decision time....sell or fix

[Ruddbow]

1999 Yukon with 150k, having tranny issues, passlock, and turn signal stalk. I bought it a year ago. Put new wheels/tires/bumpers and some misc stuff. I have about $4500 in it. I know it will be impossible to get that kind of money back out of it. It is starting to feel like a money pit. Do i pony up more money and fix or sell it and be done. Still love this body style....

 

[OR VietVet]

Well, if you know you can't get the money out of it and you like the vehicle then it looks like you need to fix it. If you have no payments each month and are driving a 99 then you need to put money in it periodically. Sometimes more money than other times but if it meets your needs and you like it then fix it. Let's say you get rid of it. Then you buy a newer used rig. The cost for that rig will likely be higher than what the fix is for yours and you still have a used rig that will also likely need some repairs. Being newer and with newer technology the repairs may also be more expensive than your rig that you like. IMO

 

[Ruddbow]

Well said! Like the way your thinking

 

[OR VietVet]

Glad I could help. I used to run auto/light truck repair shops. I had to tell customers what they didn't want to hear about repairs on their rigs. They would say things like "I am going to sell it or trade it in on a newer vehicle." I would then remind them that if the current vehicle is what they like and is paid for then even if they have someone else fix it, it may be more cost effective. Getting a newer rig is just buying a rig that you know nothing about. A brand new rig is nice but unless you can pay it all off when buy it then you have the monthly payment and higher insurance and you still have to take care of it. Most customers do not think like that and get emotional about the current circumstances. Like I always told them, "Think about the problem, either have me fix it or someone else and just make sure you are happy with whatever decision you make and feel good about it." I got 95% of the repairs. Especially if it was a woman. It is always best to take a step back and think about it and get opinions if need be.

 

[coppertahoe]

Just had to make that same decision. Ended up gettin rid of my 98 after dumping way too much money into it. Roughly 4500-5000. Was having a transfer case issue, leaky trans, no a/c, rust, bad fuel line, etc etc, etc. I dont regret selling it at all. All i got for it was 1600, but probably coulda got a few hundred more if i held onto it longer. But it worked out for my situation very well, couldnt say for you. Good luck tho

If i would have fixed all that i wouldve been lucky to get 2800 for it, just wasnt very smart financially. I just couldnt stand spending every weekend fixing something that needed to be fixed as opposed to doing something to upgrade it which i actually look forward to

 

[OR VietVet]

Only the owner can make this type of decision. If you think it through and make an informed decision and are happy with whatever you decide, then that is the right decision. At the end of the day you got to make your self happy and the wife/girlfriend too, sometimes. Here in Oregon I am still looking for a 96-99 Tahoe/Yukon 2 door 4x4. I know it will likely need some work but I can do the labor and have connections for parts at several parts houses and the dealership. Used to run auto shops here in town. Plus I live where I work. I can leave my rig parked for days/weeks at a time if I choose. I know everyone does not have that luxury.

 

[07Burb]

I agree with Ron and if it's me I fix it and move on

 

[OR VietVet]

Most important thing is to never let emotions make the decision for you.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

i used to buy new vehicles and make payments and this tahoe is basically my first used vehicle and has on occasion nickel and dimed me to death
but id take the nickel and diming over a payment anyday of the week
plus the kinda money they want for new vehicles these days is diisgusting

 

[OR VietVet]

Whether you buy new or used you are going to spend money on it. I have always held the opinion that what I save with having no payment, I put at least half of that back each month because the older rig will need some TLC at times and with less expensive insurance and no monthly payment, even if you have to spend some money you are way ahead, especially if the rig meets your needs and you like the rig.

 

[BirchyBoy]

I'm in the same boat. A '99 Yukon with 178k in pretty good condition. I paid 3,400 for it 18 months ago and have put another $3k-$4k in it. It did very well on a 5,700 mile trip to Maine and back with a 27' camper on the back. We're heading to California but I don't have the same level of trust as I did last summer. I'm not sure why, but I feel like I'm pushing my luck with a second, long trip with 5k pounds on the back.

I had the front seals replaced yesterday after having them done 11k ago. The shop did me a huge service by standing behind their 1 year warranty even though it was a week past the 1 year period. It needs front brake rotors, but that is it mechanically for now. My dilemma is very similar - sell it and take an assumed loss or put my trust in it. Not sure what to do. There is no right answer.