Advice Needed re Major Repairs

Gone_Skiing

Here's a conundrum folks. And I'd be very interested in any views from people who've been in a similar situation.

I've got a big old 3 litre car. 14 years old. Just had it MOT-ed and serviced. Don't drive it much so it doesn't cost a fortune. BUT radiator is corroded and head gasket leaking + some other oil leak. So it needs work.

The main dealer quote: £2600 (hilarious)
Cheapest of two more realistic garage quotes: £1400

But the car is worth £100 for scrap. It drives great at 106,000 miles. But will need some exhaust work soon. And there's some play in the steering.

Should I give up on it now and buy a similar spec 6 year old replacement for £5K?

Or should I put the money in on the repairs?

Any experienced advice most welcome.

AdrianHi

I parted company with my last car at 122K miles when it was hitting me with £1200 a year in maintenance.
I worked out the monthly average cost of this car compared with a brand new £27K BMW 320d touring and the new car came out £100 a month more calculating the average monthly figure over 36 months. I was moving from a 30mpg petrol to a 47mpg diesel in the process so the saving on fuel was quite significant.
You seem to be looking at £1400 + steering and exhaust repair.
I think in the long run a lowish mileage 6 year old for £5K that does not need much maintenance money spending on it is going to work out cheaper in the long run.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Repair it. Its a known quantity. The replacement will not be.

anewman

Suppose if you was so inclined, another option could be to get yourself a haynes manual, some tools, and try lop the head off yourself, bearing in mind it doesn't matter so much if you muck it up as you can scrap it. Only thing you would have to lose then is time messing with car, and cost of tools, parts and haynes manual.

Conor_3

£1400 is reconditioned engine including fitting territory with a lot of change to spare. Not only would that solve the headgasket and oil leak issues, it would in effect give you a spanking new engine and another 100,000 miles.