Car Repair Question -- To fix or not to fix?

**Preston** · 07-29-2009, 09:07 AM

Tie rod ends and front suspension was one of the first things I looked at yesterday when I got it on the jacks. That part of the car is fine.

I do not know if the gas tank itself is what is leaking or the gasket -- it ONLY leaks when I have a full tank (the auto-vapor shutoff doesn't work ) so I keep less than a half a tank in the car and I don't smell any fumes.

I'm definately not a certified mechanic but my brother was for a while. Along with this I have owned enough crappy cars to learn my way around the basics of it.

That car has lasted me 3000 miles so far but if it dies tomorrow I won't be all that upset.

Also, in its current condition my car gets about 33.5 mpg (I've filled up the gas tank three times and calculated mileage)

So it is very good on fuel despite the leak.

Remember, I got this car for a hundred bucks. I do not really care about it beyond getting by with it for the time being, when I have to.

**frugalwarrior** · 07-29-2009, 10:20 AM

Peston,that said. Fix the tank,check the frame the best you can and drive that sucker into the blessed ground.

**monkeywrangler71** · 07-29-2009, 10:34 AM

I know you talked about going car free in the past, you don't really need a car, do you? Are you driving it because you have to, or are you driving it because it's conveniently sitting there in your driveway? Personally, if I were in your position, I'd sell it. You paid a hundred, put another 3 in it, someone out there will give you 5. Pocket the profit and stick with the bike.

**Charles C** · 07-29-2009, 12:37 PM

Just lost a whole post, well I'll move on the grandkids been using this for toontowns things this morning.

I can fix that car, and I spread my repairs over periods of time but no, would never drive it with a gas tank leaking or bad tierod.

Just trying to make a point being frugal isn't buying something sinking 300 dollars into it, and then scrapping it.

I don't consider buying new cars at this point. Only an electric one at a great price would lure me.

Have a Taurus that I've maintained for 5 years for next to nothing, that my son gave me after the insurance totaled it, and he paid $1000.00, for it knowing I needed something to take 6 grandkids around in. Fixed the electrical problems, and front bumper, and fender problems and maintained it for all this time for a very small amount of money.

Would like to trade my gas mileage for what a Cavalier gets. Have a good day

**Preston** · 07-29-2009, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

I know you talked about going car free in the past, you don't really need a car, do you? Are you driving it because you have to, or are you driving it because it's conveniently sitting there in your driveway? Personally, if I were in your position, I'd sell it. You paid a hundred, put another 3 in it, someone out there will give you 5. Pocket the profit and stick with the bike.

I am car lite at this point. I am able to run errands on my bike and get around fine without the car -- except the fact that we have been getting killed with overtime at work and biking 20-40 miles each day on top of working 56 hours a week is taking its toll on me.

There are other issues such as the fact that I am very active in our union at work and I spend extra time there was well, on top of all the overtime.

I am currently doing at minimum 100 miles a week on the bike. Right now that is proving to be enough for me.

**mauimagic** · 07-29-2009, 12:51 PM

most interesting thread....... fix what you can for safety sake, then let it die a natural death.

**Charles C** · 07-29-2009, 01:55 PM

mauimagics philosophy on car repairs, might be the same as a customer of mine, I bought a Station Wagon from years ago. He owned a Hardware Store, and was the Chairman of the Board of a local bank.

He said to me, if it isn't broke don't fix it. He was rigidly true to this principle, a little too much for me.

When I bought the vehicle from him, it was so overpowered it was the last ticket I ever recieved for speeding. Didn't have any idea how fast I was going in the big heavy thing. Powerful motor and smooth ride, two things I avoid these days.

I personally hypermile in my driving habits, and if the car runs a bit rough so much the better. Reminds me I'm going too fast.

I do maintain my vehicles, just not as often as the book calls for. Also keep all my tires inflated correctly.

Don't carry too many tools around with me when I drive as it adds weilght that lowers my miles per gallon, however, I always carry a tire pluging kit, and a small pump, that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

I admire Preston for even being able to bike 20-40 miles each day. Anyone else up to that, uh not me. Guess he'll have a problem finding the time for car repairs.

**Charles C** · 08-01-2009, 12:05 AM

Posting on a dead subject. But my philosophy would be on that car fix the tank, and a little at a time I would keep it maintained if I need wheels. That mileage is amazing. Everything in life is a bit of a gamble, but with the track record of prestons expierence so far with the car, I wouldn't put my whole wad in at one time, would just do a bit at a time. Would really have a friend or someone help me find the gas tank leak.

Just in case someone stumbles across this post.