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ItsWetInWestOregon t1_iy3nqg9 wrote

It seems it would be much cheaper to just fix the issue and keep driving the same car and saving.

We just did a $2k fix on our 20 year old 240k miles truck because it’s a lot cheaper to just keep our truck trucking than to buy a new truck. We did ask our mechanic if he felt we had anything else that needed to be done soon and he said no. If it’s just the one fix, just fix it.

If your fix is $500, then after 2 months back on the road you’d have already spent less than 2 months of car payments and insurance on a $30k car.

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Silly_willy__ OP t1_iy3o1jo wrote

True. I’m gonna call around for quotes today.

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scherster t1_iy402r1 wrote

This is the mindset to have. Don't compare the repair cost to what you could sell the car for, compare it to the monthly loan payments if you replace the car. Only consider replacing the car when it needs multiple expensive repairs.

For reference, I have known several people who drove their Honda Accord for over 250k miles, and one who reached 350k. I personally have had two Toyota Camrys that reached 240k miles, one was replaced because it was totaled in an accident, the other just because it was being used to drive long distances through isolated areas.

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Silly_willy__ OP t1_iy6r53r wrote

My goal is to drive it into the ground honestly. I was hoping to do that with my old car but it got totaled.

I’m just nervous about the quote of $2,000. Especially with the holidays right around the corner etc.

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scherster t1_iy6rlq3 wrote

Honestly, IMO a catalytic converter has a certain life expectancy, kind of like a timing belt. It's no indication your car is not reliable anymore. With the current used car market, I'd take the chance. And several other responses indicated you should be able to do this repair for about $500, which makes it a no-brainer.

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