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waterwatcher123

(566 posts)
10. My Problem is Investing Too Much in Any One Vehicle (not good at cutting my losses).
Mon Jun 15, 2026, 10:04 AM
Jun 15

My wife thought it was a good idea to sell my orange Suzuki SX4 after I finally worked out the bugs. I guess I just about rebuilt the entire car going through the engine (new oil pump, timing chain, head gaskets, valve stem wipers, starter, rebuilt alternator, water pump, belts, hoses, tensioner, etc.). I took the engine and transmission out of that car four times to get it to work properly. My advice on transmissions is to be very careful about purchasing a transmission from a salvage yard without thoroughly looking to see if the pump gear is intact (moving parts that stop abruptly usually suffer damage). I also replaced the struts, shocks, hubs, wheel bearings, brakes, brake master cylinder and so on that car (far exceeded the value of the car). I even tried to discourage the guy who bought it by saying it was one problem after another. However, he was intent on buying this car for his son. Now his son is happy tooling around Hawaii in the car.

My wife does not have any attachments to vehicles. So, she is ready at the drop of a hat to send it packing if it does not work. If your car still functions well and may need a significant repair down the road, maybe get rid of it and start another automotive relationship. You will not miss it in a year or two.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Am not a really good advisor on this UpInArms Jun 15 #1
I'd say you are pretty attached to that car. Beatlelvr Jun 15 #13
make the repair, keep the car. Blues Heron Jun 15 #2
If the car is in otherwise good condition, can you replace it for $6,000? Buy a used engine and have it gone through. .. marble falls Jun 15 #3
Look at a remanufactored engine. LastDemocratInSC Jun 15 #5
Thanks for the information! Beatlelvr Jun 15 #14
I lost my beloved 2002 Outback to Hurricane Helene. blm Jun 15 #4
Wow! Beatlelvr Jun 15 #12
replaced the engine in my 2009 Outback HappyH Jun 15 #6
Fix it gay texan Jun 15 #7
I am emotionally attached to my car... murielm99 Jun 15 #8
You want to depreciate an additional $6k, or you want to depreciate $30k? bucolic_frolic Jun 15 #9
My Problem is Investing Too Much in Any One Vehicle (not good at cutting my losses). waterwatcher123 Jun 15 #10
All good advice! Thanks so much for the input. Beatlelvr Jun 15 #11
If the body and frame are sound, eat the 6k. 3Hotdogs Jun 15 #15
Yes, they are Beatlelvr Jun 15 #17
Then have it pur on a lift and check the undercarriage for rust decay. 3Hotdogs Jun 15 #23
What is the condition of the brakes? Transmission? Suspension? Tires? Auggie Jun 15 #16
So true. Beatlelvr Jun 15 #18
You may want to have a trusted mechanic give it a good inspection ... Auggie Jun 15 #22
Pay the $6k & keep your car SheltieLover Jun 15 #19
You might look for a JDM engine. SheltieLover Jun 15 #20
Yes, until they break down and the repairs costs hundreds. Then, the affair is over. surfered Jun 15 #21
I owned a 2007 CR-V and loved it LogDog75 Jun 16 #24
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