My white 98 TF Sedan of 10 years has reached the point of not being worth fixing. I've felt the suspension getting less and less effective over the last six months, and now I can feel a bearing or CV joint going. The registration has eight days left. A free check from Fulcrum identified a raft of issues I'll list below. Cosmetically the car is in good condition (for something approaching 20 years old) and I've repaired everything that's ever broken, but it won't pass road worthy without serious cash laid down, and I've already lined up an immaculate 380 for purchase privately. What should I do with the old girl to make the most money I can from her? (legally, no dodgy stuff - I have no interest in ripping anyone off).

What Fulcrum identified:
- Front struts leaking, bumpstops perished.
- Rear struts leaking/ oe.
- LH steering rack boot split, RH outer tierod end has play
- Front lower inner control arm bushes perished
- Front swaybar D bushes have wear, LH outer cv boot split
- LH front wheelbearing has play
- Rear upper control arm outer bushes badly worn
- Also has bad engine oil leaks

Just FYI their quote to fix all that (engine leaks not included) was ~$2,800 (.. off to the wreckers we go..)

Advertise it on your local Gumtree at twice the price of what a wrecker would give you.
Be honest in your description - you may find a mechanically capable person who won't mind spending a few hundred dollars on parts and a few weekends on the worst of the problems. Give it a few months, if no interest, the wreckers get it.

But you are right, cars accumulate problems over the years and get to a point where you feel you are better off financially buying something else. 15 to 20 years is about my limit too.

My concern is that once the rego runs out (8 days) that it will be much more difficult and costly to transport the car, either to a wreckers or to a private buyer?

Also, do you know what a fair price from a wreckers would be?

Thanks

Gumtree it for a grand. There'll be some out there with issues that you don't have. Maybe they have good suspension but a flogged out engine/gearbox/cosmetics/whatever and can use yours to make 1 good one.
Then again Cairns is financially pretty bad at the moment and you may not even get that

On a side note, I took my KF in to fulcrums the other day. I took it in suspecting i'd have some wear on tie rod ends, linkages etc and just to see what needs to be done. They couldn't find ANYTHING wrong with it at all except the alignment was a bit out (which they set for free) they seem quite impressed with the condition of it, not even so much as a bit of slop in a ball joint, they steered the conversation towards performance upgrades but were pretty honest that nothing 'needed' to be done with the exception of some camber pins as I corner it quite hard. So I do trust their diagnosis and don't believe they're just taking you for a ride with the parts they mentioned

But I think you are best getting rid of it. Age has nothing to do with it. Mines the same year as yours yet its nearly immaculate.
The good thing is these cars are cheap, regardless of condition. So i'd be willingly parting with it and getting a better one, there's quite a few out there. The difference between a flogged magna and a pristine Verada is maybe a couple grand at most. There's a bunch more in Brisbane/GC as well if you don't mind flying down and driving one up

My concern is that once the rego runs out (8 days) that it will be much more difficult and costly to transport the car, either to a wreckers or to a private buyer?

Also, do you know what a fair price from a wreckers would be?

Thanks

Someone with mechanical knowledge could buy it and fairly easily replace all those parts, I have just about replaced all the parts you mentioned in my KH Verada. Might be hard to sell in 8 days, a wrecker would give you about $100 for it, I sold a unregistered TF for $250 about 6 months ago. Since it still looks good shame to wreck it. All the best

Gumtree it for a grand. There'll be some out there with issues that you don't have. Maybe they have good suspension but a flogged out engine/gearbox/cosmetics/whatever and can use yours to make 1 good one.
Then again Cairns is financially pretty bad at the moment and you may not even get that

On a side note, I took my KF in to fulcrums the other day. I took it in suspecting i'd have some wear on tie rod ends, linkages etc and just to see what needs to be done. They couldn't find ANYTHING wrong with it at all except the alignment was a bit out (which they set for free) they seem quite impressed with the condition of it, not even so much as a bit of slop in a ball joint, they steered the conversation towards performance upgrades but were pretty honest that nothing 'needed' to be done with the exception of some camber pins as I corner it quite hard. So I do trust their diagnosis and don't believe they're just taking you for a ride with the parts they mentioned

But I think you are best getting rid of it. Age has nothing to do with it. Mines the same year as yours yet its nearly immaculate.
The good thing is these cars are cheap, regardless of condition. So i'd be willingly parting with it and getting a better one, there's quite a few out there. The difference between a flogged magna and a pristine Verada is maybe a couple grand at most. There's a bunch more in Brisbane/GC as well if you don't mind flying down and driving one up

He wont get a grand for it with the rego just about out and the work it needs, if it had a roadworthy he might get $1000 for it. I got a 2002 KJ Verada with 8 months rego for $1500 off ebay that was in NSW.

I've flogged numerous cars over night on Gumtree for the amazing $1000ono line.

Someone will offer you $800 at least.

Anything running and driving is worth at around $800-1000.

The car doesn't seem that knackered anyway, it's mainly suspension and most old cars leak oil anyway.

