How old is too old for a vehicle...?

[mtbazz]

Have a 1997 dodge ram 2500 4x4 with 104k miles on it, purchased new in 1996 so this truck is now almost 17 years old...

Its not my daily driver (I have a 4runner for that), but instead is only used maybe once a month or so for picking up lumber or hauling large objects around.

Had one large repair for this last year when the fuel rail needed replacing (an $800.00 repair), and am thinking it might be time to think about getting rid of it for fear the repairs are just going to be more frequent and more costly...working on this myself is not an option (no time, no tools, not mechanically inclined).

Thoughts/Suggestions?

 

[exploziv]

When they cost more to repair and mantain than a newer car would. You should consider replacing the car before the next large repair.
I don't think there is a threshold for that, based on the age of the car. I drove 8-10 years old cars that worked like they were rolling for the last time on their wheels, and drove 20 y.o. cars that worked like a tank on it's first day out of the factory. Here in Europe, german cars are pretty reliable. With proper care any good car should get to the 20 y.o. mark, or even over it.

 

[Puffaluffagus]

I lived up the street for years from a family of mechanics, they maintained all their own cars.
They have cars that are over 20 years old that still look brand new.


I thought this thread was about when is it time to take the keys from grandpa.
My dad is 73 and still rides Harley's, scares me to death, I plead with him to give it up every year, but he won't listen.

 

[Littleleaf]

My 96 Dodge has 325,000 miles on it and still runs great. The only major repair was the training because I pull real heavy loads. Preventive maintenance is the key to keeping any vehicle running for a very long time.
oil changes,injector cleaner ever other tank full(Lucas is the best)air filter,and lots of grease in all front end parts and drive shaft.

All vehicles run on used parts...

 

[PoopyTeaBags]

Have a 1997 dodge ram 2500 4x4 with 104k miles on it, purchased new in 1996 so this truck is now almost 17 years old...

Its not my daily driver (I have a 4runner for that), but instead is only used maybe once a month or so for picking up lumber or hauling large objects around.

Had one large repair for this last year when the fuel rail needed replacing (an $800.00 repair), and am thinking it might be time to think about getting rid of it for fear the repairs are just going to be more frequent and more costly...working on this myself is not an option (no time, no tools, not mechanically inclined).

Thoughts/Suggestions?

ill buy it...

 

[BudToaster]

i'd say when the person claims someone shot at them on blank street, and that's why the passenger side mirror is broken (but Frank will fix it just fine), and you go over to the passenger side of the car, and the entire side of the car has been sliced like with a knife. Magic bullet indeed! More likely a cannon ball or RPG.

(say, is this not the thread topic?)

 

[HOPS5K]

just got myself a used ride last year actually...it's almost a 20 year old ride, but for the price it was great..reliable, powerful V8, low miles, and gets me where I need to go...great on gas on the road for sure where I can go anywhere within 4 hours away and get back on the same tank.

didn't have a ride for like 7 years until last summer when I finally got enough money to buy something for myself again..I love my ride, call him Moses because he set me free..lol

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Depends on the vehicle... some break down more expensively than others...

'93 subaru here...

Runs like a champ with well over 200k on it. I have no reverse, the electronic choke doesn't work so she doesn't like to start easy and the interlocks between the starter and the key are messed up... so she has to be started from the engine compartment 90% of the time. LOL

Once warmed up she starts and runs like a champ, no hitches or glitches. The only real money I put into it was brake pads and a new battery, starter, alternator.

AT 10,000 feet up... Subies are very handy, especially in the snow. People in SUV's in the mountains make me laugh... I have WAY more traction and control than they do. LOL


Not bad for an $800 car. We love her very much.

Stay Safe!

 

[xmobotx]

no doubt hydro; subys are a staple here

my 89 blazer doesnt have reverse either its a rattly old thing though ~defo too old

something about just knowing its going to start keeps it close to my heart ~lol

 

[BlueBlazer]

I have over 200,000 miles on my car. I put some serious repair money into it last year. The question I ask myself is, "can I replace what I have here for the cost of this repair?" Last year, I believe it was worth it to me.

As has been mentioned, preventative maintenance is the key to keeping an older vehicle roadworthy and reliable. I'm not mechanical either, so it costs me to take care of those things, but it saves me big in the long run. If I make it to 300,000 in this car it will be 3rd car I've managed that with.

 

[imnotcrazy]

You get out what you put into any car with some exceptions (Yugo, Peugeot, etc )

Regular oil changes alone do not keep a car in proper working order

 

[resinryder]

Just like a woman. With proper maintance, it's cheaper to keep her.
I replaced the motor in my 99 suburban, purchased new, the first of last year. I have a need for something that will pull heavy weight. Cost to replace it with something comparable that's new-50,000.00 to 60,000.00. I'll keep what I have.

 

[RB56]

Just like a woman. With proper maintance, it's cheaper to keep her.
I replaced the motor in my 99 suburban, purchased new, the first of last year. I have a need for something that will pull heavy weight. Cost to replace it with something comparable that's new-50,000.00 to 60,000.00. I'll keep what I have.

Exactly right. As long as the vehicle is structurally viable, there's better value in repairing it. That doesn't mean there aren't MANY reasons to buy a new or newer vehicle - just that cost isn't likely one of them.

 

[Stoner4Life]

my ratty old '95 Explorer has 140K on it, runs like a champ; my '99 Buick has 80K on it and it runs like a new car, it's all in how you maintain them.

you said you use it once a month or so, what are your options then if you don't have it? delivery of those goods? a friend lending you his truck or a hand somehow? A 3/4 ton running right w/low miles has some value, would the cash input enhance your life enough to make it worth selling?

it's a balancing act of sorts but as it's not your daily driver the maintenance costs should be negligible even though your op included a pricey repair.

 

[Strainhunter]

Have a 1997 dodge ram 2500 4x4 with 104k miles on it, purchased new in 1996 so this truck is now almost 17 years old...


Thoughts/Suggestions?

A '97 you've bought in '96....that's pretty awesome!

 

[Green lung]

.

If it was your daily driver i would think about replacing it but it sounds perfect for what you need it for, hauling around what not on weekends


for a truck like that if some things break who cares, a/c ect.



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