I know what I'm getting for Christmas!!!!

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rednour1

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A new transmisison for the wife's 2003 Explorer! It shot craps on me this morning, and went into limp mode. For the past (2) days, it had been missing shifts and hitting hard when it found them. I dropped it off at the Ford dealer (had an appointment to have it fixed on Friday) Told them to keep it until then, if they couldn't get it in sooner. I had no use for it at home!!:mad:
 
Don't do it.
This is the start of that vehicle sucking 300 to 600 per month in repairs.
Water pump next, then the alternator, AC, Heater, little bits, etc.

Prices are way down right now,
If you can swing it get a new one.
Ex: Yukon XL Denalis Caddy Escalades are 17,000 off

HoHoHo
 
Can't see getting rid of a paid off car that has had zero problems until now with 80K miles.

I don't do car payments!
 
I know what you mean.
I'm in the same boat with my truck.
Paid off.
Needs tires and rims.
Never had a problem - 93K miles.

I know it won't last past 130K.

I just refuse to pump repair money (100's per month) into a vehicle.

From dealership experience - seems like the more it goes into the shop...the more it goes into the shop - know what I mean?

Before it gets out of hand I'd rather just get a new one - that's just me.
 
STL Mark said:
I know what you mean.
I'm in the same boat with my truck.
Paid off.
Needs tires and rims.
Never had a problem - 93K miles.

I know it won't last past 130K.
Click to expand...

Not true...

The following are mileages on cars owned:

75 Honda Civic: 185K...NO problems other than oil filter and one muffler
80 Honda CRX-SI...155K...NO problems other than oil / filters
94 Cadillac Deville...196K...only problems were an easy to replace A/C Control unit and throttle position sensor.
75 GMC 1/2 ton pickup...225K...one valve adjustment, one alternator, one carb rebuild kit and one lifetime exhaust system.
74 Lincoln Town Car...245K...one oil pressure switch, one alternator, two exhaust systems.

If the vehicle is fuel injected and has normal maintenence...it should easily go 175K-200K without major repair. Good maintenance is the key. Tires and brake pads were not included above as they are normal maintenance items.

Our 93 Ford E350 1 ton van has 130K and still running great with nothing done except one alternator.

Kerry
 
I agree to the extent that modern engines are remarkable and reliable, and I do take care of mine - following all of the factory specs. My problem is that everything else breaks. Water pumps, AC, electric gadgets, power steering pump. Additionally, the wear out items like rotors, shocks, tires, and then the little things like those struts for the liftgate, and many others. To that end - it seems like every repair (or replace) is an 800 to 1200 dollar job at the dealership. Since I have no talent in that arena - I'm stuck paying. Then, it seems that service begets more service. Every time I take a vehicle in for a repair, something else breaks a couple of weeks later. After a few months of that - I'm done.

Plus, when I factor in the grief to dollar factor of losing time from work, or tows, and general hassles - it ends up a losing proposition. But that's just me. I've been through that process a few times with other cars, and just have the general feeling - its not worth it. As the truck starts to take me down that road - I bail. On my last van, the AC broke in the middle of summer, and the catelic (sp) converter broke, and there was a whole in the muffler. The thing has 120K on it. It needed tie rods, tires, shocks, and the above listed problems. It was going to be well over 3K for the repairs. I got a new truck.

So, I've decided to not do that anymore. I get the extended warranty. When I run out of warranty, and a repair of 2K or more pops up - I just get a new car.

HOWEVER - in today's times - I'm going to have to drive the Shaq O'Neil mobile till the wheels fall off. BBG says so - I'll defer to her.:cool:
 
STL Mark said:
I agree to the extent that modern engines are remarkable and reliable, and I do take care of mine - following all of the factory specs. My problem is that everything else breaks. Water pumps, AC, electric gadgets, power steering pump. Additionally, the wear out items like rotors, shocks, tires, and then the little things like those struts for the liftgate, and many others. To that end - it seems like every repair (or replace) is an 800 to 1200 dollar job at the dealership. Since I have no talent in that arena - I'm stuck paying. Then, it seems that service begets more service. Every time I take a vehicle in for a repair, something else breaks a couple of weeks later. After a few months of that - I'm done.

Plus, when I factor in the grief to dollar factor of losing time from work, or tows, and general hassles - it ends up a losing proposition. But that's just me. I've been through that process a few times with other cars, and just have the general feeling - its not worth it. As the truck starts to take me down that road - I bail. On my last van, the AC broke in the middle of summer, and the catelic (sp) converter broke, and there was a whole in the muffler. The thing has 120K on it. It needed tie rods, tires, shocks, and the above listed problems. It was going to be well over 3K for the repairs. I got a new truck.

So, I've decided to not do that anymore. I get the extended warranty. When I run out of warranty, and a repair of 2K or more pops up - I just get a new car.

HOWEVER - in today's times - I'm going to have to drive the Shaq O'Neil mobile till the wheels fall off. BBG says so - I'll defer to her.:cool:
Click to expand...

Mark,

Part of the problem is taking your car to the dealer. My experience is that this is an invitation for repairs that are not needed.

Most problems I fix myself but for others I take the vehicles to an independent shop you can trust...who does good work at a reasonable rate.

In Eureka I used Rockwood Auto Electric in Glenco. Here in Farmington I found a retired Ford mechanic who works out of a two car shop next to his home. I needed a repair on the 2003 Crown Vic that included replacing the Climate Control Unit, replacing the wiper gear box and replacing the passenger door window switch. I provided the parts which were all used and from local salvage yards. My total cost of parts was $110. Total labor was $60. The Ford dealer quoted $1250 parts and labor.

The hard part is finding a reputable shop. The best way is to ask around. Sometimes the local Auto Parts stores can provide leads on small independent shops with a good rep.

You can save a ton of time and money staying clear of the dealers.

Kerry
 
I agree 1000% re: dealer service.
The shop the does my Cobra work now has 100% of my business - they are awesome.

With the economic times as they are now - I will be fixing the truck.

That said - other than wear out items - I can't make that thing break. It is by far the best vehicle I've ever had.
 
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