Just looking for an idea of cost to see if it's worth "restoring".


Bad Points

Engine - it's still running but with 400,000 she's tired and it it'll be due for replacement soon.

Front end = Still handles OK but has had NO work done on it apart from CV's replaced.

Exhaust - I think every muffler has at least one hole in it sounds like it's been hotted up.

Body Tailgate front/rear bumpers and front left guard need replacing.

Interior - front carpet is a disgrace, drivers seat although serviceable needs replacing. A few dash lights are out including the original radio's night time lights.


[B]Trade in Value Be lucky to get $2000.


Good Points

It's a MAGNA.

Duel Fuel.

It's got everything in it, power everything, cruise, a/c, still looks good even with the dings.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tessa403/pies%20stuff/Cars/27102011125.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/162817_1763463009009_2242292_n.jpg

We are in the same boat - a new diesel ASX screams at me every time I walk past the dealer. It is a 2011 build (but with only 28 km on the clock - we put about 20 of those on it. The trouble is that our TF is damned near original condition even though it has 250000 km on it and it is worth NOTHING. The same thing with my Pajero, except the reversing ligt switch has shat itself. OOOHAH! Sell it. I have ordered a new switch and hopefully it will be back in 95% condition again. The problem is that there isn't enough technical advance in the new cars to warrant throwing away perfectly good oldies.

Economically, it makes sense to keep the oldies until they finally die badly. You can get a new or low km's engine for next to nothing and have it installed. I can feel the pull for the new car getting stronger. Help! someone please go to the dealer and take away the temptation.

imo if you have 4/5 grand to throw at the car keep it. old faithfully cars should be kept
for a quick improvement remove the sticker under the number plate lol

imo if you have 4/5 grand to throw at the car keep it. old faithfully cars should be kept
for a quick improvement remove the sticker under the number plate lol

Agreed, on the second part not sure about the first.

Trade in Value Be lucky to get $2000.

Forget a trade-in - trade-in prices are artificial (read that as fake). Dealers load the sale price of cars they sell with extra $$$ to give themselves room to impress you and lure you in to a purchase.

The true value of a car is what you can sell it for privately - and without being rude, yours is looking so sad that it will put people off rather than attract them! Plus here in Victoria you would also have to pay for a roadworthy in order to be able to sell it!

What you will have to decide (IMO) is whether you can afford to make the jump to another car now; because yours looks to me to be past the point of viable and economical repair? :eek2:

I can relate to your situation - we have a TP Magna that is in a much similar state, it doesn't know it yet - but it's destiny is the wreckers. :happy:

Cheers

Steve

I'm surprised you didn't fix problems as soon as they happened. I'm sure the damaged body work didn't all happen all at once.

This tells me that deep inside your head you didn't think it was worthwhile to keep the car in good condition.

It's now at the point where it is uneconomical to fix or sell. As a private sale it will be worth maybe $500, as a trade maybe $2K, but we know the trade in value isn't real money.

A private buyer would do his sums and realise that even as a DIY exercise it would be more economical to look for something with less damage and less km. Fixing bodywork, paint and a new engine will cost more than $4K, and there will be lots of other mechanical things that need fixing on it too. Price up a new rear bumper and tailgate with glass from Mitsu and you will get a shock. With paint it adds up to quite a large chunk of the $4K someone said would fix it.

Dump the car, get something newer (read: undamaged and low km), and keep up with repairs as things go wrong.

I got rid of my TS wagon and bought a TL wagon because it was simpler to move up. A bit more costly, but simpler. Haven't regretted doing so.

Hello again,

Only just noticed the Vic. plate - you won't pass a Roadworthy test, so won't be able to sell it privately. Pretty sure a dealer won't be interested either for the same reasons and the extent of the damage.

Off to the graveyard or Ebay as a wreck she goes - or else keep driving till it dies.

Steve

When did the Vic law change so that we couldn't sell a car without a RWC ..... if I take the plates off and sell as is I always thought you didn't need a RWC.

When did the Vic law change so that we couldn't sell a car without a RWC ..... if I take the plates off and sell as is I always thought you didn't need a RWC.

