Should You Fix Your Old Car? Is it Worth It?

A Master automobile mechanic and shop owner discusses important things to consider when faced with large repair bills for your older car to help you make the right decision if it's worth fixing or it's best to move on.

TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair

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[Pete_R]

My mechanic has retired and I really trusted him. He was honest and charged reasonable rates. At times, he didn't want to work on my car, a '91 Corolla, because he said the repair was worth more than the car. At 300K, he told me I had taken a gasoline engine to the edge of its envelope. At one point, I had the transmission rebuilt and it cost me $1900 (it really only needed a 5th gear synchro but I just had them do it all). This was at around 427K miles. He took a long look at me and finally said, "Do you have an emotional attachment to this car? Because you could get one with about 150K on it for $1500." I told him that I love it more than life itself. I might have even said I planned to be buried in it. It is the only car I have ever owned since new. It is a long, sad story but I took that car to 634K and it was still getting well over 40MPG (manual trans). I don't regret a penny spent on it. I now have another '91 Corolla I bought 6 years ago with just under 59K on it and when it arrived, it looked museum quality, showroom new. It was so clean-everywhere- I would have gladly LICKED ANY surface on it! I just hope that everyone can find a car that they love as much as I love my Corolla. Cheers

[yoshiii]

no clickbait bs, no sponsor ads, just a chill guy with some common sense keeping it 100. Great advice

[balmighty]

The bigger problem is finding a mechanic that's not trying to rip you off and have you spending money on needless repairs. Wish there were more like you!

[superbros]

My Honda Civic was more than a car—it was my ride-or-die, my partner through thick and thin, and the reason I always had at least one 10mm socket missing.

At 300, 000 miles, my mechanic gave me the look. You know, the “Why are we still doing this?” look. “You could just buy a new car, ” he said. “It’s a Civic, ” I replied, clutching the hood like a parent shielding their child. “It’s got plenty of life left.”

By 400, 000 miles, it was running on vibes alone. The paint had faded, the exhaust sounded like a rally car, and I had to pop-start it more times than I could count. One time, I sat in the parking lot of an AutoZone for three hours, watching a YouTube tutorial on replacing a fuel pump...with a screwdriver and sheer determination.

My friends told me I needed therapy. “For me or the Civic?” I’d ask. They never laughed.

When it hit 500, 000 miles, my mechanic said, “Let it go, man. It’s time.” I teared up and whispered, “She’s just breaking in.” When it finally gave up at 600, 000 miles, I gave it a proper send-off: I washed it, polished the faded hood, and parked it in my garage like it was a retired athlete.

Some people have kids, some have pets—I had a Civic.

[martinliehs]

One factor that I keep in mind is the monthly payment for a new or newer car. In the US, I believe the number exceeds $700 per month for the average new car, and over $500 for a used one (not including gas, insurance and maintenance). If your used car is paid off, that means that even a $5, 000 repair on an older, but otherwise reliable car puts you ahead, assuming that repair will buy you another year or more of use.

Also keep in mind that new cars are getting increasingly complex, and therefore, likely more costly to repair once they are out of warranty.

[vincentsalerno]

Dad used to say “don’t trade the devil you know for the devil you don’t know “

[percivalgooglyeyes]

Thank you! A car is not an investment - it is an appliance with utility like a refrigerator. An expense.

[kevinsimpson]

This video here is exactly why this is the best car channel on YouTube.

[Wet_Willys_Wetter_Water]

Count me among the people who hope that the vehicle industry has a Renaissance and fixing/maintaining older vehicles becomes a bigger and bigger thing vs buying new vehicles.

[alphaization]

I once read a book by two brothers named Click and Clack....they had a show called Car talk. In the the book they had a chapter entitled making it last. They mentioned that maintaining the car and fixing things when they break is key to longevity. Most people let the little things go, and instead of fixing them they are ignored....now one day they see that the car needs 1500 dollars of repairs that could've been avoided if they took care of the little things. I have followed their advice and both my cars 20 plus years still run nearly flawlessly. Having no car payments for years has saved me bucketloads of money

[jamram]

While on active duty, I would often listen to “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” and their advice on vehicles. I heard them give this opinion, “Every time a car owner turns the ignition key, it will cost them money” It’s that simple. I repair cars as my 3rd career after retiring from the military. I’ve noticed that after COVID, the price of cars and their parts dramatically increased. Please take care of your vehicles.

[althunder]

With car prices these days, unless a car is rusting out it is usually worth fixing.

[Test_---ih]

As someone who is allergic to car payments and car salesmen, I can appreciate a mechanic that can provide advice and even tell me what risks are involved if there are variables (unknowns) at play.

[RoScoHutch]

I love this practical advice. One other thing I would mention is to not hesitate to get a second opinion when a mechanic recommends an expensive repair. Several weeks ago, we came close to scrapping our daughter's car when it wouldn't start and a mechanic said it needed a new engine. (Not my first car, and we're not idiots . . . he seemed to know what he was talking about.) We ended up calling around and talking to another mechanic who thought he might be able to fix it. Had it towed to him, and about $1, 000 later, he had it running just fine. He has saved us the cost of getting another car, and we never would have known if we hadn't talked with him.

[RoNiminal]

I may not be a man of faith, but when you say 'may the Lord bless you and keep you, ' it warms my soul. Much love, my brother. ❤

[InternetUser._]

I had a mechanic tell me to get rid of a car that was throwing CEL transmission codes after I changed the trans fluid.
Ignored that advice, kept driving it, CEL went away after 10k miles, I’ve driven that car for many years with no issue.

[fernando]

im glad i am able to repair most issues on my cars. i cant imagine having to pay for all repairs.

[Bugholeexcalibur]

I see it this way:
1. if I like the car, I fix it.
2. If I don't like the car and it's an utility, I will still fix it, because buying a second hand car is risky. At least I know the condition mine is in.

[TheInnerParty]

Economist here.
I love this video. In fact I'm going to assign it to my university students as a project in value, utility, and pricing.

"Knowledge" in asset pricing is everything. If you have strong knowledge that a car has been well-maintained and cared for (perhaps at your own car, or relatives, a friend, etc.) that makes a giant difference in the valuation. If you don't have that knowledge, Then you have to discount the so-called "average" value.

Let's say you have a car that you could reasonably sell for $5000. You really like the car. You've enjoyed driving it. You don't really even want a new car. But it needs shocks, a new suspension, and a major invasive service. Let's say the total of all that is needed is $6000.
If you sell the car, you still have to go get another car, and where are you going to get a car that you KNOW is as good as the one you have for $6000?

It's all about the knowledge, and that's the purpose of a honest reputable mechanic. Most of us don't have that expertise, but if we have knowledge of the car, we can take the mechanics repair recommendations combine it with our knowledge and make a rational decision

[ianhands]

I have a 2014 Corolla. Drives as new, as when I bought it....I just change the oil on schedule. Coolant when needs to. Brake fluid change. Etc....I spray silicone lubricant on all the undercarriage rubbers. Love it❤