I need some good advice on my 1995 Nissan Maxima. I love the car. Has about 115k miles, and now needs some serious work. I'm trying to figure out if I should get the repairs done, or replace the engine, or just bail on the car.
What's Wrong-->
1) Cam Sensor bad -- $215 parts and labor. 2) Starter is dying, $439 parts and labor. 3) Needs 120k mile service -- $459 parts and labor. 4) Rear timing cover is "pouring oil" -- $1,730 parts and labor.Total cost--> about $3,000.
So, the options are...
A) Get the repairs done. How many more miles can I get out of the car then? And, how much would I be spending in service each year? What are the next big repairs -- transmission, perhaps? What else?
B) Replace the engine. The Nissan dealership quoted me $6,850 to replace engine! OUCH! Especially when a Tires Plus quoted me $2,900 parts and labor. Is replacing an engine a smart thing to do? What are the pitfalls? Do you think the Tires Plus place is underpriced (maybe it is not a good quality engine), or do you think the Nissan dealership is way overpriced?
C) Bail! The car is worth about $5,500 blue book. Maybe I shouldn't pour even $3000 into it. But if I bail, what can I do with the car in its current state? The car will not start. Any idea on where, and for how much, I can sell it for parts? Anyone here interested in it?
Thanks very much in advance for any advice you can offer.
Charlie Atlanta, GA