November 17, 2009
Need some practical advice about a car?
Lara asked:
I have a car that I've owned for about 12 years. It was five years old when I bought it. Unfortunately, every time I turn around, it needs repair. I've replaced the battery twice, water pump, radiator, etc. It's a money pit. Now onto another problem. I have a neighbor that thinks he owns the street and has told me to park elsewhere, not close to his home because his kids are all driving their own cars now and need the space. I had been parking in the same spot before for 7 years with no problems. I now park elsewhere but ever since I confronted him, my tags have been scratched off, my window shattered by a bb gun, and all 4 of my tires flattened. It will now cost about 400.00 to replace the tires.
I have a car that I've owned for about 12 years. It was five years old when I bought it. Unfortunately, every time I turn around, it needs repair. I've replaced the battery twice, water pump, radiator, etc. It's a money pit. Now onto another problem. I have a neighbor that thinks he owns the street and has told me to park elsewhere, not close to his home because his kids are all driving their own cars now and need the space. I had been parking in the same spot before for 7 years with no problems. I now park elsewhere but ever since I confronted him, my tags have been scratched off, my window shattered by a bb gun, and all 4 of my tires flattened. It will now cost about 400.00 to replace the tires.
I thought about selling/junking the car and buying a new one. But find cars that have no engine, no transmission, a billion miles on it, all sorts of things. I checkd out Carmax but their cars start at 10K which I cannot afford. This car is the bane of my existence. I know I need to get rid of this car, but the prospect of finding a new one terrifie
Atlanta Selling Junk Cars
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Comments on Need some practical advice about a car?
11:27 pm
Atlanta Selling Junk Cars
First off I would file a police report about any vandalism.
Tell the police of what your neighbor said, and that you
think the neighbor is responsible for all the damage as
you have always parked there, and never before him
talking to you did you ever have a problem.
Next, you are right about a 17 year old car becoming
a pain with repairs. It is especially bad when they are
parked out in the weather.
As I assume that you are not familiar, or maybe even
able to do usual maintenance repairs yourself, the
cost for everything can be high. Also, the cost of
replacing the car with another is high when you are
looking at those being sold by dealers, or people
advertising them.
The best thing to do when looking for another car
is to talk to a lot of your friends, neighbors, people
with whom you meet, and just about anyone where
you have a friendly conversation. It isn't a problem
to ask if they know anyone with a pretty good running
car that you might be able to get for a reasonable,
and within your pocketbook, price.
Seven years ago I bought a seven year old car that
was just beautiful. It even had very low miles, and
looked like new inside, outside, and even under the
hood. It did need a belt tensioner for the alternator
serpentine belt, and a new belt. Those parts I was
able to install myself. (Even though my hands don't
work so well these days) I just looked in a repair book,
and got what I needed for about $65. I had only paid
$200 for the car. It is still running good today, and I
have only had to put in about another $85 for a
couple of good used tires, and some spark plugs.
Eleven years ago I bought a five year old car for
$150, and drove it until I bought this one. I don't
think I put in more than $150 in all the years I drove
it. All I can recall was tires, and some dash lights.
I bought my last new car over 35 years ago. Closer
to 40, actually, since it was a 70 model. I have found
that it is actually much cheaper to buy an older car
today, and before I start driving it as my primary car
I will do anything I think it 'might' need to last. In the
past I have changed shocks, brakes, ignition parts,
and once, even the engine. I have cosmetically given
them new interiors, or cheap paint jobs. If they might
need it, I get it done, or do it myself before I use it.
THEN, I get rid of my 'old' car after driving the new
one for a while.
One thing you must consider along with the price is
how the car was driven. If a person takes a car that
was only driven on Sundays by a little old lady who
only used it to go to church, and have very low miles,
AND, you are going to drive it at highway speeds
with about a 15,000 mile a year average, that car
will not last!
If you buy an old state police car at a state auction,
and you drive it only in the city, on short trips, at
slower, city traffic speeds, that car will not last!
If you can, try to find out about the driving habits of
the owner, especially if it has been only a one owner
car. Has it been broken in, and driven with about the
same style of driving as yourself? That car would
probably last you a long while.
Week before last a neighbor asked if I wanted a
2001 vehicle that a friend had for sale. It needed a
new ignition switch, but looked nice and clean, and
otherwise ran perfect. The switch just broke. The
guy only wanted $200 for the car. I would have
snapped that up in a heartbeat if I had the money.
Unfortunately, my SS isn't enough these days unless
I have no other choice, and I have a good running car.
Good cars at reasonable prices are out there. You
just have to take the time to look for them, while
not really 'looking' for them.
Hope this helps, but if you need something more,
just contact me.