Honda parts are NOT dirt cheap or even "cheap" for that matter. At least not around here. Just sayin'....
Thinking of getting rid of my car....
Plate expired so it's ready to switch to RI plates....problem is getting it ready for inspection.
I crunched all the numbers surrounding repairs that's needed for it to pass. The repairs include:
-Replace windshield: $210
-Leaking radiator hose: can fix myself, but part will cost $10
-Just found out the cooling fans aren't working...another new problem...inquiring about price at the moment
-Car is starting to sputter and die during cold starts....this was spontaneous and started yesterday
-Speedo is still not working...using a GPS as a "replacement."
-Headlight switch still needs to be dealt with...I can check on that myself.
Looking at this, I'm sure it has to be something with the electrical wiring since the fans or the speedo isn't working. I'm mostly worried about the speedo since from how it looks like, the whole dash has to be removed just to get to it...and if I have to have someone else do it, I'm sure because of labor the entire job is going to hit the $1000 mark.
The car just seems to be losing its dependability. I look at the car's value ($645 for 'fair' condition via kbb). When I first got it, it was in excellent condition (roughly worth $1200). Now it just started falling apart. Things started happening in June, roughly two months since I got the car. Since then, I already spent $1000 on the car in repairs. The money I have to spend will easily double from what I currently spent on it if the worst situation decides to present itself. I figured if it is still worth going on and keep spending money on the car or just sell it for what it's worth, and buy another used car that's a lot cheaper to maintain and better gas mileage (for some reason, this FWD 4-cyl stanza has the same highway mileage as my Z32....)
I began looking in craigslist for a Honda CRX 5-spd....my current garage is tiny and entrance to it is cramped so I figured a tiny car would be perfect. I figured a semi-stock, fairly good condition one would suffice. The HF models easily 50mpg so I thought it would be great. Not going to rice it out, just started to take an interest in hot hatches. Parts should be dirt cheap too...
Before I come to a decision, I always thought it would be better to get some guidance first, hence why I posted. I understand we spend a lot of money on our Zs, and I'm planning to do that as well with my S30. I just need some reliable transportation that's easy to park (CRXs are tiny I can squeeze them anywhere).
I crunched all the numbers surrounding repairs that's needed for it to pass. The repairs include:
-Replace windshield: $210
-Leaking radiator hose: can fix myself, but part will cost $10
-Just found out the cooling fans aren't working...another new problem...inquiring about price at the moment
-Car is starting to sputter and die during cold starts....this was spontaneous and started yesterday
-Speedo is still not working...using a GPS as a "replacement."
-Headlight switch still needs to be dealt with...I can check on that myself.
Looking at this, I'm sure it has to be something with the electrical wiring since the fans or the speedo isn't working. I'm mostly worried about the speedo since from how it looks like, the whole dash has to be removed just to get to it...and if I have to have someone else do it, I'm sure because of labor the entire job is going to hit the $1000 mark.
The car just seems to be losing its dependability. I look at the car's value ($645 for 'fair' condition via kbb). When I first got it, it was in excellent condition (roughly worth $1200). Now it just started falling apart. Things started happening in June, roughly two months since I got the car. Since then, I already spent $1000 on the car in repairs. The money I have to spend will easily double from what I currently spent on it if the worst situation decides to present itself. I figured if it is still worth going on and keep spending money on the car or just sell it for what it's worth, and buy another used car that's a lot cheaper to maintain and better gas mileage (for some reason, this FWD 4-cyl stanza has the same highway mileage as my Z32....)
I began looking in craigslist for a Honda CRX 5-spd....my current garage is tiny and entrance to it is cramped so I figured a tiny car would be perfect. I figured a semi-stock, fairly good condition one would suffice. The HF models easily 50mpg so I thought it would be great. Not going to rice it out, just started to take an interest in hot hatches. Parts should be dirt cheap too...
Before I come to a decision, I always thought it would be better to get some guidance first, hence why I posted. I understand we spend a lot of money on our Zs, and I'm planning to do that as well with my S30. I just need some reliable transportation that's easy to park (CRXs are tiny I can squeeze them anywhere).
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An alternator for a 1995 Honda civic runs for $120.00 MSRP compared to my stanza's $156.00. Not much of a difference I know...and yes, you're right. Not DIRT cheap....CRX alternators run for $100. This is just an example BTW I know some parts differentiate from others.
It just seems that this car has more problems than my Z32.
It just seems that this car has more problems than my Z32.
I got rid of my 71 240Z because I couldn't afford to do anything to the car that I wanted/needed to do and figured that a few years from now when the house is payed off, i'll get another one and do it up right. There is nothing more aggrevating on a daily basis than un-reliability in a car that NEEDS to start every morning, and won't.
