| Author |
Message |
Damaeus
Guest
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 Posted:
Sun Nov 28, 2004 6:33 pm Post subject:
98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
First of all, this is a guy who is in his mid-30's and only recently
learned to drive, and who admits that he knows absolutely nothing about
working on cars. He tries to convince me that I can buy a good 10-year-old
Honda for only $1100 and I'll get another 100,000 miles out of it with no
problems.
What have I had done to my Sable recently? Here's a backwards list, not
counting normal wear and tear like brakes, belts, oil changes, etc, though
I do include replacement of an oil pan gasket.
Right now it's in the shop to investigate leaking coolant. I think it
might be coming from the radiator. If not, one of the hoses and it's just
running down the air dam or something and dripping from there. Other
problem it has right now is pulsating lights, but only when running the
headlights - (all lighting -- probably the alternator going out), and the
AC compressor just started making a strange noise. The heater core is also
clogged up, so there's no heat.
11/23/2004 - 166,899 miles - No overdrive, hard shift from second to third
- Replaced valve body in the transmission and gearshift solenoid - $1,133.
11/5/2004 - 165,500 miles - Shimmy in front driver wheel at highway speeds
- Replace front brake pads and rotors, replace worn out tie rod end,
replace right front tire - $254.95
7/8/2004 - 153,737 - Overheating problem. Water pump had gone out, the
engine got hot (though not quite maxed out) and warped the heads. $838.80.
6/21/2004 - 151,259 miles - Water pump went out - $85.
6/9/2004 - 150,418 miles - Check Engine light had been on for the last
62,000 miles. I knew from my own scan tool it was an oxygen sensor. Had
it replaced and fixed some screwed up wiring for $271.27.
3/19/2004 - 134,187 miles - Oil spewing from the underside of the engine.
Replaced engine oil pan gasket - $232.11
11/1/2003 - 122,042 miles - Coolant loss due to a leaking radiator.
Replaced radiator. $371.55.
6/11/2003 - 106,647 miles - Imprecise steering, slight horizontal drift -
Replaced front left lower ball joint - $160.09.
Prior to that date, the only other work done was paid for by the dealer and
that was for the replacement of the rack in the steering mechanism. The
car was virtually undriveable it was so bad. Other dealer work was for
normal wear & tear (brakes, bulb replacements, and other things needed to
get it to pass inspection).
So in all, not counting normal maintenance costs, I've only spent $2,507.97
for 65,000 miles of driving from April 2003 until now.
For the replacement of the heater core and alternator, that's probably
another $800, then if the radiator is bad, another $400 or so, for a total
of $1200, not counting the compressor.
That said, mechanically the car runs great. It doesn't smoke, the engine
is very responsive to the gas pedal, especially after having the
transmission worked on. The only problem I do have is that I have to burn
premium gas or it clatters, but the mechanic says the inside of my engine
is exceptionally clean. It's clattered since I first bought it with
101,000 miles on it. The A/C still blows cold enough to make you exhale
fog in the middle of summer and all the electric windows and locks still
work, though in really cold weather, the front passenger window seems a
little sluggish.
The body of the car is in great shape, too. There are no dents except for
about three barely noticeable dents on the roof - probably a touch of hail
damage, but they're so hard to see that I didn't even notice them for the
first fifteen months I had the car, if they were even on there at that
time. The only complaint I have about the body is the typical yellowed,
hazy headlight lenses, but those can be replaced for $500.
So based on all that info, does it really sound like I have a heap of shit?
Or does it sound like I have a car that's in good shape overall, but some
of the parts (alternator, compressor) are just nearing the end of their
normal operating life?
I want to keep the car because I really love it a lot -- even more than the
newer models. Plus I don't want to take on a big car payment right now,
not when I'm so close to getting this one paid for. I only owe $1300 more
on it and I'm determined to keep it at least that long. I want so badly to
experience the freedom of life without a car payment once again.
