Need advice on whether this car is worth pumping repair costs into or just moving on

Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SCION TC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 198,000 MILES
Hello-
My car I've had since I purchased it with 155,000 miles has been great. It's my second Scion and I've nothing but good things to say about the brand.

However I've put about 40,000 miles on it and while it's still running currently, the following needs I've listed in order of how important it is:

1. Brakes rotors and pads rear and back need to be done ASAP.
2. The clutch is slipping badly for the past month, it's becoming almost undrivable, needs to be done ASAP.
3. The A/C stopped working, bad compressor (I live in Florida so A/C here is almost a must, but medium priority given the above repairs).
4. It has a slow oil leak that causes it to lose 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks, so I have to constantly keep an eye on it and fill it between oil changes. This doesn't seem to be getting worse but who knows. Medium/low priority repair.
5. Drunk driver hit it on one side and it is all busted up, doesn't look too bad but it's is still there. Clear coat is coming off on the back due to Florida sun. Tint is peeling off windows.

That said, I don't have much money and am rather poor. The car runs great and has been problem-free for me, very reliable.

My question is this: is it worth pumping all this money into these repairs (notably 1 and 2, but 3 and 4 need to be done too) given its age and mileage? Or should I cut my losses and just go find another used car with half the miles that I could get for the same amount of money used to repair this car? I'm only hesitant to do this because I know this car is reliable, but its getting old and not sure its worth it.

I was looking at some 2006/2007 Scions at some lots for like $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 range.

Any advice here would be great.
Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 8:45 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

If you like the car than yes, 1, 2, 3, 4 all put together, with savvy parts purchasing, and doing the work yourself, which isn't that hard at all to do[and we have step by step instructions for your vehicle on all them] will probably run somewhere in the $500.00 range. The one that I would be concerned about, number 1 because I can't do the work myself, and number 2 living in Florida and having salt air around would be 5, but that's just me. So it's up to you. We can help with instructions for all the repair work, and like I said, if you like the vehicle than yes it's worth doing. Please let us know what you decide to do.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 1:14 PM
Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I’m not mechanically inclined. I have already ordered the rotors and pads myself for $80.00 on eBay. But the clutch I don’t think I’m going to be able to do that one myself. So that’s like $1,000.00. The compressor for the AC with parts and labor is like $750.00. I only purchased the car for $3,000.00 and that was like 3 years ago. I was thinking I could get another used Scion in more working order instated if putting money into this. But then I run the risk of getting a lemon when I know this car runs like a champ.
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, the decision is your but let me show how easy doing the A/C Compressor could be. In the diagrams down below I have included the pictures to the three steps needed for the removal of your vehicle's AC Compressor. The only other thing that is needed is to take the serpentine belt off which is a piece of cake. The installation is the same, just in reverse. Check out the diagrams down below and get back to us with what you decide.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
What’s the catch? Do I need to take a bunch of stuff out to get to the compressor? Surely it can’t be that easy?
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Here is the rest of the guide in the diagrams down below. Installation is the reverse of removal with a Freon recharge which can be bought at any auto parts store for around $30.00. Please go through this guide and get back to us with your thoughts.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 2:11 AM
Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I actually have manual transmission.

How would I discharge the coolant without a proper machine to do so?
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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

That's right. I forgot that step. You wouldn't be able to do that without the proper machine for the collection and disposal of the Freon. Like I said, it's ultimately your decision and your's alone. Please get back to us with how everything turns out. Remember, we are here for you 24/7/365.

Thanks,
Alex
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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
SCIONBOYZ
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
What I’ll actually need assistance with is changing my rotors and pads which are arriving early next week.
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Friday, October 18th, 2019 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

In the diagrams down below I have included a link to a guide on how to replace the rotors and pads on your vehicle. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-pads-and-rotors

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Friday, October 18th, 2019 AT 10:46 PM

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