I was working on my old Nissan Pathfinder all day yesterday and a minor repair turned into a lot of work.

 

It started out as a squealing belt. No problem, I got a set of belts and when I was installing them I noticed that the harmonic balancer (crank pulley) was loose and wobbling. So the squealing belt was, in fact, the harmonic balancer. No problem. Off comes the radiator, and the fan to pull the harmonic balancer. But hey, it has 180,000 miles on it - I should replace the timing belt while I've got everything apart. So off comes accessory brackets and the timing belt covers. Hmmmmm - the water pump should probably be replaced too because if it fails, I have to remove the timing belt to access it. So off with the water pump! All in all, I replaced:

 

Belts

Hoses

Radiator (old one corroded but not leaking, yet)

Harmonic balancer

Timing belt

Timing belt tensioner

Water pump

Thermostat

Alternator (it was the original, working but what the heck - it was cheap)

 

All the parts ran under $500 and I think the truck is all set for the winter.

 

My wife was teasing me saying that I keep cars around too long, but I do all repairs and like not having any car payments. She doesn't care as long as they don't break down and leave her stranded. (that's why I tend to replace things before they go bad - think airplane maintenance.....)

 

In any case - how long do you keep them and do you fix 'em yourself?

I just replaced my 92 Toyota Camry wagon with 218k miles after the trans fried on our last trip back from Montreal.The car saw 41 trips to Canada as well as moving boxes and furniture from 2 moves and rubbing mirrors with hundreds of NYC Taxis.

However trans for that model was prohibitively expensive so I scrapped her. Now getting used to a Jetta wagon with all the bells and whistles and a lot less room.

I just replaced my 92 Toyota Camry wagon with 218k miles after the trans fried on our last trip back from Montreal.The car saw 41 trips to Canada as well as moving boxes and furniture from 2 moves and rubbing mirrors with hundreds of NYC Taxis.

However trans for that model was prohibitively expensive so I scrapped her. Now getting used to a Jetta wagon with all the bells and whistles and a lot less room.

 

Wow, Duppie...your post definitely brought back some good memories for me!

 

From about the late 80's to present all my parents bought were Toyota's. When I got my first car, my mom bought a new Rav4 and I got her 93 Camry wagon with 211,000 miles on it. It was a great first car...lots of space for friends and stuff to cram in the back! The tranny went when I was coming home from school about a year after I started driving it with about 226,000 miles on it. We decided the same thing, it was gonna be expensive to fix it so we sold it. But man, I had so many good times in that car...even when I was little I remember every year I would go on road trips with my parents up and down the east coast.

Well let's see. It's kinda mixed for me. I started driving in HS in the late 90's... my first car was an '83 Jeep which was half rusted out.... then a '91 Taurus which didn't last to 100k miles..... then a '95 Jetta which had electrical problems out the wazoo.... which brought me up to my '06 Scion tC which I had for 5 1/2 years... Bought a '98 Corolla from my Brother-in-Law as well... Then I bought my Hyundai Sonata in January. The jeep my family had for like 14 years. I killed the Taurus in 2001 - it was 10 years old, then the had the Jetta for 4 years, tC for 5.5. Corolla for 2 (Totaled in an accident), then traded in the tC for the Hyundai.

 

I'd like to keep my cars for longer but if repairs start costing out the wazoo (Transmissions and such), then I'll trade 'em in.

Wow, Duppie...your post definitely brought back some good memories for me!

 

From about the late 80's to present all my parents bought were Toyota's. When I got my first car, my mom bought a new Rav4 and I got her 93 Camry wagon with 211,000 miles on it. It was a great first car...lots of space for friends and stuff to cram in the back! The tranny went when I was coming home from school about a year after I started driving it with about 226,000 miles on it. We decided the same thing, it was gonna be expensive to fix it so we sold it. But man, I had so many good times in that car...even when I was little I remember every year I would go on road trips with my parents up and down the east coast.

That Camry was great for traveling,smuggling and flying under the radar and once took us home from Queens NYC back to East Brunswick on 3 cylinders at Highway speeds when a plug blew out. Did a tuneup and she still got 32 mpg and didn't have another problem till the trans went.

Usually do everything myself.

