Family Matters

[ftpiercecracker1]

So I am in a bit of dilemma as to what to do. Mom and dad NEED a new car, but don't have the finances to afford one on their own, but at the same time neither do they have the funds to properly fix the ones they are driving now. 

 

We currently own 2 toyota tercel wagons, identical to the one below. One tercel is an 86 (brown) and the other an 85(silver). They both have a little over 230k on the clock and have blow by like a motherlover. The one my dad drives regularly actually runs pretty good, but its got so many other problems; oil leaking everywhere, blow-by, severe rust, leaking windshield, no heat, no a/c, no radio, shot clutch, failing brakes, rear hatch shocks shot; i feel there is far more bad than good, yet he continues to drive it. Then theres the other one, the 85, the body is absolutely mint i will give it that, but it has a running issue that has stumped me and several good mechanics since the day we bought it making it a danger to drive, plus it too has failing brakes and extremely lose steering that will cost a fortune to replace because of the cars age/uniqueness. To have the 85 repaired so that it runs drives like it should is going to cost approx $1500-$2000. My parents really like these cars and i can understand why, they are a selectable 4x4 with a granny low, that are also capable of attaining 30+ mpg, BUT i just don't know if they are worth fixing at this point. Especially when there are so many excellent cars on Craigslist that have all the bells and whistles for the same cost that it would take to fix these tercels that already have extremely high mileage.

 

 

The choices:

 

Spend a small fortune to fix the old high mileage beaters that my parents love?

or

Spend a lesser fortune to purchase a newer model car with lower miles and all the modern conveniences?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my sob story.

 

 

 

[onlyinajeep726]

Well, I'd say the more logical thing to do would be a newer, more modern car.  However, I'd be a hypocrite since both my '88 XJ and '86 MJ have seen my wallet drain on multiple occasions for their upkeep and overhauls.

 

That probably wasn't much help.  Sorry. :laughin:

[Pete M]

for that kind of money you should be able to get a decent XJ. :yes:

[hassyfoto]

I would move forward & get something a little more reliable and less of a possible hazard ( you comments about mechanical issues, steering & brakes).

Typically vehicles with high mileage also have many more hidden ( or mechancial problems not yet known such as suspension, rust issues, weak wire harness & accessories, etc.) You might consider the possible bleeding repair bills if you keep the cars vs. obtaining a newer used car with modern upgrades.

There is a time to replace and repair and a time to replace!

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Oyaji]

Replacing them with a car that gives worse fuel economy will cost in the long run. Based on driving 10,000 miles per year (average driving miles in the USA) and fuel at $3.00/gallon, the difference between 30 MPG and an XJ @ 20 MPG comes out to $500 more per year. Bump the fuel cost to $4.00/gallon (likely in the future, perhaps more - who knows when and how much though, but it ain't likely to get cheaper!) and the cost per year jumps to $667/more per year.

 

You should also get quotes on annual insurance cost when considering replacement.

For cheap running and front wheel drive that does quite well in snow, it's hard to beat a Honda Civic... very reliable, and highway economy around 40 MPG.

[danbyrambler]

I'd keep the '85 - - Always wanted one when Toyota 4X4 PUs were my thing - wife thought my hobby didn't need expanding - - Anyway, the tercells have a following & 1.5-2.0k for repairs & you've a  good body/running/hi mpg car that you like ain't a bad thing imo - - The 3A series were pretty stout engines - sounds like a PO fooled with the actual mileage or just trashed it - blow by for 230k isn't normal given half way decent maint - - 230k is pretty high as far as the head gasket goes - - - 10 yr old or there abouts ford escorts don't go for much & the merc twin a little less - ditto for olds aleros & their gm twins - - I've had experience with'em all & are pretty easy to maintain/work on - - the GMs get about 6-7 less mpg than the fords - - - - Sorry about $ being tight - - - A close friend's going through same thing - - Last yr & this he took on a part time at the home depot -  seems like all the big box stores are offering holiday season temp jobs in this part of the midwest - Might be worth looking into as a means to save the Toyota - - - 

:thumbsup:

[ftpiercecracker1]

for that kind of money you should be able to get a decent XJ. :yes:

 

I kinda wish he would, but he needs something that gets the same mpg or more than the tercel.

 

 

I would move forward & get something a little more reliable and less of a possible hazard ( you comments about mechanical issues, steering & brakes).

Typically vehicles with high mileage also have many more hidden ( or mechancial problems not yet known such as suspension, rust issues, weak wire harness & accessories, etc.) You might consider the possible bleeding repair bills if you keep the cars vs. obtaining a newer used car with modern upgrades.

There is a time to replace and repair and a time to replace!

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

I concur, something at least new enough to be found on KBB or NADA. And i know exactly what you mean about hidden dangers, these cars are just going to turn into two big money pits. . . . . boy does that remind me of another vehicle. . .  . :MJ 2: .

 

 

Replacing them with a car that gives worse fuel economy will cost in the long run. Based on driving 10,000 miles per year (average driving miles in the USA) and fuel at $3.00/gallon, the difference between 30 MPG and an XJ @ 20 MPG comes out to $500 more per year. Bump the fuel cost to $4.00/gallon (likely in the future, perhaps more - who knows when and how much though, but it ain't likely to get cheaper!) and the cost per year jumps to $667/more per year.

 

You should also get quotes on annual insurance cost when considering replacement.

 

For cheap running and front wheel drive that does quite well in snow, it's hard to beat a Honda Civic... very reliable, and highway economy around 40 MPG.

 

While your math is accurate, my dad is a huge stickler when it comes to saving money and mpg. I couldnt agree more about the Honda Civics and have looked very hard to find one or something similar.

 

 

 

I'd keep the '85 - - Always wanted one when Toyota 4X4 PUs were my thing - wife thought my hobby didn't need expanding - - Anyway, the tercells have a following & 1.5-2.0k for repairs & you've a  good body/running/hi mpg car that you like ain't a bad thing imo - - The 3A series were pretty stout engines - sounds like a PO fooled with the actual mileage or just trashed it - blow by for 230k isn't normal given half way decent maint - - 230k is pretty high as far as the head gasket goes - - - 10 yr old or there abouts ford escorts don't go for much & the merc twin a little less - ditto for olds aleros & their gm twins - - I've had experience with'em all & are pretty easy to maintain/work on - - the GMs get about 6-7 less mpg than the fords - - - - Sorry about $ being tight - - - A close friend's going through same thing - - Last yr & this he took on a part time at the home depot -  seems like all the big box stores are offering holiday season temp jobs in this part of the midwest - Might be worth looking into as a means to save the Toyota - - - 

:thumbsup:

 

The thing with the 85 is that the PO stripped the body in preparation for painting, but never got around to it. Meaning that the shell of the entire car is bare metal and has been so for the last year or so. We are in a race with time at this point. Trying to scrape together enough cash to be able to have Macco shot it with their most basic paint job. 

[ftpiercecracker1]

After scouring CL this one seems to be the most promising.

 

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4189297930.html

[87Warrior]

Hard to go wrong with an I4 Camry. My wife has an 02 with 200k on the odometer. The only non maintenance part to be replaced has been the starter. Gets a steady 28mpg with mixed driving. It is a good car....and I despise Toyota!