I have limited patience for lowballers, and people in general, so I steered clear of the Gumtree route.

I drove my wagon to the wreckers, took the plates off and sold it for $500 in December. Aside from rust in the A-pillars and around the windscreen, and a tired front end, it was quite a nice car. With the rego refund, it ended up being around $750.
I'm pretty sure I've seen it on the road since with new plates, so I dare say the wreckers sold it as a whole car to the new owner.

I vote for a James Bond Corkscrew jump, ala 'The man with the golden gun'

But, reality, gumtree for a bit more than the wreckers are offering, if it sells, good stuff, if not, drive it to the wreckers on its last day of rego.
Anything beyond that is not worth your time, the car isnt worth enough to make sense parting it out.
Or, if your feeling charitable, perhaps donate it to your local college auto class?

Emergency services use end of life cars for training, patient extrication etc.

I did an aeromedical course where we cut a TR Magna into bits. It was quite painful but at least it went to a worthwhile cause!

Not that this TF needs to meet such a grizzly end though. Best to use old Commodores......

I agree with what's been said - see if you can get a couple of hundred bucks for it as-is on Gumtree for someone who wants a slight fixer-upperer or who is willing to do slight repairs/get a questionable RWC. Otherwise just take it to the wreckers. The only other option you have is to wreck it out but I wouldn't bother with a base model. You'd want a VR-X or Verada since there's a market for the bits and pieces off those.

Just out of curiosity how many km's has it done?

Send it to adelaide we dont get our cars checked every year like they do in Melbourne and Sydney you will easily get 1000 bucks for it in adelaide my mate had a tj magna payed 1000 bucks for it nothing wrong with it and flogged it off on gumtree for 3500 bucks 3 weeks later

Victoria doesn't have yearly roadworthy like NSW

Victoria doesn't have yearly roadworthy like NSW

Victoria has roadworthy everytime you register your car

Victoria has roadworthy everytime you register your car

A roadworthy in Victoria is required when you change ownership of a registered vehicle, or are re-registering (registering a previously unregistered/de-registered) vehicle.
Much the same as Queensland.

A roadworthy in Victoria is required when you change ownership of a registered vehicle, or are re-registering (registering a previously unregistered/de-registered) vehicle.
Much the same as Queensland.

Thats why adelaide is good we dont have that bullshit here

Thats why adelaide is good we dont have that bullshit here

In SA/Adelaide we don't bother, it's up to the individual driver/owner to keep their car in good condition.

However . . . . your brakes may work well, and you can stop in time for that sudden red light. But what about that Commo/Ford/Toyo/Kia driver behind you? (and they are not likely to have comp insurance).

I'm in favour of roadworthy checks, just so it makes the road safer.

I had my TJ through Regency years ago, part of the checks was to put the front wheels on a rolling road and hit the brake real pedal hard. TJ scored 92%, police officer commented that was good when I said that was disappointing, he would accept anything over 40%. Yep, good recipe for a rear ender at a traffic light!

I blame my OCD about brakes from the Sigma days, had a GH wagon, brakes in the dry were ok, in the wet one front would lock up and the car would sail on regardless. Front driver side front piston in the calliper was locked solid and U/S, rear drums not working at all due to a clogged up proportioning valve in the master cylinder. Now if I'd come up behind a braking Magna in the wet, and needed to stop quickly . . . .SPLAT!!!!

I'm in favour of roadworthy checks, just so it makes the road safer.


Agreed. I much prefer the QLD/VIC system where roadworthies are done upon sale/transfer of ownership, so you at least have a general idea of the condition of what you're buying.

Jimbo - it's done about 255,000 kms from memory.

Edit: Missed a Zero : /

Thats why adelaide is good we dont have that bullshit here

That's why we have death traps on our road driven by irresponsible idiots.

That's why we have death traps on our road driven by irresponsible idiots.

Time to have a "cash for clunkers" campaign in SA?

It's a nuisance at times but us NSWelshmen can have some confidence in the roadworthy status of cars on the road.

It can be difficult and expensive to get a old, worn car through but you can see the benefits for all road users. We lived in Adelaide for 4 years and loved it but were always amazed at the unroadworthy crap on the roads. Bumpers held on by gaffer tape, bald tyres, the list goes on. The SA road toll is higher per capita as well so who knows if this is a contributing factor?

My Ralliart has failed the last two years for reasons I can't argue with even though I maintain it regularly. It forced me to fix things (exhaust leaks can be hard to hear but potentially deadly etc).

I know your cars don't fit into the Adelaide stereotype though Max!

I know your cars don't fit into the Adelaide stereotype though Max!

Gawd, I hope not! 3 of my 4 cars are on loan to relatives, all mechanical numbies so I have no idea how they are faring. One is at Gawler (too far for me to do regular checks), another at Nairne (ditto), and the third at Waikerie (ditto).

I'm expecting to see one appear on the back of a towtruck any day now though, with the message 'your stoopid car broke, fix it!'

Meh! I'm too nice for my own good.