So he thinks I should sell the "piece of shit" and get a car for $1,000 --
a Honda. Now what would you do? Hell, I certainly don't want to drive a
Honda. When you spend as much time behind the wheel as I do, comfort
becomes an issue. My Sable is comfortable. A Ford Focus is not. Even the
2003 Taurus I've been driving in recent days is not as comfortable as mine.
What are your words of wisdom? Yes, my Sable has drained all my last
pennies from my checking account with the most recent repair, and I'm
having to get a friend to lend me a little money to get this coolant leak
fixed, but if I can just get a month of trouble-free service out of it, I
can recover and be financially prepared for the next major repair.
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Backyard Mechanic
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Nov 28, 2004 7:45 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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Damaeus opined in news:qlajq0lllsdq7qplfh30lttb917pvhlc23@4ax.com:
| Quote: | I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
|
I agree with your friend... face it, there are just some cars and owners that
dont get along. It's a "ZEN" thing..you've had very bad luck and this isnt
JUST a "FOrd" problem in all cases.
But I strongly disagree that YOU, personally, should drive any car that isnt
covered by some sort of warranty. Honda has some lemons, too.
Strongly advise you check out all dealer and mfr incentives and buy a new
car... domestic or foreign, doesnt matter..
Research whatever you settle on before you buy.. like with google in web and
groups
Eg; BEFORE you buy a Jetta, make SURE that VW has addressed the problems
that has made it the "sucker car" of the last decade. |
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Bob Urz
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:36 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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Damaeus wrote:
| Quote: | I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
First of all, this is a guy who is in his mid-30's and only recently
learned to drive, and who admits that he knows absolutely nothing about
working on cars. He tries to convince me that I can buy a good 10-year-old
Honda for only $1100 and I'll get another 100,000 miles out of it with no
problems.
What have I had done to my Sable recently? Here's a backwards list, not
counting normal wear and tear like brakes, belts, oil changes, etc, though
I do include replacement of an oil pan gasket.
Right now it's in the shop to investigate leaking coolant. I think it
might be coming from the radiator. If not, one of the hoses and it's just
running down the air dam or something and dripping from there. Other
problem it has right now is pulsating lights, but only when running the
headlights - (all lighting -- probably the alternator going out), and the
AC compressor just started making a strange noise. The heater core is also
clogged up, so there's no heat.
11/23/2004 - 166,899 miles - No overdrive, hard shift from second to third
- Replaced valve body in the transmission and gearshift solenoid - $1,133.
11/5/2004 - 165,500 miles - Shimmy in front driver wheel at highway speeds
- Replace front brake pads and rotors, replace worn out tie rod end,
replace right front tire - $254.95
7/8/2004 - 153,737 - Overheating problem. Water pump had gone out, the
engine got hot (though not quite maxed out) and warped the heads. $838.80.
6/21/2004 - 151,259 miles - Water pump went out - $85.
6/9/2004 - 150,418 miles - Check Engine light had been on for the last
62,000 miles. I knew from my own scan tool it was an oxygen sensor. Had
it replaced and fixed some screwed up wiring for $271.27.
3/19/2004 - 134,187 miles - Oil spewing from the underside of the engine.
Replaced engine oil pan gasket - $232.11
11/1/2003 - 122,042 miles - Coolant loss due to a leaking radiator.
Replaced radiator. $371.55.
6/11/2003 - 106,647 miles - Imprecise steering, slight horizontal drift -
Replaced front left lower ball joint - $160.09.
Prior to that date, the only other work done was paid for by the dealer and
that was for the replacement of the rack in the steering mechanism. The
car was virtually undriveable it was so bad. Other dealer work was for
normal wear & tear (brakes, bulb replacements, and other things needed to
get it to pass inspection).
So in all, not counting normal maintenance costs, I've only spent $2,507.97
for 65,000 miles of driving from April 2003 until now.
