EPTI call on the powers of TL do give some input about my auto situation.
Let's start out: I have an '89 Toyota pickup, 2WD, that I bought for very cheap, and indeed, I got what I paid for. I'm making much better money than when I bought it and now have some options.
Here's what's wrong with the truck:
- oil leak (what a shock)
- slow break fluid leak (seems to have randomly stopped, but I trust not!)
- carburetor needs to be rewelded/resealed
- vacuum leak
- starter stinks
- compression 40 points too low on at least 1 cylinder
- engine and tranny probably needs to be flushed
- broken key in ignition (lol)
- transmission gear wrong size; speedometer not entirely accurate (it's a stick, so I don't really care)
- rebuilt motor (which itself is fine but)... looks like it was put together by small children.
Oh, there's tons of aesthetic problems, but I'm only concerned with so-called "driveability" issues. Any way, I got a quote from my backyard mechanic, who's been working on my cars since I was 17, and as you can see, the fucking motor needs to be removed for a lot of this work, and that alone adds a shitton in labor alone. Anyway, the estimate for all of these was about $1,500. You can image how much more commercial mechanics wanted.
Now, here's the thing about my truck: I love it. I love the zero blind spots, I love the purr she makes, and I love it's reliability. The only work I've ever had done was the rear differential. That was the only thing that was imminently concerning about the vehicle. I used to commute 500 miles per week with the truck, she has never let me down, most reliable car I've ever owned. And not too shabby mileage for a little pickup (new tires sure helped).
But it's time to face facts: if this is the car I choose, I need to take better care of her, see if I want to invest in the future. Basically, I have three choices: 1) invest in my truck and keep her going as long as I can, 2) invest no more money and drive it till it dies, or 3) buy a new car, part out/sell the truck.
I'm honestly leaning towards the first option. I'll make my case and leave it open to you good people to give me some feedback.
I don't like 2) because when the truck does die on me due to poor upkeep and wear-and-tear, I will be carless, which is INCREDIBLY inconvenient, and will be forced to buy a car asap, which makes for unfavorable odds for the consumer. I don't exactly live in the city, and we only have our two cars, so minus one car would be quite a burden, just like the last time I lost my car. Not having a car sucks. Borrowing this, asking for rides, needing a ride just to the goddamn bus stop if I had to. My mother might loan me her car, but let me tell you folks, I hate driving that little red Miata so much. It's very uncomfortable, loud, a little dangerous to drive.
I've been working on 3) for months, but as most of us know, car shopping is a bitch. Everyone is full of shit, and every car has some horrible flaw. Or the car is perfect, but the seller did something fishy, like NEVER SIGN THE TITLE. Shopping for cars sucks! It's fun to look them up online, but you have to look at 5 lemons for ever non-lemon. Also, here's the main reason I don't just want another car: because I already know what's wrong with my car. I know the pros/cons inside and out. I'm not terribly savvy with vehicles, so any car I buy I'm just inheriting a whole new slew of problems that are waiting to just pop up. Like with my old honda civic. Holy shit I had to take that in to the actual dealership more times than I can remember (thank you, 150,000 mile warrantly).
Basically, I don't want more "surprises," which I WILL get, because I don't exactly have $8,000 lying around to buy a great used car. In addition, I will have to sell the truck (paying insurance on two cars? Hell no). And I don't think I'll find anyone who will pay more than $1,300 on that thing, mostly because of its age and large amount of aesthetic imperfections. It would be sold at a loss and I'm pretty sure that the first person who tries to low-ball me gets an atomic wedgy with some choice words. All in all, it will cost more to get another car than to fix the truck, on repairs alone.
Of course, 1) is not perfect. My mechanic isn't very punctual, to be honest. I can imagine this car being worked on for probably 2 weeks. And if I'm going to throw that much money at the engine, I'm tempted to fix all the interior and exterior issues, you know, make it a good vehicle, which is just more money (it needs to seats, has broken speakers, locks don't work great, etc.). I may love the truck, but I'm just wary of throwing so much money on something so old.
My friend had a suggestion that I take it into a place that warranties their work and just make payments. But of course that's just more money over time, and probably a lot more than my current mechanic. I have the $1,500 right now, so I wouldn't need to make payments with my current mechanic. Just take the cash and thanks for the truck.
Any similar experiences? New ideas? Help me help myself to a helpful decision.
