Here is my dilemma guys, I have a 88 Camry that I DD with 124k on it. The car runs great engine and transmission wise but the heater is out it leaks power steering fluid and a little antifreeze. I estimate that for about a 750 or so and a days work with a buddy I could have this car rolling with no problems.

Here is the other situation my buddies mom just got a new Cadillac and she is selling her 98 Contour. Now this car has only 48k on it and its the V6 SE with all the options. Only known problems are the cd player is broken and the sunroof doesn't open anymore. It KBB for private party at 2780 and dealer priced at 4140. I was expecting a price around 2500 for the car with the known problems and since i've known my buddy since kindergarten. His mom was cool with that but his dad for some reason decided he wanted 3500 for it.

Question would you pay for the Contour, or would you get the parts for the Camry and hope that nothing else happens for awhile?

 

3500 is waaaaay to much for the contour. get the camry going =]

 

Toyota > Ford

Just my 2

 

I'm with you on that



I also think 3500 was to much I was expecting around 2500. Its just that the baby is going to be here soon and I want something nicer and safer for it. In all honesty I don't want to get rid of the Camry its been a great car but I'm learning that kids change things

 

Fix the Toyota... $3500 is way overpriced, especially with the current 'economic crisis'...

 

Fix the Camry

You'll lose more in depreciation on the Ford than it'll cost you to to keep the Camry running

 

^Yep. Definitely keep the Camry.

 

Used car values are way up right now because new car sales are so bad. That said, I don't believe that the Contour is a particularly valuable car - especially with the known problems that you referred to.

Personally, I like Fords. I've had great luck with them. I've had at least one Probe now for the last 15 years. My 96 GT is getting ready for sale these days, and I expect to find a buyer for that car around 4500 personally. There are tons of those cars out there that have 150-200K on them and are still going strong.

This one is definitely abnormal, as it only has 61K on the odometer. Lots of life left in it, so I don't think what I'm trying to obtain in value is all that bad. I just need to find someone that is looking for a stylish car to own long term.

The Contour is not particularly stylish, but I drove one years ago and was quite impressed with the handling. My friend owned one after he sold his Thunderbird, and while it served him well as a car, it wasn't something that he'd have held up as the pinacle of automotive technology either.

I always recommend Toyotas and Hondas to those people that don't want a car that ever fails, as these manufacturers seem to do the best job at engineering their vehicles for the long term. That said, I've seen instances of each of these manufacturers cars that didn't live up to expectations either. If this Toyota is one that you like, and you don't mind doing the repairs to it, I'd certainly consider doing them and keeping it. The devil that you know is always better than the one that you don't know!


Greg

 

Cash for Clunker?

Cash for Clunker

 

Agree on keeping the Camry.KBB on this car I would guess is around $1250-1400. Adding the $750 is going to get you many more miles out of that car.

Another option to consider is give his dad the $3500, but have the fix the sun roof and give you credit for (or install) new Head Unit. Ten take the Camry dontate it to the church and write the $1500 off of your taxes.