 

Current veh i have had for almost 4 yrs now. 2004 Acura TSX. Thing is reliable as hell aside from a little burning of oil (VTEC engines tend to do that a little plus i think the person prior to me abused it a little with not changing the oil).

 

My 1st car was a beat 92 civic in highschool. Had that for about 3 yrs. Picked up a 00 Civic SI (that was my toy) which was a track car and where i really learned the ins and outs of working on cars. Found out I was having a child so sold that thing for a 01 Nissan Pathfinder but was so bored with that thing, i traded it in the next year for the TSX.

 

This is the longest I have had a car and plan on keeping it to continue to commute with. Thing is nice as hell, handles great (slightly lowered) esp with good tires, its even great in the snow.

 

I do eventually plan on picking up a 4x4 beater for the winter and hopefully in a few years a new toy (S4/M3/335i)...

Still have our '00 MPV and '01 Focus, though I just got a 2012 Sportage SX for myself.

Wheres the "When the lease is up" Selection?????

My thing is, for work, I do around 20k/year so 6 years is about it before the repairs start killing me.

 

For my wife's car and my truck, they're paid off. My wife's old Honda was a 92 Civic. 37k miles when we sold it. We bought a new 2008 Civic in March 2008 and it's got 13k miles on it. We paid it off right away. My truck is from my Step dad, bought it with 58k on it. It's a 2004 with 60k miles on it now. I will keep that for as long as I can keep it on the road and since I do 1-3k miles a year in it, that should be quite a long time.

 

I do all the minor work myself. I used to build race engines 20 years ago, so I know how it all works but I don't have the shop I used to have, nor do I have the time. Besides, I changed a timing belt on my 86 ford Tempo with transverse mounted 4cyl. I swore to myself about halfway through that I would never ever do that again. So far I've kept my oath.

I have my Subaru WRX wagon now for 11 years. It's my commuter/beater car now. Only had to replace the alternator, and just a few weeks ago the steering rack. About $1800 in repair costs over its lifetime to date. I do normal maintenance myself, but other stuff like the timing belt/water pump I pay the mechanic for. Same goes for transmission fluid changes as I don't have the flushing machine , nor do I want to deal with disposal of the fluid.

 

I also have a 06' G35 that is a garage/fair weather queen. It still looks and drives like brand new.

 

As much as I'd love to have a new car every 4-5 years, I just can't justify the loss. The longer you can keep a car going with minimal repair costs.. the better value you get.

 

For the WRX, I've calculated with all maintenance and repairs including tires, that so far over the life of the car it comes out to $278 per month. For every month that I keep it, that number edges down , of course barring unforeseen repairs. If repairs do start eating into that long term value, time for a new one.

I have a 92 Isuzu Trooper with 110k miles that is currently out of commission. The timing belt slipped when I was hauling pavers and rocks on a Home Depot run. I was going to donate it but my 8 yr old son asked me not to. He has gotten attached to it since it was out outdoors vehicle (camping/fishing/off-roading). I'm having it fixed in a month or so to keep it going. It still starts on the first turn of the ignition.

 

For my daily driver, I have a 4 yr old Subaru Impreza wagon. It's great for snow and it's known to be durable. I'm driving it for a few more years until my oldest daughter is ready to own it. She does need to learn how to drive stick.

I have my Subaru WRX wagon now for 11 years.

 

My 08 WRX Sedan is my daily driver, I'm concerned about the Turbo once it's out of the extended 100k warranty. I don't drive it hard(much), I change the oil 2500-3k religiously and it's bone stock. I think when 100k rolls around I'm dumping it so that I still get some value out of it.

It all depends on how the car/truck is running, Last year I god rid of a 99 Mercury Tracer that was still in perfect condition but the wife wanted a 2011 Mustang convertible and I like the Mustang better anyway and they were just hitting the dealers and has one configured the way we wanted.

 

This year got rid on my 2002 Explorer and picked up a 2011 Escape, more for the better gas mileage and the 02 was starting to have a few issues and wanted to get rid of it before it nickeled and dined me to death.

 

My other car is my daily driver, a 2006 Toyota Matrix, runs well, decent gas mileage and will keep it another year or 2 as long as it's not in need of repairs.

