Would that Click and Clack were readers of this blog. Maybe somebody who reads it can help. Here's my problem.
I found out today that my 1993 Mercedes sedan needs a new power-steering pump and gear box. On this model, that'll cost roughly $2,200 for the whole thing. The car itself has a Blue Book value of about $4,000. It has 112,000 miles on it. I don't have a long commute, and only put 6,000 miles on it a year. I love that old car -- it's so solid, and I don't mind the fact that the a/c is defunct, and I can't afford to fix it -- and had hoped to drive it for many years to come.
But here's the deal. The guy at the garage said the car is basically sound, but that from here on out, it's going to nickel-and-dime me pretty hard. We looked at the repair record on it for the past few years, and it averages out to about $200 a month. That's a lot better than a car note, for sure. But the pump/gear box repair will be the most expensive one yet. And given the cost of Mercedes parts, "nickel-and-diming" takes on a new meaning. Not sure how much more of this I can afford to take, given that it's not going to get any better. Next year, according to the manufacturer, I have to replace the airbags, which is going to be expensive, and not a repair I'm willing to forego.
What should I do? Should I keep repairing it, or should I buy a new car? I really don't need a new car note, and I'd have to get something much less safe than a Mercedes, which I could never afford new, or even slightly used; I could only afford this one because it was 10 years old when I bought it. But I do own this old Benz free and clear. Still, it just about kills me to think that this repair, if I decide to do it, is going to cost more than half of what the car is worth.
Advice?
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Rod Dreher is an editorial columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and author of "Crunchy Cons" (Crown Forum), a nonfiction book about conservatives, most of them religious, whose faith and political convictions sometimes put them at odds with mainstream conservatives. The views expressed in this blog are his own.
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One last thing, Rod. I used to have a car that leaked power steering fluid. I don't know if this is the case for your Benz or not, but I always just used Transmission fluid. It worked fine and was a heck of a lot cheaper.>
I understand your love of that solid Benz construction. I had a similar 1993 300D for two years before I sold it. It was costing a lot to repair, even with a good independent mechanic. I miss the impressive design features, but I don't miss the expensive repairs. Get a 5-10 year old Honda or Toyota with good safety features.
Expensive cars should only be driven by singles and retired folks. Family men need to put thier money elsewhere.>
I remember when former TDMN financial guru Scott Burns' Mercedes diesel created an oil spill on the back parking lot....stain might still be there! I too would look for a good shade ttree Mercedes mechanic. If you decide to update, go with a 3 to 5 year old Accord or Camry/Avalon, they're just getting broken in at 60,000 miles!>
The repairs you pay will probably not reach the cost of a new car ($30,000 to $40,000.) Besides, in ten years you'll need a really old car to give your teens to drive...>
As others have already recommended, I too would encourage you to have a bumper-to-bumper check by a reputable and trustworthy mechanic who specializes in foreign cars. In Dallas, try Southwest Auto; they're honest, fair and staffed with certified mechanics. If you have a bumper-to-bumper check, they'll prioritize it according to safety first. If they can't repair your vehicle, they'll recommend another reputable shop.>
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