Get a Honda, they seem to be the most relkiable on the roads.
Get a Honda, they seem to be the most relkiable on the roads.
Since I was 16 I've owned a 78 280z, a 79 280zx, an 83 280zxt, an 85 300zx, a 300zxt, and an 89 300zx. I've never had problems with reliability or afford-ability in parts. Between the time I had my license and 23 I had bought over 32 vehicles. I bought from auctions and sometimes just did something as simple as an interior clean and doubled my profit. It was the main source of income when I was in school.
I guess my point is, look at what you're buying. Listen, inspect over and underneath. You should never buy lemon. And as long as you inspect well you should know exactly what needs to be replaced. I have NEVER bought a vehicle that brought me some unexpected problems. Maybe it is just luck, but I have owned a lot of vehicles to date (50+), and never had major problems with any and I feel it is due to good pre- purchase inspections..
I guess my point is, look at what you're buying. Listen, inspect over and underneath. You should never buy lemon. And as long as you inspect well you should know exactly what needs to be replaced. I have NEVER bought a vehicle that brought me some unexpected problems. Maybe it is just luck, but I have owned a lot of vehicles to date (50+), and never had major problems with any and I feel it is due to good pre- purchase inspections..
Well the Stanza has been with the family for 10 years....and sat for 4. I'm not surprised it fell apart as it did.
Here in the northeast though, its tough to find a car without rust. The CRX I found has some panel rust, but I'm gonna check the undercarriage to make sure.
I arrived at a decision: I'm selling the car for $750 firm. If I add that to what I currently have I can get a decent car.
Here in the northeast though, its tough to find a car without rust. The CRX I found has some panel rust, but I'm gonna check the undercarriage to make sure.
I arrived at a decision: I'm selling the car for $750 firm. If I add that to what I currently have I can get a decent car.
If you focused some effort on the Z, you would be rewarded. It sounds like your job doesn't allow for that and you have insufficient tools and work space. Sell it for what you can, get a reliable, high mpg hupti, and save up for a Z that you can live with.
Nick
Nick
That's the plan...The CRX offers awesome mileage, and the light weight makes it fun. On the times I occasionally have to do deliveries, I can have fun whipping the CRX around city streets. It has just enough power to be peppy. I'll do some mild stuff on it, then save up to fix the Z. Then I'll have two fun cars to drive.SpeedNick said:If you focused some effort on the Z, you would be rewarded. It sounds like your job doesn't allow for that and you have insufficient tools and work space. Sell it for what you can, get a reliable, high mpg hupti, and save up for a Z that you can live with.
Nick
Sounds like you need a job. Affording a Z is not expensive unless you are living pay check to pay check. It is only worth $100-300 if a rust bucket so $750 may not be realistic.
I have a job, rent out a 3 bedroom house, and pay off everything else. While I admit I do live paycheck to paycheck at the moment, I'm actively looking for a new job. Market's tough, but I actually got an interview scheduled for tomorrow.
While I do agree Zs are not expensive, I have to spend money just to ship it over....this is before spending money on repairs. The stanza isn't really a rust bucket. The body is straight and is from California so there is not a lot of rust. It's the car's first winter so the frame should still be intact. I'm only highballing because I know they will negotiate a lower price.
Give me some credit here, most college grads go back home...and do nothing.
While I do agree Zs are not expensive, I have to spend money just to ship it over....this is before spending money on repairs. The stanza isn't really a rust bucket. The body is straight and is from California so there is not a lot of rust. It's the car's first winter so the frame should still be intact. I'm only highballing because I know they will negotiate a lower price.
Give me some credit here, most college grads go back home...and do nothing.
What's your major? Location?chaosdrifter06 said:I have a job, rent out a 3 bedroom house, and pay off everything else. While I admit I do live paycheck to paycheck at the moment, I'm actively looking for a new job. Market's tough, but I actually got an interview scheduled for tomorrow.
Give me some credit here, most college grads go back home...and do nothing.
Your ideas lack a logical foundation and disregard long term consideration. You will get no such 'blessing' from me. (A common-day pragmatic lifestyle is that of an ignoramus. Just look at the our economy for evidence...)
Fix what you have THE RIGHT WAY and do your PMCS in the future.
IMO, you have little understanding of life IF you are serious about your proposition. (There are VERY few exceptions to this statement.) Been there, made that mistake; PM me if you care to know and I will share.
Fix what you have THE RIGHT WAY and do your PMCS in the future.
IMO, you have little understanding of life IF you are serious about your proposition. (There are VERY few exceptions to this statement.) Been there, made that mistake; PM me if you care to know and I will share.
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