Ok so the deal it's gonna cost $1500 to fix my '92 ford laser, same as this model (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trad- e-Me-Motors/Cars/Ford/laser/au- ction-369606332.htm)
Except that mine may not be in the smae condition, considering it has over 330,000km's on it. May be more, because I think the Odometer has stopped working.
Anyway, what I want to know is it worth fixing! Being a poor student, I don't have a lot of money spare. I had been thinking about getting a new car instead, probably in the range of 2-3k.
Thoughts! I'm not really too car wise, so any input is appreciated!
*edit, yes I meant "worth", not woth.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:16pm
Best to sell it as is in my opinion. Those old lasers were a really good car but they are old now, the repairs likely to cost more than the car is worth when fixed and the car is at a mileage that means it may be the beginning of more expensive problems.
With some careful thinking outside the box and some research you can get a lot more car than the laser for your 2-3K.
franc123,
Apr 21, 8:22pm
I wouldn't bother fixing the engine thats in it, get a secondhand one instead and fit that, there are still a few decent lowish k ones floating about and they are an easy one to change over.Mazda engines generally (which the Lasers is) hate being overheated and leaving the "bottom" of the engine untouched is a bit risky.It goes without saying that the radiator should be cleaned properly or replaced (the top tanks crack with time) and the cambelt done at the same time.Get the garage to price that instead, the rest of the car tends to hold together pretty well, you could still end up with a lemon if you buy another car for $3K.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 8:23pm
Yeah I had been inclined that way, I don't think it's in too bad condition for it's age, but if I was to replace rather than fix it, I would definitley want something a decent amount better.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 8:27pm
Sorry a lemon! Yeah the garage looked into another motor cos they thought that might be cheaper, but they got a quote for me and said it would be more expensive. I'm waiting to hear from the auto wreckers to see what I'll get for it.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:30pm
Might be worth auctioning on here rather than the wreckers. Those appeal to a lot of home mechanics that would likely buy it with a view to fixing it themselves.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:35pm
If you can drive a manual I would suggest going manual in that price range, both for reliability and economy. Thats not badly priced for a Toyota but I think you can do better for your money.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:42pm
Given you are a poor student I wouldn't go Legacy. Pretty much in that price range try and stay with manual since you can drive one. The most likely expensive problem with a cheap car is the automatic transmission. It also means a lot more fuel usage on older cars.
Try and stay 2WD for much the same reasons as staying manual.
Head gasket replacement can be a sign of a lack of maintenance from a previos owner. Don't rule out cars with work done like that but be weary.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 8:45pm
When I said poor I mostly meant that I didn't have a huge budget. Yeah I thought the AWD would use a fair bit of fuel, but I wasn't aware that automatics did use a signifcant amount more. Why so!
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:47pm
The thing is everyone likes to generalise like that and it makes all the obvious stuff in the price range quite expensive. However you can always do like I do and capitalise on that by buying the really good underpriced stuff that is just as cheap and easy to fix. like the 90's Fiats. Just remember though, not all Fiats are economical and cheap to fix, you need to know what you are looking for.
Stuff like the Subaru can be surprisingly expensive to repair (depending on the fault) even though its Japanese. Even parts for Toyota can be expensive.
Remember too, not all the Euro brands are cheap to fix either, you have to weigh each make/model on its own benefits.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:48pm
The vectras are always tempting but tend to require very frequent cambelt changes and have a few other annoying issues. Its not actually a Holden, they are just a re-badged European car. A German Opal to be precise.
fordcrzy,
Apr 21, 8:49pm
stay way way way way away from vectras!
they are time bombs! cam belts seem to snap way before the recommended time leaving you with an expensive bill
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:50pm
Automatics use something called a torque converter instead of a clutch. Unfortunately the torque converter wastes some of the power of the engine by design. Also auto's tend to have less gears. Some of the very new auto transmissions are quite efficient but not generally the stuff you are looking at. Also automatics should be serviced fairly regually to avoid expensive repairs. That causes two issues, usually on older cars they have not been maintained as they should and this servicing does cost.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 8:51pm
Yeah I remember Opel from Gran Turismo 2.
I guess I could probably go up to 3500, but I guess a lot of it comes down to the range in my area.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:52pm
Its a pity there was a really nice Fiat wagon in Christchurch that would have been ideal but I think it sold yesterday. Its worth considering grabbing a cheap flight or bus out of your area to get something good. That bit of extra effort can pay big dividends down the track if you get something good.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 8:55pm
Also, keep a close eye on Turners.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 9:03pm
Ok thanks. Yeah I spose I can alway try get a 50 buck flight to christchurch or whatever, it ust means I can't get it checked or test drive it first.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 9:08pm
I would suggest having a good chat on the phone about it and if it sounds good perhaps asking if they would mind dropping it to a local Fiat garage for a check over. You can always take the bus or plane back if its no good. I just think its worth while as potentially its a lot more car for less money.
thejazzpianoma,
Apr 21, 9:11pm
Also, I know those cars quite well so can give you a list of things to ask about when you call if thats of any help. I have to go for the night but if you want a list of questions etc leave a message and I will post something tomorrow. Best of luck with whatever you get.
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 9:12pm
Lazyness plus tiem contraints, very little time, mean I probably wouln't get around to this I guess.
fordcrzy,
Apr 21, 9:28pm
jeez you have CRAP taste in cars. .lucky you came in here for advice.:) yes mitsis are rubbish. ESPECIALLY ones from the 80's and 90's
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 9:32pm
Any better ideas then!
nickolaz,
Apr 21, 9:39pm
btw thats 2001 mitsi
fordcrzy,
Apr 21, 9:42pm
still bad it was the last of the 90's shape.
fordcrzy,
Apr 21, 9:49pm
stay away from wagons they fetch higher money than a sedan or hatch as poor families and surfers like them.
look at getting a 1996-2000 nissan pulsar/lucino/sentra hatch. they are bullet proof and cheap to fix. find the lowest k's best condition one you can in you area and you should get one for under 3000
something like this.370513729
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