Need Advice: To Fix or Not to Fix?
Okay, my Avalon squad - here’s my dilemma - and could use your help/advice.
10 year old car - fine electrically and sound for the most part mechanically, but the East Dallas roads have done a number on my suspension and physical parts are just wearing down after years on the road. Sway bars, control arm, bushings, struts all need to be replaced - according to the dealership - for around $6K. The car is worth $8,000 on KBB, maybe less with these issues.
They said they can knock the suspension work down to $4,900 and change after taxes. Dealer pricing and certified with a warrantee on the work.
141,000 miles, and drives beautifully. Maybe I can feel bumps a bit more these days but the rear isn’t hitting the ground at all, no knocking or clunking or anything of the sort. Floats just a bit, but it’s a cushiony ride anyway.
If I invest, it will probably extend the life out to 250-300K, maybe it would without it - who knows. I love this car so much, but that’s a hard hit to take at once.
I currently have no car payment. And while I can afford one, now’s not a great time to buy and I’d prefer not to have one. It would stretch me just a bit, but I wouldn’t have to worry about these types of repairs either. I was hoping to hold on for a bit longer at least until we can get the Runner paid off - inside the next 12 months - and then go from there.
Tough spot to be in. Pops says get the two tires I need replaced, replaced; and the alignment done. Drive it for two weeks and see where we land. Taking that advice and have an appointment set. He’s a grease monkey, one I trust, and wants to get a look at it. Says it may not need all that they’ve reported and feels the “stealership” in Dallas are clowns trying to upsell (he’s hilarious). The work and parts are what they are, but he isn’t sold. He’s checking out the video they sent during my maintenance as well. I’m sure he’ll have thoughts.
What would you do? Sink the money now? Or cut losses, bite the bullet and look at something newer? Maybe a ‘19-‘22 with under 60K miles?
UPDATE: Look at this, gang. Parts aren’t even $450.