For the replacement of the heater core and alternator, that's probably
another $800, then if the radiator is bad, another $400 or so, for a total
of $1200, not counting the compressor.
That said, mechanically the car runs great. It doesn't smoke, the engine
is very responsive to the gas pedal, especially after having the
transmission worked on. The only problem I do have is that I have to burn
premium gas or it clatters, but the mechanic says the inside of my engine
is exceptionally clean. It's clattered since I first bought it with
101,000 miles on it. The A/C still blows cold enough to make you exhale
fog in the middle of summer and all the electric windows and locks still
work, though in really cold weather, the front passenger window seems a
little sluggish.
The body of the car is in great shape, too. There are no dents except for
about three barely noticeable dents on the roof - probably a touch of hail
damage, but they're so hard to see that I didn't even notice them for the
first fifteen months I had the car, if they were even on there at that
time. The only complaint I have about the body is the typical yellowed,
hazy headlight lenses, but those can be replaced for $500.
So based on all that info, does it really sound like I have a heap of shit?
Or does it sound like I have a car that's in good shape overall, but some
of the parts (alternator, compressor) are just nearing the end of their
normal operating life?
I want to keep the car because I really love it a lot -- even more than the
newer models. Plus I don't want to take on a big car payment right now,
not when I'm so close to getting this one paid for. I only owe $1300 more
on it and I'm determined to keep it at least that long. I want so badly to
experience the freedom of life without a car payment once again.
So he thinks I should sell the "piece of shit" and get a car for $1,000 --
a Honda. Now what would you do? Hell, I certainly don't want to drive a
Honda. When you spend as much time behind the wheel as I do, comfort
becomes an issue. My Sable is comfortable. A Ford Focus is not. Even the
2003 Taurus I've been driving in recent days is not as comfortable as mine.
What are your words of wisdom? Yes, my Sable has drained all my last
pennies from my checking account with the most recent repair, and I'm
having to get a friend to lend me a little money to get this coolant leak
fixed, but if I can just get a month of trouble-free service out of it, I
can recover and be financially prepared for the next major repair.
|
You have fixed this much of it, you might as well keep it.
Finding a Honda for $1000 that does not need major work will
not be an easy mission. You don't think they don't break down too?
Any older car requires maintenance at some time.
Bob
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Scott
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:24 am Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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"Damaeus" <no-mail@hotmail.invalid.net> wrote in message
news:qlajq0lllsdq7qplfh30lttb917pvhlc23@4ax.com...
| Quote: | I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
First of all, this is a guy who is in his mid-30's and only recently
learned to drive, and who admits that he knows absolutely nothing about
working on cars. He tries to convince me that I can buy a good
10-year-old
Honda for only $1100 and I'll get another 100,000 miles out of it with no
problems.
|
Lots of luck finding a good honda thats 10 years old for $1100.
You said it yourself, your friend doesn't know shit about cars. |
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Damaeus
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:59 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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In news:alt.autos.ford, Bob Urz <sound@inetnebr.com> posted on Sun, 28 Nov
2004 12:36:43 -0600:
| Quote: | You have fixed this much of it, you might as well keep it.
Finding a Honda for $1000 that does not need major work will
not be an easy mission. You don't think they don't break down too?
Any older car requires maintenance at some time.
|
That's what I was thinking, too. Why would I want to spend that much on
repairs just to sell it for only $3,000 at best? And the way I see it, if
something lasted for 120,000 before wearing out, then once replaced, and if
replaced with an OEM part, it should theoretically last about the same
amount of time.
Damaeus |
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Damaeus
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:59 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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In news:alt.autos.ford, Backyard Mechanic <pettyfog@Yaywho.com> posted on
Sun, 28 Nov 2004 14:45:20 GMT:
| Quote: | Damaeus opined in news:qlajq0lllsdq7qplfh30lttb917pvhlc23@4ax.com:
I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
I agree with your friend... face it, there are just some cars and owners that
dont get along. It's a "ZEN" thing..you've had very bad luck and this isnt
JUST a "FOrd" problem in all cases.
|
I was thinking it was just high mileage and parts are just wearing down.
