should I sell or keep?

I have a 96 camry V6 with 170K miles. I just failed PA state inspection due to leaking seal on the steering rack, bad rear brake pads, and lastly wiper blades. The wiper blades and brake pads are no big deal; however, the steering rack is a major concern. There are many other things wrong with the car as well. Those items include noisey rear struts. I think they maybe the problem because I hear a banging noise coming from the rear right everytime I drive over a bump. I also need a cv joint boot on the driver's side outter axle boot. Mine is in two pieces. Last spring I had the car to the dealer to have the rear main seal replaced, the third timming belt installed, front brake pads and rotors turned fo ra total of $1100.00. the thing wrong with the car now will cost me another 1800.00 at the dealer to have repaired. Should I have these items fixed or is this car starting to nickel and dime me? BTW I am the origional owner and the car has never been in a wreck or shows any body rust or dents. Interior in is mint shape as I dont smoke or eat in the car. What to do??

Reply to
mustang65
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Used cars are cheap. No one can make your decision. Shop around for a late model used car and have it checked out, then decide. Or buy new if you have the bucks. Be aware that late model Toyota's are not as great as earlier ones from Japan.

due

wiper

car

Reply to
Art

If you trade your car in on a new one right now, the dealer will take the needed repairs in consideration when estimating its value. One way or the other, you loose. I am faced with a similar dilemma with my 93 4 cyl. It's an excellent car, worth fixing, despite the 267,000kms on the clock. The clunk at the rear could be the lower suspension bars. Those are expensive. You need to figure on average how much you spend on maintenance every month versus the cost of a new car. When comparing the 2 figures, keeping your 96 might make more sense than you think.

Best

JP

mustang65 wrote:

Reply to
JP

Buy a new one --- it will only be 15 times more expensive than the repairs on yours -- depreciation cost will be about 3 grand a year.

Find a decent indepent garage and get it fixed.

due

wiper

car

Reply to
Wolfgang

due

wiper

The PS is the expensive one there. It maybe worthwhile to checkout a second hand unit,..but a thorough inspection and warrenty is a must in this event.

The wiper blades and brake pads are no big deal; however, the

May only be a bush gone. If the car is still stable at speed over bumps in the road, the struts will go for a while yet.

I also need a cv joint boot on the

Provided the CV is not dmaged/worn, boot replacement should be a couple of hours labor.

Last spring I had

car

That sounds too much, unless the rear suspension is badly won. I dont like using dealers for repair work,..they charge like wounded bulls.

If the car otherwise has no problems,..it would be a good 'hand me down' or a second car. It is afterall, the 'devil you know'.

Jason

Reply to
Jason James

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