No change - it can only be sold as a wreck; it is not registerable - hence the plates come off. Perhaps I should have been clearer?

Cheers

Steve

Sell it mate.

Sell it mate.

Sell it as an unregistered unroadworthy car, drive it until it can go no more, or budget about $10K for someone to restore it. Your choice.

[QUOTE=stevegask;1548450]No change - it can only be sold as a wreck; it is not registerable - hence the plates come off. Perhaps I should have been clearer?
you can sell cars without rwc with rego still on it . the new owner has 28 days to get an rwc or the rego will be suspended

[QUOTE=stevegask;1548450]No change - it can only be sold as a wreck; it is not registerable - hence the plates come off. Perhaps I should have been clearer?

you can sell cars without rwc with rego still on it . the new owner has 28 days to get an rwc or the rego will be suspended

OK - what he says. :happy:

personally i was going to spend 3/4K upgrading my TH (in avatar pic) but i got more bang for buck buying a car that already had the work done. I bought one of the other members cars & im glad i did - the car is fantastic!! Sell it if u can but dont waste money on it IMO

If it were me I would keep driving it untill it dies and spend as little money as possible keeping it going. Or scrap it now and buy something newer. There is no way I would put money into a car that is at that age and condition.

Keep it, fix up the serious gadgets that need the work.

if money is no object and still enjoy driving it, then keep it. surely a bit of hammering and gentle pressing on the inside of those panel dings can get them close to what they used to be.

If the motor is due for replacing just fit a good second hand one with low K's, keep you going for another 5 years or so if you like the car keep it and if the carpet is shagged, look on ebay for replacement carpet, what is the Auto like? you may pick a good exhaust system from the wreckers for a cheap price

If the motor is due for replacing just fit a good second hand one with low K's, keep you going for another 5 years or so
That's what I was thinking, the 3.5's are cheap.

what is the Auto like?
Always been funny so if I put another engine in I'm thinking another trans as well.

if you like the car keep it and if the carpet is shagged, look on ebay for replacement carpet,
True or even the wreckers

you may pick a good exhaust system from the wreckers for a cheap price
Been quoted $400 from an exhaust place.

check out the wreckers in centre rd Clayton there was 4 gen3 wagons there two weeks ago.
im spending around 2grand on my tp wagon imo money well spent

You're at a crossroad, of either spending the cash to keep it running or sell it off. Unfortunately, it is an old car, that's been very well used and in pretty poor external and internal condition, either way you go is going to cost you a decent wad of money - whether that is from depreciation or repairs. You choose which way you want to go.

You get to a point that you need to really evaluate how long you plan to keep a car and then how much you're willing to spend to make sure it can last that distance.

Personally, I'd go for depreciation losses and drive the car into the ground. It'll need to have 1000's spent fixing it up to a good standard and it'll never come back to you, unless you drive the car for a good few years and at least make use of your expenditure.

There's far too much work to do that is anywhere near worth spending, unless of course, this car has some sentimental value to you and you will keep it for many remaining years. If you do want something better, sometime soon, then don't fix it. Rather pull the rego off, sell off the good bits for a bit of money and then give the rest to the wreckers.

Fixing this externally with that amount damage (that is NOT a small "ding" ) could actually be surprisingly costly compared to the car's value. That panel colour is rare, so you'll mostly likely need to have them sprayed. I guarantee that the support panels underneath the guard and potentially the rear section that meets the tailgate, or at least the beaver/reo are damaged and need to also be fixed.

You then consider the mechanical side of things with a new engine, plus servicing and maintenance (you'll only be able to buy a 2nd hand engine so it will need work, and you'd be mad not to do the belts, pulleys, pumps etc when its out of the bay). Plus you'll need to have the engine restamped by an lpg installer. I guarantee that your suspension is stuffed completely (all bushes shot, shocks sagged, bearings on their way out etc) because there's no way the OEM stuff would last that long. Then the interior expenditure with replacement seats, carpet and any broken bits.

Costs can sprial out of control and you still end up with a better condition but old car with little value.