It would be the same thing with ANY car, wouldn't it?
| Quote: | Eg; BEFORE you buy a Jetta, make SURE that VW has addressed the problems
that has made it the "sucker car" of the last decade.
|
No way will I drive a Jetta. It's too damned small.
Damaeus |
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Tiger
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:53 am Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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Damaeus wrote:
| Quote: | I have a friend who keeps nagging me to get rid of my "heap of shit" 1998
Sable because of all the repairs I've had performed on it lately.
First of all, this is a guy who is in his mid-30's and only recently
learned to drive, and who admits that he knows absolutely nothing about
working on cars. He tries to convince me that I can buy a good 10-year-old
Honda for only $1100 and I'll get another 100,000 miles out of it with no
problems.
Snip |
As a 151,000 mile 1996 Taurus GL wagon owner I'm in the same boat. Two
weeks ago I made my last car payment on the used car I bought because my
Rx7 died. The list of stuff to fix had convinced my to start car
shopping again. And then....... I got fired on the 5th. Need less to say
the shopping plans are on hold. While I wouldn't call it a POS, I would
prefer something else easier to fix and cheaper to deal with. I'd ditch
the Sable! |
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Damaeus
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:31 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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In news:alt.autos.ford, Tiger <Lana_sands@hotmail.com> posted on Mon, 29
Nov 2004 21:53:10 GMT:
| Quote: | As a 151,000 mile 1996 Taurus GL wagon owner I'm in the same boat. Two
weeks ago I made my last car payment on the used car I bought because my
Rx7 died. The list of stuff to fix had convinced my to start car
shopping again. And then....... I got fired on the 5th. Need less to say
the shopping plans are on hold. While I wouldn't call it a POS, I would
prefer something else easier to fix and cheaper to deal with. I'd ditch
the Sable!
|
I don't think general repairs are all that expensive. But warped heads and
a screwed up transmission aren't "general" repairs. Oh, and my radiator
does have a leak. $490 to replace it.
Damaeus |
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Jonathan Grobe
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Dec 01, 2004 2:51 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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On 2004-11-28, Damaeus <no-mail@hotmail.invalid.net> wrote:
| Quote: |
What are your words of wisdom? Yes, my Sable has drained all my last
pennies from my checking account with the most recent repair, and I'm
having to get a friend to lend me a little money to get this coolant leak
fixed, but if I can just get a month of trouble-free service out of it, I
can recover and be financially prepared for the next major repair.
|
I am wondering if you are choosing a high priced approach to car
repair: new car dealers are high-priced for labor and using new
original equipment parts from them is expensive. Instead use an independent
mechanic. You can shop around yourself for auto parts (and frequently
used parts are a good choice). (for example I know if I needed an
alternator I would get a rebuilt one.) Many auto repairs you can
do yourself.
--
Jonathan Grobe Books
Browse our inventory of thousands of used books at:
http://www.grobebooks.com |
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wrenchmonkey
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Dec 10, 2004 4:51 pm Post subject:
Re: 98 Sable - Replace a Car or Keep Fixing It? |
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The coolant leak I'd be watchful of. Lemme tell you... I happen to have
just changed the transmission lines on a '97 Sable with 127,000 miles
(Vulcan motor). The car has had it's problems, they all do, but I could
never complain about the car overall. The sad part of this is that as
soon as I finished the trans line problemo, (Ford redesign evident in the
overhaul kit) the head gasket was a goner. Sooo... there I was, into the
motor. Not an afternoon picnic for sure. I was amazed at the condition
of the cylinder walls and the overall cleanliness of this motor. It's
back together and I'll fire it up later today. I'm keepin' it and I'm
sure it'll get to the 200k mark soon. |
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