fix it or junk it?

[thatoneguy]

My wife's car (2004 PT Cruiser, just hit 100k miles) is sick. Bad front seal, and the mechanic said at this mileage if we fix it, we may as well replace the timing belt as well.

Haven't seen the estimate yet, but it sound like $700-$800 bucks or so for the fix.

The car's been paid for for years, and I don't love the thought of another car payment, but I also don't want to throw good money after bad. Any thoughts on whether or not this is a repair worth making, or if I should donate it and look for a cheap replacement?

[Scott K]

I would think it would be worth it to repair, I am not a fan of them, but sticking a grand in it, shouldnt exceed the value of the car.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'm with 4we on this one. Even iffin you have to toss a grand into it, 100k isn't much for miles anymore. The car should last quite a while.

[chasineyes]

Fix it. Basically it's 4 payments at 250 a month. Like they said, it should last another 4 or 5 years. We replaced the timing belt on our accord at 136000 miles and are now at 245000. Kind of a trip to see how many miles you can put on now!!!

[Wanderer]

If that's all that's needing attention at this point you'll be doing well taking care of it and running the car for a while longer. If you haven't car shopped for some time, you'll be disappointed at what's out there and how much people want for it (if you go used).

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would have home give it a good once over. Checking the bell crank in the rear, lower control arm bushings, lower motor mount, wheel bearings, front and rear suspension components. If those a good than replacing the timing belt is an expected maintenance item that shouldn't have been a surprise?

[thatoneguy]

Just had the front bearings replaced about a month ago, so we're good there. I knew the timing belt was coming up soon - that's not a surprise. A little poking around on the google indicates that the front seal going is a common problem with Cruisers on this vintage...evidently there can be too much travel on the crankshaft and it pokes the seal out (or something like that).

I'm leaning towards getting it fixed, as used car inventory is terrible and prices too high up here.

[thatoneguy]

$925 for fixing two seals, replacing the timing belt, new water pump, and an oil change. There goes my tournament fishing funds 'til midsummer, but I like this a lot better than having a car payment again. Thanks for the input, all.