Cost of repair more than value of car

[avamerican]

Why does it seem that my repair bill lately is totaling to be more than the actual cost/value of my vehicle? It's getting to the point where I just can't afford to fix my car anymore, even though it's just a few years old. If anything major happens, it would actually be more cost effective to just trade it in. Or fix it myself.

 

[Wayne]

Has it been well maintained? Does it seems like normal things that are going wrong with it? Maybe you have a "lemon" and really should consider unloading it.

 

[Dodge Doll]

That's usually a sign it's time to sell the vehicle and find something newer and more reliable. That it's only a few years old makes me think you might have a 'lemon' on your hands.

 

[Guy]

Another thing to consider is whether it costs you less to repair it than it does to replace it. You may still be ahead by keeping it running. That's a tough call.

 

[avamerican]

That is a tough call and I guess what I need to factor into that is how much of the repairs I can do myself or how many I can get a reputable mechanic to do at a reasonable cost. But does it seem like the price of repairs are prohibitively expensive these days, or am I just getting scr*wed? lol

 

[Dodge Doll]

With shop rates up around 75/hr (minimum), plus parts, no, you're not getting screwed, per se, but you ARE getting hammered. And it's more at a dealership, where the overhead tends to be higher to begin with.

A good, reliable mechanic is as valuable as a good, reliable dentist: deal with a bad one, and you're going to hurt.

 

[Crissy]

I know how that feels. When I get to that point, I start looking for a used car that will get me by for another few years without too much repair.

 

[avamerican]

Dodge Doll, I agree with you there, especially about the dentist. As I'm getting older, I'm finding I need more work on my teeth and my dentist, although good, is particularly aggressive when it comes to all the work he wants to do on my teeth. I am pretty sure not all of it is necessary but they can really be as pushy as car salesmen!

 

[Brent]

Why does it seem that my repair bill lately is totaling to be more than the actual cost/value of my vehicle? It's getting to the point where I just can't afford to fix my car anymore, even though it's just a few years old. If anything major happens, it would actually be more cost effective to just trade it in. Or fix it myself.

Well, in that case, I would just trade in the car without thinking twice. Of course it would be worth it to get the car repaired if it's your favorite car or a collectible car.