Dilemma- Repair or Trade/Sell

[d_rob1031]

First off, I want to say thanks for all the help. Even though I am a first time poster, I have searched the forums over and found several of my answers but this one has me stumped.

I have a '99 V6 with 165k+ miles on it and starting to have some issues. I need a knock sensor replaced, but figured since I am that far in I might as well do both and replace the wiring harness. As I started to look I know I need to do the following-

Replace timing belt
Replace water pump
Replace both valve cover gaskets
And some other small items need to be done but those are the majors.

I have the ability but not the time to do it myself. I work 60+hrs a week, usually 6 days a week.

Every shop I have talked to is over $1,000 for just the knock sensor replacement. Not sure how much the rest would be.

So, what would you do in my shoes? Fix or trade?

Thanks!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

So let's say you're into it for $2000. (give or take).

Can you afford to fix it?
Can you afford to buy a new vehicle?
If you're into it for $2000, how much longer will it last you?
What would you replace it with?
How much could you really get for it in it's current state?


Assuming the repairs aren't a wallet buster, I'd say keep it and fix it. 3rd Gens are beasts, spend a little money on it now and get years more out of it. If you spend $2000 and it lasts you another 2 years, it cost you less than $100/month.

 

[Nelsonmd]

So let's say you're into it for $2000. (give or take).

Can you afford to fix it?
Can you afford to buy a new vehicle?
If you're into it for $2000, how much longer will it last you?
What would you replace it with?
How much could you really get for it in it's current state?


Assuming the repairs aren't a wallet buster, I'd say keep it and fix it. 3rd Gens are beasts, spend a little money on it now and get years more out of it. If you spend $2000 and it lasts you another 2 years, it cost you less than $100/month.

Yeah, you know that this vehicle will last you if you take care of it, so it is worth investing in. If you don't have any major issues, then it is probably worth it to fix this stuff.

If you got a different vehicle, is it going to be more reliable than this one? Probably not. T-belt and water pump can wait a bit if you don't already have a problem with them.

 

[Mellow77]

Fix it!

 

[d_rob1031]

So let's say you're into it for $2000. (give or take).

Can you afford to fix it? Yes
Can you afford to buy a new vehicle? Yes
If you're into it for $2000, how much longer will it last you? It's been a rock so far...
What would you replace it with? Probably a 4 door Tacoma. I could use a truck for work.
How much could you really get for it in it's current state? No clue, where would I go to look that up? Or should I take it to a dealer and see what they offer?


Assuming the repairs aren't a wallet buster, I'd say keep it and fix it. 3rd Gens are beasts, spend a little money on it now and get years more out of it. If you spend $2000 and it lasts you another 2 years, it cost you less than $100/month.

See my answers above.

I understand your logic, I'm just nervous about putting 2k into a 12yr old vehicle when I'm not sure how long it will last me. I've never had any other issues with it, however, I know once things start to mess up... they usually don't stop.

 

[d_rob1031]

Yeah, you know that this vehicle will last you if you take care of it, so it is worth investing in. If you don't have any major issues, then it is probably worth it to fix this stuff.

If you got a different vehicle, is it going to be more reliable than this one? Probably not. T-belt and water pump can wait a bit if you don't already have a problem with them.

I don't have any trouble with the t-belt and water pump so far, I have replaced both of them once a few years ago however. Back in the good old days of college when I had time to wrench on it

 

[Nelsonmd]

I don't have any trouble with the t-belt and water pump so far, I have replaced both of them once a few years ago however. Back in the good old days of college when I had time to wrench on it

Then you shouldn't need to replace them. They are spec'd to go 90k anyway, and a good number of guys have gone 2-3x that with no problems. These are non-interference, so if the thing snaps, you are just disabled, your engine isn't screwed. And that is a $500-700 repair when done at a shop.