Thinking about whether to keep or sell my car. Not sure if it’s worth putting more money into repairs or just moving on. What would you guys do?
I’m dealing with a transmission leak right now and just found out today that a broken driveshaft part is causing it. Only way to fix it is a whole new transmission.
The main thing I’m thinking about is—what’s the cost of a new car payment vs fixing this? Would I even get something that’s that much better than what I have? Is it worth paying for repairs or just starting fresh?
Definitely feeling where you’re coming from.
@Lior
Yeah, I’m leaning toward fixing it too. Even if I sold it and got enough for a down payment on a newer car, the new payments aren’t worth it to me.
Not sure how much your Escape is worth, but if it’s like mine, you might check Marketplace for parts and see if a local mechanic can swap in a used transmission. Still pricey, but probably cheaper than buying brand new or scrapping the car altogether.
@Uma
Mine’s a 2011 4WD with 100k miles, and I honestly believe it’s got a lot of life left.
Lior said:
@Uma
Mine’s a 2011 4WD with 100k miles, and I honestly believe it’s got a lot of life left.
With only 100k miles, if you fix the transmission, it should last you a long time. The only major issue these Escapes seem to have is rust and transmission problems, but if that’s all, they can easily hit 200k+ miles.
Most of my problems outside of the transmission were self-inflicted (thanks to my Blizzak tires), but other than that, mine has been solid for the last three years.
@Uma
That’s my thinking too. I live in the South, so no road salt, and I’m not near the ocean, so no salt air either. Only rust I have is a small spot above the rear passenger wheel well. Knocks on wood.
No way it’s worth $7.5k, lol.
Blair said:
No way it’s worth $7.5k, lol.
Got T-boned a couple of months ago, and insurance paid $5.7k for repairs. I was just as shocked, lol.
Blair said:
No way it’s worth $7.5k, lol.
Got T-boned a couple of months ago, and insurance paid $5.7k for repairs. I was just as shocked, lol.
*$5.85k
Random question—Is that an aftermarket navigation system? If so, which one is it? Looks really clean.
Oak said:
Random question—Is that an aftermarket navigation system? If so, which one is it? Looks really clean.
Yeah, it’s from CarPodGo. Definitely more expensive than most, but I’ve been really happy with it. Auto-connects to my phone, and the touch response is great.
@Uma
Did the backup camera work right away when you plugged it in, or did you have to do some wiring?
What’s the heads-up display you’re using for MPH? Looks awesome.
Save money by doing everything yourself except the TPMS.
Are you in Ontario, Canada? I swear I saw this posted on Facebook.
Frost said:
Are you in Ontario, Canada? I swear I saw this posted on Facebook.
Nope, way out in the boonies of West Virginia.
Frost said:
Are you in Ontario, Canada? I swear I saw this posted on Facebook.
Nope, way out in the boonies of West Virginia.
Ah, gotcha. Well, hello from another Escape owner.
I have a 2010 with around 260k km (~160k miles). Just dropped $1,500 into new struts and suspension, and last year I had to fix the rear quarter rust. Now I’m getting the infamous strut tower rust fixed tomorrow.
All in, I’ve put about $8k CAD into it, and I know I’ll never get that back, but I’m planning to keep it as my second car once I buy something else.
My advice? Try selling it and see what offers you get. If they’re low, just do the necessary repairs and keep it as a daily driver or backup car.
@Frost
Man, that rear quarter rust got all of us with the 2008-2012 models. I covered mine with Flex Seal to slow the spread. Luckily, the only other rust I’ve got is on the tailgate.
This was my first car when I was 16, and the dealer got me—paid $13k USD (about $18k CAD) for it with 105k miles. Definitely not worth anywhere near that now, so I’m thinking I’ll just keep it as a daily until I find an affordable replacement.
@Uma
Yeah, the rust is brutal. I got quoted $1,500 for a new panel, but luckily, a retired body shop guy did it for $800. He’s also fixing both of my shock towers for about the same price. Gotta love Canadian winters.
The tailgate bubbling is annoying too—I’ll just grind it down and spray it when it warms up.
Damn, $13k? That dealer made a killing off you, lol. But hey, these Escapes make great first cars. Mine has taken a beating from rough roads and many aggressive stoplight takeoffs, and it’s still going strong.
I’m in Ohio and did the TPMS and control arms myself for a few hundred bucks. A muffler shop replaced my rusted muffler for about $350.
If that helps at all! But I get that not everyone has the tools or wants to work on their car.
By the way, nice ride!