Author Topic: Did we mess up?  (Read 7524 times)

nonostash

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Did we mess up?
« on: August 10, 2014, 12:02:22 AM »
Our gas guzzler broke down the other day. Most likely the engine needs to be replaced.  A $2800 fix on a car with 190k miles on it that we have been wanting to get rid of anyway.  Instead of fixing it we bought a used 2013 Yaris for $12,800.   

We paid cash for it, private party ("borrowed" some money from ourselves that was set aside for something else and we plan on paying ourselves back over the next 6-9 months). 

Our gas guzzler was paid for, and now hubby is having second thoughts on the car we just got.  Honestly, I don't know if we did the right thing. 

We both drive a lot so we'll save money in the long run (getting 35 vs 17 mpg), but I don't know if we were a little hasty in our decision....  Any thoughts?

MikeBear

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2014, 12:17:01 AM »
$2800 to repair a car with 190k would have been a mistake.

I can't say you made a mistake buying the Yaris, especially if you plan on taking take of it well enough to last at least 10 years.

So, I'd say you did ok.

nonostash

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2014, 12:28:56 AM »
That makes me feel a little better.  We take good care of our vehicles so this 'new' Yaris should last us a long time.  We have another one with 225k miles.  :)

rmendpara

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2014, 01:42:57 AM »
Unless you are very mechanically inclined, by the time repairs start costing >$1k, it's often time to start considering a replacement (assuming the pricey repair will be the first of several).

Naturally, run the numbers against your transportation needs and you'll have a better idea.

With 190k miles, I think you're running close to the end anyway (for the avg person who doesn't know how to maintain & repair like a champion).

sleepyguy

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #4 on: August 10, 2014, 09:11:29 AM »
Bit pricey but if you're gonna drive that Yaris to the ground then it's fine.  Those can probably run 450km before it needs some serious work or put down.

If you were worried about budget why not get something a bit dated with some miles?  A used civic or corolla with 150+kms would have been super reliable.  I personally drive a 2003 Impreza that I got at 120km and I have over 200km on it now with little maitnenance (timing belt soon though).  It's a bit tasty for gas but I don't drive that much.  I plan on driving it to over 400kms if i can (if it continues to pass emissions and doesn't need expensive repairs).  I got it for $4000 at the time, basically as a daily beater/hauler... but it's been amazing at everything.  These boxer engines can go over 500km.

http://www.subarudelaval.ca/en/articles/subaru-canada-introduces-new-500000-km-maintenance-schedule/142204/

pretty cool :)
« Last Edit: August 10, 2014, 09:14:34 AM by sleepyguy »

AlexK

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #5 on: August 10, 2014, 10:41:02 AM »
The Yaris uses the Toyota 1NZ-FE engine (same as the Echo, Xa, Xb) and it is bulletproof. You will be liking the car more and more as the years go by with great mpg and never a problem. We have a Yaris and Xa and love them.

Another Reader

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2014, 11:42:45 AM »
I know several people that own the Yaris.  They all love the car.  Many thousands of miles without a single problem.  Easy to use hatch and 36-38 mpg with the automatic if you drive conservatively.  40 or more highway mpg with the manual.  The only negative is a fairly small gas tank.  The cars are hard to find here.

nonostash

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2014, 08:35:26 PM »
Thank you everyone for all the great responses.  Yes, we probably should have gotten something a little older with more miles, but we'll just have to make the most of it.  I thought for sure we'd get more face punches! ;)

fxsts12

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2014, 09:10:13 PM »
Overall there isn't much downside with years of trouble free miles.

Cwadda

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2014, 09:13:33 PM »
190k miles at $3.50 a gallon is $19,000 at 35 MPG.
190k miles at $3.50 a gallon is $38,000 at 17 MPG.

So that's more than the cost of the Yaris in gas alone.

dragoncar

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #10 on: August 11, 2014, 09:43:33 PM »
I may have missed it, but what happened to the gas guzzler?

nonostash

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #11 on: August 13, 2014, 07:33:31 PM »
It was overheating.  Most likely cracked head or head gasket (?) I can't remember the exact terminology, but it was bad

dragoncar

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #12 on: August 13, 2014, 09:42:22 PM »
It was overheating.  Most likely cracked head or head gasket (?) I can't remember the exact terminology, but it was bad

And then?

nonostash

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #13 on: August 13, 2014, 09:59:40 PM »
It was overheating.  Most likely cracked head or head gasket (?) I can't remember the exact terminology, but it was bad

And then?

Well, our regular mechanic said it would be $3-4k to fix (replace the engine) but he didn't recommend it since the transmission and other parts still have 190k miles.  Said it wouldn't be worth it.  And though we trust him, we also had a mechanic friend of the family look at it and he said he could do it for $2800.  We will probably just sell it for parts.


dragoncar

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #14 on: August 13, 2014, 10:29:46 PM »
It was overheating.  Most likely cracked head or head gasket (?) I can't remember the exact terminology, but it was bad

And then?

Well, our regular mechanic said it would be $3-4k to fix (replace the engine) but he didn't recommend it since the transmission and other parts still have 190k miles.  Said it wouldn't be worth it.  And though we trust him, we also had a mechanic friend of the family look at it and he said he could do it for $2800.  We will probably just sell it for parts.

So it's sitting in your driveway?

nonostash

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Re: Did we mess up?
« Reply #15 on: August 13, 2014, 10:41:27 PM »
Yes, momentarily...