 

Now my bikes, well I keep them forever, I have a 2008 Harley Ultra, and I use that the most and will rebuild it when it needs it. My other bike is an 1983 Harley Shovel, and she will be around forever also, will rebuild change her around probably a couple more time before I pass it down to my daughter, but that won't be happening for another 30 or 40 years if I last that long.

 

Overall, the vehicles produced today last a lot longer than what was being produced in the past, I remember if you kept a vehicle past 100K you were going to be putting money into them, these days, I wouldn;t have a problem buying a used vehicle with 100K.

Pretty much I look at the cost of upkeep. If it is costing me $$ every month to keep on the road or the cost of the yearly repairs approaches a car payment, I get something new.

 

It also depends on what I am doing with the car. If I was offroading it, well then it was a hobby, so it doesn't count. If it was one of the plow trucks, It's cheaper to fix then get a new truck etc..

I drive them INTO the ground if at all possible. When I'm done with it, it's done done.

My 08 WRX Sedan is my daily driver, I'm concerned about the Turbo once it's out of the extended 100k warranty. I don't drive it hard(much), I change the oil 2500-3k religiously and it's bone stock. I think when 100k rolls around I'm dumping it so that I still get some value out of it.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the turbo. My friend had 220K on his 05' WRX with the original turbo, he sold it since but not b/c it was broken or anything.

 

Also, the turbo pretty easy to change, and you get them rebuilt or swapped as a core, so its not too expensive. My WRX has been modded since 10K miles (has 110K now). VF30 turbo, STI injectors, larger intercooler, full exhaust except headers, walbro fuel pump, and of course ECU reprogramming /tune.

 

I've been doing 6,000-7,000 mile oil changes using synthetic oil for the past 5 years or so, usually Amsoil synthetic XL oil with Amsoil Ea filters. Once in awhile I'll use Penzoil Platinum synthetic if I don't have Amsoil around. My friend who had 220K on his was doing 10,000 mile oil changes since he was doing mostly highway.

1990 Geo Prizm (Toyota Corolla). Everytime I think I can part with it I realise that the amount of money and time it has taken to keep it running is about 2% the cost of a new car.

If the clutch goes I will be doing nothing to fix it if the price is way out there. Most else is fair game. So far my most remarkable repair, as far as my family is concerned, is the relining of the roof liner that had been drooping.

 

I am most happy with the complete dashboard breakdown and replacement of hoses and environmental controls.

 

If, and I mean IF, it takes on the appearance of one of those forever dusty looking rust-buckets that you see of cars that age I might have to let it go just on looks. But I keep the paint up and touch up the scratches as best I can.

If, and I mean IF, it takes on the appearance of one of those forever dusty looking rust-buckets that you see of cars that age I might have to let it go just on looks. But I keep the paint up and touch up the scratches as best I can.

 

If it gets to that point, man, just spray paint it and have some fun with it

Wheres the "When the lease is up" Selection?????

 

That would be the "less than three" or the "four to five" category. I think most leases nowadays are 36 months to keep the payments low low low. And you get the "best years" out of the vehicle as nothing should go wrong within 36 months! That would probably qualify as the "where's the hood release" repair option. Ahhhhhh - the smell of a new car. Haven't enjoyed that for 11 years........

 

If it gets to that point, man, just spray paint it and have some fun with it

 

A rattle can camo paint job on a Prizm would be interesting.........

 

I generally keep them for as long as possible, but a major repair (trans or internal engine work) when it has over 150K will cause me to ditch them.

 

Like I mentioned before, I maintain my cars like an aircraft. Normal wear and tear items like alternators, water pumps, fuel pumps, hoses, belts and batteries get replaced before they fail. I just sold a 1994 minivan with 210,000 miles to a lucky guy who will take advantage of the alternator, starter, radiator, water pump, fuel pump and every single belt and hose that were installed at 200,000 miles. I just didn't need the van anymore, but it drove like brand new. No leaks, squeaks or rattles.

 

I also do things like head gaskets, bearings, oil pumps, and rebuilding transmissions. But the last transmission I rebuilt (from the junkyard) was installed by a garage since I'm getting older and can't muscle things around by myself like I could when I was younger.

