Should I repair my car or just buy a new one?

Question

I am currently a college senior who commutes to school and needs a reliable method of transportation that is cheap and won't **** the bed every other month. Right now I own a 2008 Kia Sedona with about 93k miles on it. A few days ago the check engine light came on reading a p0011 code, my headlights and other electric components constantly flickering, and battery/other dash lights randomly illuminating while I drive. I don't have an exact quote or diagnosis for the repair yet (I'll probably need a new timing chain/alternator) and I'm assuming the repair cost is gonna be between $500-$1000. I hate my kia and it's **** milage so if I'm going to be paying this much for a repair, I'm thinking I might just be better off with a new (used) car. My sister drives a 2009 Toyota Prius which seems nice because of its good gas milage and the ones I have seen online in my area are going for around $2000ish, but the milage on them are all around 200k

Here is my question: 
1) Should I just sell my car and use the money to buy a new one like the Prius? Along with the engine work it needs, my kia also has a dented/ripped bumper from the previous owner so I'm not sure if I would be able to get a lot for it.

2) Just repair my kia and live with the financial burden it brings? 

I have never sold a car before, so any detailed advice or alternative car options would be appreciated. 

Answer 1

You go to any big channel Auto Store and they will check the reading for you, then you go to the shop or dealer and fine out what the repair will cost; It can be a weak battery, loose belt on the alternator, or a bad connection, or you may need a new alternator or battery. First you need to fine out what the repair will cost, 93,000 miles is nothing in today's cars my Jeep has 316,000 and is still going strong

Answer 2

Unless the car you buy is 4 years old, or less, you're buying someone else's problem. All cars have parts that wear out. Get it fixed before your belt breaks. That could cause bigger expense.  If you sell it, put an ad in the paper and sell it "as is". Look up it's value on Kelly Blue Book & stick to it. Hope you kept maintenance records. That would be valuable. But, my suggestion is to repair it. Latter, when you can afford a newer car, use it as a trade in.

Answer 3

Buying a used hybrid or electric car can be pretty risky.  If the battery needs replacing it can be a repair of $3000 or more.



If it was me- unless you have money to purchase the next car in full in cash, you don't even consider switching cars.

- But before making any determination, you need to know what is the actual cost to get your car repaired.  Is it $500?  Then it's a no brainer = you fix it... if it's $1500... then think about it.



If you to get rid of your car, it's probably best just to junk it.  Unless you know how and have the time to part it out. 

Answer 4

Yes, sell it at auction.

It's a no brainer really, but don't buy a Prius as they are expensive to repair and service. Get a normal little runaround such as a Ford Fiesta that will be cheap to run. 

Answer 5

You haven't been changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. I'll bet you haven't been checking the oil level every 1,000 miles and keeping the oil topped up to the upper dipstick mark wither. The cam advance actuator on Bank 1 is sticking. The timing chain should be okay yet.

Have the battery and alternator tested at an auto parts store where it's a free service.That may be the cause of the flickering.

Answer 6

I think you need a proper diagnosis first before going any further. The code means the ECU thinks the intake camshaft in bank 1 has a more advanced timing. Quite often that's fixed by simply changing the engine oil, believe it or not.  However, there's clearly some electrical nonsense going on and this needs proper investigation before throwing parts at it.  As I say, get a full diagnosis before going into changing it. Unless of course you can afford to do that come what may.



As it is, you'll have difficulty getting much for it in that condition.

Answer 7

You should buy a car not a new one but a used car. Which have good mileage and under your budget. if you are living near California, San Diego then you should go to a local dealer Goautocity. Goautocity provides hassle-free cars. They also deal in selling used cars. So, you won't face any problem. A few years ago I bought a used car for myself and it's been 2 years since I haven't face any issue with my vehicle. Before buying any car just set your budget.

Answer 8

Most college students cannot afford brand new cars.



You should probably find someone who works on cars on the side. They charge less than dealers.

Answer 9

Trade in your vehicle at a dealership, depending on your Budget, buying a new car is much better deal because of the warranty you get. Get rid of your car, it's only going to cost you more in the long run.

Answer 10

No student drives a minivan.  Sell the vehicle and get a car with good fuel economy.

Answer 11

I would buy a certified used vehicle from a dealership. Look at car ratings before selecting brand of car, yes there is a difference. A certified used Nissan Sentra is a good choice.youcanput a lot of miles on it before it would start to break down. Reliability has a price, tho. That means having a car payment.