I'm about to leave the military and enroll as a full time student.
I've decided instead of buying a new/used vehicle, I would just repair the one that I already have that has broke down. The head gasket blew on it right before I deployed, and I put it in storage (I did not have the money to get it fully repaired and I decided to get it put within storage). The vehicle itself is paid off. It hasa little over 100k mileage on it. I know for a fact the engine will have to be replaced. I did research while I was deployed and saw that when a head gasket is blown, it's literally a time game in which you have to get it repaired before more problems occur within the engine.
I know I will also have to get the oil changed out, as well as the radiator and the fans for the AC.
All together, I'm thinking all these repairs should run me about 3k (which I can afford now) and I'm willing to get the vehicle repaired with this amount of money. Is there anything else I should be worried about? Someone told me the transmission might have to be changed out as well.
The transmission has nothing to do with a head gasket so that's bullshit at least.
It would help to know what kind of car this is though.
It's a Grand Prix Pontiac, 2004.
[QUOTE=dot;46149393]It's a Grand Prix Pontiac, 2004.[/QUOTE]
I can buy em all day for $3k and it isn't even worth it. Why fix it? Also if it's that rediculous lateral V6, it has two heads and will probably have to be dropped out of the car to repair.
I'm in a military town, and this is one of the most worst places I believe in this state to purchase vehicles. You can't make a good deal at a dealership and everyone is selling their cars at jacked prices not worth the price.
Where do you live where you can buy them for that amount?"
[QUOTE=dot;46149527]I'm in a military town, and this is one of the most worst places I believe in this state to purchase vehicles. You can't make a good deal at a dealership and everyone is selling their cars at jacked prices not worth the price.
Where do you live where you can buy them for that amount?"[/QUOTE]
California. There's a reason GM discontinued the Pontiac line. I always thought Military towns were good for buying used cars because people ship out and dump them at dealerships. I lived in a Navy town and cars could be had at about 15 different dealerships for less than $5k. That's the whole idea of a military town - pawn shops, and used cars.
I'd look at a private sale and buy a car if you're only looking to do $3k. If you need a car, civics can be had for that price. I wouldn't dump any money into something that was destined to die when it was new if you know what I mean.
Head gaskets are the fuse in the block and it sounds like you are not up to snuff on repairing it yourself maybe? I could be wrong, but if the goal is school, that is the last thing you need mate - and if the head gasket, and transmission are bad, just dump the car.
I have to repeat myself, this is a terrible town to buy vehicles in. Nearly everyone tells me to go out like three hours (I don't have a car) in order to find a better deal.
I'll look up more information.
[QUOTE=dot;46149796]I have to repeat myself, this is a terrible town to buy vehicles in. Nearly everyone tells me to go out like three hours (I don't have a car) in order to find a better deal.
I'll look up more information.[/QUOTE]
If that's the case, I'd follow that advise and go out to find a vehicle. It's definitly worth the time to travel a bit to get something worthwhile for what you can afford. I know getting around without a car isn't easy, but there must be a way. Without some kind of location either, the AA can't help you find something either.
[QUOTE=Serj22;46149838]If that's the case, I'd follow that advise and go out to find a vehicle. It's definitly worth the time to travel a bit to get something worthwhile for what you can afford. I know getting around without a car isn't easy, but there must be a way. Without some kind of location either, the AA can't help you find something either.[/QUOTE]
I strongly agree with all of this.
It sucks having to travel without a car, but it's worth it to get a car that's already in good shape.
It sounds like you have no emotional connection to the current car, so i would sell it for fairly cheap and invest the cash in an even better vehicle.
Location is important. If you prefer not to give out your exact location, your area's Craigslist will suffice.
[url]http://killeen.craigslist.org/search/cta[/url]
Here is the craigslist
Grand prix, ask wolvesoulz on the board if he is around...
Anyway those 3800s are rather bulletproof so it may be worth fixing.
grand prix not bulletproof...
Looking at just a few cars on that list, nothing is really "over-priced". I'd personally get the 1970 Ford Maverick with the new 302 in it. I bet he'd take $3,500 and you will find that older cars are super easy to make reliable. You can fix them on the side of the road and keep going. No electronic bullshit to possibly go wrong.
[QUOTE=dot;46153357][URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/search/cta[/URL]
Here is the craigslist[/QUOTE]
Not worth it imo. Only do the repair if you plan to keep the car for your lifetime. In this case, no. There are plenty of cheaper, more reliable/fun cars around that price if you look a bit:
[url]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4656675244.html[/url]
[URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4642110702.html[/URL]
[URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4634995452.html[/URL]
[URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4665854374.html[/URL]
[URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4639038602.html[/URL]
[URL]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4629566475.html[/URL]
[url]http://killeen.craigslist.org/cto/4686508552.html[/url]
Just imo; $3K is hefty when you can junk and get a more suitable daily.
The 77 datsun is a winner. Show up with a friend who speaks spanish.
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