'm not even allowed to work on vehicles @ my apartment.
I would love to just be able to do that!!!! I have to borrow someones driveway to do anything. Or autozones parking lot.
A friend of mine lives in an apartment and has a few fellow car guys as roommates. They rented two adjoining garage units, tore down the wall between them, built a big wraparound work bench, added a ton of lights, wired in additional 110v outlets, installed a heater and a TV and stereo setup, etc. It's grand. 
It gets pretty stuffy inside in the summer, because they never open both doors at the same time (to keep a low profile with the apartment manager types.) I suggested renting a third adjoining garage stall and installing a window AC unit in it, but they didn't like that idea. 
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Changing the O2 sensor was easy but stressed the limited things I can do only having a f-ing parking space outside. . I know how you feel. I'm not even allowed to work on vehicles @ my apartment.
I would love to just be able to do that!!!! I have to borrow someones driveway to do anything. Or autozones parking lot.
A friend of mine lives in an apartment and has a few fellow car guys as roommates. They rented two adjoining garage units, tore down the wall between them, built a big wraparound work bench, added a ton of lights, wired in additional 110v outlets, installed a heater and a TV and stereo setup, etc. It's grand. 
It gets pretty stuffy inside in the summer, because they never open both doors at the same time (to keep a low profile with the apartment manager types.) I suggested renting a third adjoining garage stall and installing a window AC unit in it, but they didn't like that idea. Where do I rent "garage units?" Me and some friends of mine are looking into renting a commercial building to use as a garage. Some places rent for cheap if the owners are desperate... I thought about renting a big storage unit, but they all say "no car repairs" because they don't want oil/fluids getting on the concrete. And then what to do about power? I could use a generator, but wouldn't it have to sit outside the unit while I'm there working? That brings along the issue with the security cameras at these places...and them going "hmm...wtf does this guy have a generator running when he's here all the time, etc." So I've basically dropped that idea. OP: Got to autozone and have your battery and alt. tested before you buy anything. Look on the back of your alt and make sure nothing is unplugged from it. On one of mine there is a little electrical connector that likes to fall out on its own and make the alt. test bad when it isn't. I would not be afraid buying a remaned unit. That $60 cat should work fine. Yes use a caliper to measure your exhaust at each end of where the cat will sit. Figure out how you want to connect it. You can either use unions at each end and clamp them. Or you can have one end slide over and the other end use a union. However you want to do it. After you've measured and marked where to cut, use a die grinder, sawzall, or whatever to cut it. |
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Fix it if you have the tools, space, and know-how. FWIW I have a friend with a Mazda 3 and she loves it so far. Is this the new 3? http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/10.mazda.3s.grand.touring/10.mazda.3.f34.1.500.jpg http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/10.mazda.3s.grand.touring/10.mazda.3.act.f34.3.500.jpg http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/10.mazda.3s.grand.touring/10.mazda.3.int.500.jpg Hideous. The exterior yes is horrible. It's got the big giant ghey happy-face grill on it. I'm liking the new guage placement but not quite sure about the rest. |
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A friend of mine lives in an apartment and has a few fellow car guys as roommates. They rented two adjoining garage units, tore down the wall between them, built a big wraparound work bench, added a ton of lights, wired in additional 110v outlets, installed a heater and a TV and stereo setup, etc. It's grand.
It gets pretty stuffy inside in the summer, because they never open both doors at the same time (to keep a low profile with the apartment manager types.) I suggested renting a third adjoining garage stall and installing a window AC unit in it, but they didn't like that idea. Where do I rent "garage units?" Me and some friends of mine are looking into renting a commercial building to use as a garage. Some places rent for cheap if the owners are desperate... I thought about renting a big storage unit, but they all say "no car repairs" because they don't want oil/fluids getting on the concrete. And then what to do about power? I could use a generator, but wouldn't it have to sit outside the unit while I'm there working? That brings along the issue with the security cameras at these places...and them going "hmm...wtf does this guy have a generator running when he's here all the time, etc." So I've basically dropped that idea. Well... if your apartment complex doesn't have garages available for rent, I guess you're up shit creek.
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I am in some what the same position as you. I have a 2000 Sierra Z71 with 170k on it. I would like to make it a desert truck. It needs the fuel injectors cleaned because it starts hard when warm and the interior rattles alot, otherwise it is a great truck. Pleanty of power, totally stock, looks fantastic, and has like new Michelin LTX'x on it. I have been considering this new '08' truck at a local dealer. They need to come down about $10k before I will buy it. I cannot believe they are acting like the car market is booming.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr326/fullmoontide/2500Dodge.jpg Why does the bed say SXT and the bed say SLT?
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