You then consider the mechanical side of things with a new engine, plus servicing and maintenance (you'll only be able to buy a 2nd hand engine so it will need work, and you'd be mad not to do the belts, pulleys, pumps etc when its out of the bay). Plus you'll need to have the engine restamped by an lpg installer. I guarantee that your suspension is stuffed completely (all bushes shot, shocks sagged, bearings on their way out etc) because there's no way the OEM stuff would last that long. Then the interior expenditure with replacement seats, carpet and any broken bits.

Costs can sprial out of control and you still end up with a better condition but old car with little value.

Wonderful words of wisdom P.I. - I guess that's what comes with old age (and worry beads). :woot:
You mentioned something that I had not heard before - "you'll only be able to buy a 2nd hand engine" are Reco engines no longer available for Mitsy's? NOT that I personally would choose that route - IMO the car is destined for wrecking if the owner can afford a replacement.

Steve

i personally thing unless it holds some sentimental value, it is a waste of money bringing that car up to standard. You will get WAY more bang for buck if you get a car that is already in decent condition...

Wonderful words of wisdom P.I. - I guess that's what comes with old age (and worry beads). :woot:
You mentioned something that I had not heard before - "you'll only be able to buy a 2nd hand engine" are Reco engines no longer available for Mitsy's? NOT that I personally would choose that route - IMO the car is destined for wrecking if the owner can afford a replacement.

Steve

Thanks!
Didn't think at age 23, I'd be considered old :P


I consider a reco engine 2nd hand anyway. It is a used engine that has just been reworked.


i personally thing unless it holds some sentimental value, it is a waste of money bringing that car up to standard. You will get WAY more bang for buck if you get a car that is already in decent condition...

That's exactly it. If sentimental then repair, if not, then scrap. To get this car up to a reasonable standard could easily cost 1000's and for the odd 4k you can get a TJ with mid-100's km's and it'd have much more life.

My rents had this issue recently with put nissan x-trail. Had done 285 thou ks and was starting to head down the costly maintenance path. They basically figured as Aiden said, that were spending money repairing it that you're probably not going to get back. So instead of using money for repairs (that had been completed/would of had to of happened at some point) spent the money on a new car and the rents r loving it now. In that situation, either trade it in and get something new, or do what we did with my mates nissan nomad van, use it as a canvas to paint stuff on, remove the exhaust system and have some fun driving it off to the wreckers! managed to get 350 bucks for it as well (he was wrapped) lol

Cosmetics - You could get away with repairs on that for 1k clean and clear..

Mechanical - Once again 1 - 1.5k and you'd be on it..

I say keep it.. Because thats what we're all about here.. Keeping these cars alive.

In your eyes.. Financially ... Is it a viable option?

SuFz :ninja:

Cosmetics - You could get away with repairs on that for 1k clean and clear..

Mechanical - Once again 1 - 1.5k and you'd be on it..

I say keep it.. Because thats what we're all about here.. Keeping these cars alive.

In your eyes.. Financially ... Is it a viable option?

SuFz :ninja:

You could get away with 1k if you found the same colour panels. Guarantee the front guard chassis rails are damaged. The rear part where the tailgate meets the boot floor could also be pushed in.

A reco engine could set you back an easy 1.2k plus the cost to have it restamped by a lpg installer. This doesn't consider the cost of the driveline repairs. Shocks, suspension, bushes etc could easily be stuffed at 400km's!

I believe it is not worth much at all while it has that Collingwood sticker on the back!!!!!

I believe it is not worth much at all while it has that Collingwood sticker on the back!!!!!
:yeahthat:

That's what happens if you neglect a car! Fix each bit that goes wrong as it happens, don't let repairs accumulate to the point where it becomes economically unmanageable or questionable to fix.
Must be painful to get in the car each time and see that body damage.

A lot of numbers quoted are pure guesstimates, you won't know how much it will cost to repair until you get stuck into the details of fixing it. Open ended exercise financially, really. You need to make a commitment both emotionally and financially to get the car back into reasonable shape no matter what it takes. But you couldn't do that when the dents happened, so it's not likely to happen now.

Drive it into the ground, junk it, buy something fresher. Easy.

