Repair older vehicle or buy new?

**Steve** · 11-17-2008, 09:33 AM

Given the current economic environment, I'm just curious if you would rather fix your existing vehicle, even if the repairs might be costly, or buy a new vehicle?

**Akula682** · 11-17-2008, 10:20 AM

I went with the 50/50, it just depends on how much work needs to be done and how much work you want to put into it... as soon as i get the chance i am going to rebuild an old F-100, Old Mustang, and an Old Bel Air (53-57) and an early 50's model Chevy Truck... here is the twist, I am going to put Diesel engines in all of them.

**bry2500** · 11-17-2008, 02:38 PM

went 50/50. The credit crunch can actually benefit the purchase of a new vehicle. If you have the ability to get a new vehicle the prices are lower and if you credit score is good the financing options are really great right now. but if you don't fit into this category fix it. Sometimes nothing beats a good old truck!

**tlperry68** · 11-17-2008, 03:04 PM

I am doing my part to keep the economy flowing. My last F-150 was barely 2 years old when I dumped it. I'll keep this for a couple more years and get another one. Just a 3500 instead of the 2500.

**dwill3015** · 11-18-2008, 01:03 AM

Voted 50/50.

**CoolBlueSS** · 11-18-2008, 10:45 AM

I went with repair it, but I guess it would really depend. If it's an old beater that you really don't care about then replace it. But, most of us probably become attached to our vehicles, as enthusiasts. I will never again buy new, though.

**Mikes90burb** · 11-18-2008, 11:00 PM

I agree, tho im more partial to fixing the old girl up. ( the truck ....not the wife ) . It may take a long time and some money. But the pride you have in fixing it up and doing your own personal touches on it are priceless.

**00z71** · 11-18-2008, 11:28 PM

I voted 50/50 as well. Working as a tech in a GM Dealership i see both sides of this question. Alot of customers are hesitant to dump money into an older vehicle and rather cut their losses and trade off for either a new or gently used vehicle. Myself I am very attached to my Z71 and would and will fix whatever ends up breaking.

**MrShorty** · 11-18-2008, 11:57 PM

I vote for repair, though it doesn't have anything to do with the credit crunch (I pay cash for my vehicles). Basically every time I put pencil to paper, I figure that $30k to buy new will buy an awful lot of parts and labor to fix up the one I've got.

Buying used throws a wrinkle into the analysis, but I usually find I would either be spending a lot more than it would cost to fix or I could be buying something with the same # of miles and all the possible issues that come with a "new" used car.

Usually the only reasons I find for me to buy another car is when the existing one no longer meets my needs or if it's collision type damage that often is difficult to get fixed right.