Gawd, I hope not! 3 of my 4 cars are on loan to relatives, all mechanical numbies so I have no idea how they are faring. One is at Gawler (too far for me to do regular checks), another at Nairne (ditto), and the third at Waikerie (ditto).

I'm expecting to see one appear on the back of a towtruck any day now though, with the message 'your stoopid car broke, fix it!'

Meh! I'm too nice for my own good.

You will have to start your own rent a wreck business Max

You will have to start your own rent a wreck business Max

Better idea - move interstate, don't leave a forwarding address. lol

All joking aside, there is some progress happening, although it is slow progress - one of the 'borrowers' has actually paid for 3 months rego, now to teach them to check the tyres and oil themselves.

Time they got their own cars, methinks.

Better idea - move interstate, don't leave a forwarding address. lol

All joking aside, there is some progress happening, although it is slow progress - one of the 'borrowers' has actually paid for 3 months rego, now to teach them to check the tyres and oil themselves.

Time they got their own cars, methinks.

Sounds like you're very kind to your family, glad to hear they have paid the rego at least. I have loaned several of my cars to my twin brother over the years, he always comes to me when he needs a car, he thinks just because I have two he can have one of them, lol

Figured I may as well share a picture of the old girl before she moves on (possibly to car heaven). Taken today.

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r673/bultreys/IMG_20160316_144122987_HDR_zpso1etjdlc.jpg

[QUOTE=Lock;1637670]Figured I may as well share a picture of the old girl before she moves on (possibly to car heaven).



I'd sell the wheels before it goes to car heaven

Better idea - move interstate, don't leave a forwarding address. lol

All joking aside, there is some progress happening, although it is slow progress - one of the 'borrowers' has actually paid for 3 months rego, now to teach them to check the tyres and oil themselves.

Time they got their own cars, methinks.
and then there's the people who borrow a car with a full tank, and return it empty...

and then there's the people who borrow a car with a full tank, and return it empty...

Been there done that, but it must make sense to them.
It's not their car, so checking the oil, water, tyres, rego, fuel fills . . . . not their problem. They just want to drive it, and return it when it runs out of fuel, or breaks down. Bit like hiring a rental car, only cheaper.

(HINT: lend them the car, if you ever do it again, with a near empty tank. Or just say the car has mechanical problems and is unavailable. Or tell them they still owe you $50 for fuel from the last time. lol)

It's a nuisance at times but us NSWelshmen can have some confidence in the roadworthy status of cars on the road.

It can be difficult and expensive to get a old, worn car through but you can see the benefits for all road users. We lived in Adelaide for 4 years and loved it but were always amazed at the unroadworthy crap on the roads. Bumpers held on by gaffer tape, bald tyres, the list goes on. The SA road toll is higher per capita as well so who knows if this is a contributing factor?

My Ralliart has failed the last two years for reasons I can't argue with even though I maintain it regularly. It forced me to fix things (exhaust leaks can be hard to hear but potentially deadly etc).

I know your cars don't fit into the Adelaide stereotype though Max!

Ralliart... what ralliart? Where is it? I'll take it.

lol...

There is a white ralliart in Mawson Lakes that looks like it had better days.

Ralliart... what ralliart? Where is it? I'll take it. lol...

Northwest NSW. Still in 8/10 condition with 108000km. The only one ever made with factory leather......

Staying put for now!

Northwest NSW. Still in 8/10 condition with 108000km. The only one ever made with factory leather......

Staying put for now!

I searched 400 of your posts yesterday and couldn't find any pics... being 14 years old I hope it has a new timing belt :P

I searched 400 of your posts yesterday and couldn't find any pics... being 14 years old I hope it has a new timing belt :P

OCD search obsession there.

Timing belt not due yet, manual specifies 50 years or 1,000,000 km , assuming I'm reading it correctly.

(Oh, sorry, reading too many zeros . . . lol)

There is a white ralliart in Mawson Lakes that looks like it had better days.

I think I saw that, or something like that. White Verada, anyway. Felt sorry for the car.

Quite a few pristine TL and TW's in our street now, I'm getting quite jealous.

OCD search obsession there.

Timing belt not due yet, manual specifies 50 years or 1,000,000 km , assuming I'm reading it correctly.

(Oh, sorry, reading too many zeros . . . lol)

Is it really 5 years? I thought it was 10... equaling 100

Timing belt done at 88000km about 3 years ago. Maintenance all up to date.

But no, never got around to posting anything about. All bog standard apart from the factory leather and a strut brace. Threw the CD changer out when it failed.

Is it really 5 years? I thought it was 10... equaling 100

Yep, 5 years/100k.

Most timing belts that have 10-yearly belt changes (eg. Volvo 5-cyl or Toyota V6s) are 150k intervals.
Most manufacturers factor in 15-20k per year, which makes sense, as a Roy Morgan (http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/australian-moterists-drive-average-15530km-201305090702) article from 2013 cites that cars travel an average of 15,530km per year

I think 5 years is a bit over the top. Maybe good peace of mind but excessive I think.......