You could get away with 1k if you found the same colour panels. Guarantee the front guard chassis rails are damaged. The rear part where the tailgate meets the boot floor could also be pushed in.

A reco engine could set you back an easy 1.2k plus the cost to have it restamped by a lpg installer. This doesn't consider the cost of the driveline repairs. Shocks, suspension, bushes etc could easily be stuffed at 400km's!

Front, Rear Bumper and 2 front 1/4 Panels at my local wrecker would be $100.. So $200 in panels and if you look around you could get it painted for a few $400/500 - Wont be show car quality, but it'll be decent.

With that - That Front 1/4 is right on that front rail, Minimal damage under there, if any at all.

Engine - I'd look at a low K second handy - $500 OR $1000 fitted by the wrecker. ($500 for service/timing belt if required)

We're not building a show car Mr Kovac..

SuFz :ninja:

Front, Rear Bumper and 2 front 1/4 Panels at my local wrecker would be $100.. So $200 in panels and if you look around you could get it painted for a few $400/500 - Wont be show car quality, but it'll be decent.

With that - That Front 1/4 is right on that front rail, Minimal damage under there, if any at all.

Engine - I'd look at a low K second handy - $500 OR $1000 fitted by the wrecker. ($500 for service/timing belt if required)

We're not building a show car Mr Kovac..

SuFz :ninja:

Good wreckers! Cheapest ones in Vic would probably be Jollys and they charge $80 a piece for front and rear bumpers and then $60 a guard. So that would be just under $300. :/
Much of the wreckers here in Vic also don't do work like pulling out & fitting engines anymore. Usually done by mechanics instead.

I suppose fixing the guard rails wouldn't be that important as it's unlikely to be sold off registerred, but I'm wondering if there would be issues getting the guard to line up and fit.

Of course, a 2nd handy out of a wreck would be cheap (jollys ask like $200 for them) but they're likely to have heaps of km's and usage on them, and probably only be a little bit less 'tired' than the current engine. I just think, if you're going to spend the time and effort to rip out an engine and stick a new one in, for the purpose of extending the car's life, then you might as well get a nice new reco one with new belts, gaskets, pumps and pulleys and have it last the distance. If the only purpose to put a new engine in is to get a few more months/years out of the car then run the current one until it's dead imho. Ripping out and replacing an engine can take a good 1-2 days so it's worth doing right.

Just my thoughts. I can't see why someone would bother. Spend anouther 1.5k ontop of what it costs to repair this car and get something newer. Better way to spend money imho.

Just pass the car onto someone else cheaply, someone who is prepared to put the time, effort and money into fixing it.

IF it has sentimental value, and you have the time for it, I say keep it & fix it. If 90% of the car is still good and everything still works, don't kill it.
I sold my old TF to my sister and bought a VE commodore and have regretted it ever since, it just never had the same personal value to me. However I am lucky enough to be able to retrieve the TF next year for $500 and will put some effort into it to keep it on the road.

If you do some serious research then you will be able to fix it up for a fairly reasonable price. eBay and this forum are both excellent sources for cheap parts. Depending where you are based you may even find members close by with parts, spare time to give you a hand or know the right people to get her fixed up cheaper.
Get quotes on the exhaust system, I recently got a new cat-back system for my TR for $230 fitted which is more than reasonable.

Well coming from someone who bought a TE Exec Wagon which was destined for the wreckers and starting to bring it back up to spec (and well above the original spec), it's a very rewarding experience.

On the other hand it's hard to justify spending money on the car you've had for so long. As others have said if you haven't bothered to fix it as it happens (spending much smaller amounts), why now all of a sudden are you going to drop potentially thousands to get it back up to scratch? I had the same issue with my red TJ, I loved the car but for some reason couldn't justify spending any more money on it, however with the wagon, I've easily spent close to what I sold the TJ for.

Been having a look around, saw a nice 380VRX with 170,000kms and although nice I couldn't justify the outlay.
Sat in a "VE" Statesman and was impressed it was awesome and just felt right, but the price and KMS was too high.

I think I'll just maintain the wagon until it gets seriously too expensive to continue.