A simple dilemma .. fix or change?

[Novice]

The dilemma I have is that the car has several items that will need fixing. If all done .. it would be almost another £1k. The car is a 1998 C230 Espirit estate and only worth about £1.5k

I got the car as a run around as I do minimal miles.

Is it better to sell it and try to find a better condition car for a little more money?

I like the C class estate and I am warming to a CLK.

Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[imadoofus]

Some would say "Better te devil you know".

Is the car worth £1500 now, or will it be worth £1500 after you've spent the grand?

If you plan to keep it long term, then spend the money, and keep the car at least long enough to get pay back.

If you're probably going to change cars in the short term then, assuming yours will sell without having the work done, sell it now and put the money (plus your extra £1000) into something else.

 

[peterg1965]

What needs fixing?

 

[grober]

With cars in this price bracket there are "basics" which help to assess its core value.
1. Body structural/ and cosmetic condition. interior trim/seats

2. Powertrain condition-- engine bottom end, auto transmission, rear diff and drive shafts.

3.Mileage and history-- a car that's been looked after will have fewer long term problems.

4. Renewables Tyres, Exhaust, Catalytic converter cooling system, minor electrics headlights bulbs etc.

Assess the present car you have, then mentally assess any car you might buy in the same way- within your buying " budget". Just how many of the above can you be sure of in a new vehicle?

 

[Wezzel]

As long as it is basically sound and unless you are going to spend quite a lot more money to upgrade I would get it fixed and keep it.

Better the devil you know, and no matter how good the next car is you will always end up spending even more to get it just how you want it.

 

[lynall]

Better the devil you know, and no matter how good the next car is you will always end up spending even more to get it just how you want it.[/quote]

So true



Lynall

 

[chord]

As long as it is basically sound and unless you are going to spend quite a lot more money to upgrade I would get it fixed and keep it.

Better the devil you know, and no matter how good the next car is you will always end up spending even more to get it just how you want it.

Unless your car is going to be a lot better/newer than the current car, it is probably better to keep it. No matter how much you spend on the new car, you will still need to spend something on little bits and pieces. Perhaps someone in is the same dilema as you is selling a car for between 5-10k, and you end with that car? Although, you could get lucky and not have to spend anything after the purchase.

 

[Kompressor_Dude]

What's wrong with it? Who told you it would be a grand? Might not be as bad as you think

 

[jeremytaylor]

If you get another car, unless you really know what to look for it could be a case of "out of the frying pan, into the fire". I agree with the others - "better the devil you know", but it could be a case of "horses for courses" (or other such proverbs)

 

[Novice]

Thanks for the replies!

I think unless I spot something spectacular .. I will be keeping mine for now.