Should I keep the car I have or trade it in for another used one?
I have an older (1994) Toyota Camry. I bought it 4 years ago fairly cheaply, and I’ve had to make some fairly expensive repairs. In fact, it just came back from the shop today.
After this latest repair, it runs the quietest it has ever run since I bought it. I’m really pleased about that.
I’m not pleased that my regular mechanic, whom I trust, found an oil leak in the valve cover. He cleaned it thoroughly and instructed me to watch it closely for signs of future leakage, saying to bring it back in at the first sign of any oil escaping.
Am I best to just keep this car since it now appears to be running better than ever before, or am I best to trade it for another used car while it’s running at its peak hoping to get the best trade-in value?
My financial situation dictates that I will have to buy a used car. I simply cannot afford a new one.
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The good news is that used cars are getting good money right now if you sell it. The bad news is that used cars are more expensive than you would think when you go to buy one.
Valve cover? A leak there is a mere mess and not an actual mechanical problem. If it bugs you, it really isn’t hard to fix. I also question that mechanics skill level and/or integrity now. Shit, you ought to see my ‘85 Corolla! Runs like a champ, but oil everywhere. Not a problem, merely a quirk if the 4A engine.
A ‘94 Camry has a low trade value; it is worth more as a car than a bargaining tool. They are easy and cheap to repair, and more reliable than almost anything you can replace it with (if properly maintained).
I say keep it. If nothing else, you know what issues it has, and trading it may get you something that needs even more work. I tried that once and traded a good car for one that died five months later in a non-repairable way.
Oh, and trade that mechanic. If a valve cover is beyond them, I wouldn’t trust them within twenty feet of my car, and neither should you.
Keep it. For all the reasons @Jerv said. Plus….
It is pre-1996. the year OBD-II diagnostics became widespread. My state (NY) requires an annual inspection and the OBD-II diagnostics are part of it. The results are automatically sent to the Dept of Motor Vehicles. You will not pass inspection if even one diagnostic fails. You will not pass if the check engine light is on. . Even if it was due to simply leaving the gas cap loose. Heck, you won’t even pass if you cleared all the codes and the light is not on. The car has to run through all its diagnostics which can take a day or two of driving without the light. coming on.
Pre-1996 cars are in demand here. They make perfect “winter cars.”
All indications point to saving the vehicle you have. The engine in your vehicle is good for at least 250,000 plus miles. My 2000 Toyota Solara has 300,000 miles and still running strong. Replacing a valve cover gasket is no big deal. Just keep an eye on it.
I say keep what you have. You already know your Toyotas mechanical condition, but you do not know the condition of another vehicle out there and its owner.
“A bird in the hand is worth two in bush” saying really applies to your sitution and your Toyota automobile.
Keep it. And drive it with a smile on your face. You’ll be glad you did.
Keep it, drive it until it drops or needs more than $5000. in repairs.
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