Every time your dashboard lights up with a mechanical failure, your mind instantly wonders, \u201cwhat\u2019s wrong this time?\u201d Your next thought is realizing that you have to decide \u2014 repair it or not. Depending on the age of your car, what you paid for your car versus what it\u2019s worth now, and the type of repair, sometimes the fix is worth it. Sometimes the repair is worth more than your car. But how do you know when it\u2019s best to just cut your losses and sell?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the most common major repairs, and questions to ask yourself to help decide if the repair is worth it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEngine problems\u201d are two words that you never want to hear. If you\u2019re still protected by your warranty, often an engine replacement is covered. If not, that means your car is most likely more than five years old and\/or has more than 60,000 miles on it. In some cases, some manufacturer powertrain warranties last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. If your warranty will cover these repairs, you should take advantage of that. If your car is out of warranty it makes repairs that cost as much as a down payment hard to justify. On average, engine replacements cost $3,000 to $4,000 in a shop and near $7,500 at a dealership.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first question might be: \u201cWhat the heck is a head gasket?\u201d A head gasket is a component that creates a seal between the engine block and cylinder head that keeps combustion gases, oil, and coolant from leaving the engine. Still confused? Here\u2019s what you need to know: it\u2019s usually an expensive repair that can range from $1,200 to $1,500. Before you opt to repair a blown head gasket, think about this: it\u2019s work that usually takes place as part of an even bigger, more comprehensive, and more expensive repair. If that $1,500 is going to turn into more expansive repairs, you may want to evaluate if it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn\u2019t the time of year you want your defroster to give up on you. if you\u2019re noticing moisture buildup and your coolant is constantly disappearing, you likely need to replace your heater core. According to Consumer Reports, this repair can cost around $1,000, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Seems like a simple fix, but if your heater core has failed, more than likely other related systems were damaged as a result, which will send you back to the mechanic soon after the core is fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When summer temps heat up and your air conditioner compressor goes, not only will you be mighty uncomfortable, but you can expect to shell out upwards of $1,000 to repair or replace it. Much like the heater core replacement, that repair usually comes as part of a larger, more expensive list of repairs. It\u2019s also one repair you can simply put off if money is tight. It\u2019s not unsafe to drive, just uncomfortable without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no easy answer to the question \u201crepair or trade it in\u201d but it\u2019s always worth getting prices on the repair and consider how much you\u2019ve already spent on repairs, and how much more you\u2019re willing to spend on your vehicle versus what it\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s covering a repair or financing a replacement, Mint Valley can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBlown head gasket<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heater core<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Air conditioner compressor replacement <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n