 

The Pathfinder was my brothers and he gave it to me a few years ago. I maintained it for him since new, so it is in good shape. At this point (180K) I'd have to think real hard if the transmission went or if the engine puked a piston or something.

 

I do make sure my beaters look fine. No dents, no rust holes - just old.

 

Looking at the poll, it seems a lot of us think alike!

1990 Geo Prizm (Toyota Corolla). Everytime I think I can part with it I realise that the amount of money and time it has taken to keep it running is about 2% the cost of a new car.

If the clutch goes I will be doing nothing to fix it if the price is way out there. Most else is fair game. So far my most remarkable repair, as far as my family is concerned, is the relining of the roof liner that had been drooping.

 

I am most happy with the complete dashboard breakdown and replacement of hoses and environmental controls.

 

If, and I mean IF, it takes on the appearance of one of those forever dusty looking rust-buckets that you see of cars that age I might have to let it go just on looks. But I keep the paint up and touch up the scratches as best I can.

 

If you've kept it running this long, the clutch will not be difficult to do, honest.

Usually the term of the lease. I think the longest I have ever kept a car was about 6 years because it was a classic and now I regret that I sold it.

As long as I feel like. I'm a mechanic, so repairs are dirt cheap for me. I do everything needed.

 

I have an '05 Ranger for a DD, and it's so new that it hasn't given me any problems besides an alternator. I'll probably keep it until it dies.

 

My other vehicles are old and paid for as well. I don't like car payments. I like old cars. They have character.

I TRY to keep the cars as long as I can, at least that's my intention. However, I get the itch to get a new or different car every 3 years. So I would say my average is 3 years. I tried the 3 year lease thing a couple times, but that didn't work for me.

I drive them INTO the ground if at all possible. When I'm done with it, it's done done.

 

Sounds like me! I have a bunch of cars/trucks. Depending on what needs to be done to them I either do it or have a local friend of the family do it. I spend enough time with maintaining two race cars, the street stuff is a PITA to work on for the most part!

What's a hood release? :fugg:

My Vett in my profile pic? Swapped out the tranny and rebuilt the engine. And along with my dad (who is also super into cars) I bent lines for the fuel and brake systems, rebuilt the front and rear suspension, drive train and electrical systems. Of course, since I got married and moved to Jersey City and moved into an apartment, I drive a Subaru now....

My Vett in my profile pic? Swapped out the tranny and rebuilt the engine. And along with my dad (who is also super into cars) I bent lines for the fuel and brake systems, rebuilt the front and rear suspension, drive train and electrical systems. Of course, since I got married and moved to Jersey City and moved into an apartment, I drive a Subaru now....

 

Looks like a nice 'vette!

 

One of the reasons why I try and do all work is to make sure it is done right. When I rebuilt the tranny on my minivan, I spent several hundred dollars in special tools required to do the job. I did end up saving some money on the job even after paying a garage to R&R the old tranny, but I knew the job was done correctly. Last time I had a trans rebuilt by a shop, it had to go back twice before they got it right -and even then, I didn't trust the car anymore.

 

Looks like subaru's are pretty popular here. I drive a 2005 Forester provided by my company. It's never given me trouble. It has 115K on it now and I think it's time for a timing belt and water pump. It doesn't look too difficult but that belt must be pretty long with the boxer engine configuation.

If it gets to that point, man, just spray paint it and have some fun with it

 

Now that's an idea. This kid I knew in high school had a Judas Priest "Screaming for Vengeance" eagle on the hood. That would be awesome!!! ; )

Or some Peter Max, or some desert camo. Now you got me thinking!

 

If you've kept it running this long, the clutch will not be difficult to do, honest.

 

I think it is more for the tooling up. Years ago I got a compression gauge for the motorcycle and as good as it is to have that, I only have one motorcycle so I have checked all of two cylinders with it. Not much of an ROI. So for the car clutch I would have to invest in getting the car up off the ground to work on. Also, the Clymer's and Haynes manuals for this car are the worst I have seen. They doubled it up with the Nova. Very confusing.

 

I am all set to take the engine off the bike and change all the gaskets plus it'sclutch come Spring.