Hi, My husband has a 2006 Honda Ridgeline automatic w/ 202,000 miles on it. It had some rust holes and basically needs a 200,000 mile service, has an exhaust leak, slight oil leak by top of engine by dipstick, and the heater control doesnt work well. He’s been talking about buying something newer but I want to fix and keep it.
Will it be worth fixing it up and if so how much longer do you think we can keep it going?
Thanks,
Jules
I think your first step should be to talk to your mechanic about how much it would cost to fix and do the needed maintenance. Is it a simple fix, or is it thousand of dollars? Safe to say I wouldn't put any real money into it. More problems would come along later with that mileage.
If it needs anything that you and your husband could consider real money then it would be time to move on to something else. For me that would mean $1000-1500+ in repairs but thats a case by case thing.
Over at AgcoAuto, in Baton Rouge, they do what is called "a general inspection." They take an hour to look at everything in the vehicle, and offer up a holistic assessment of what the vehicle needs, when it might need it, and what it would cost, and whether it has reach the point of NEFR (Not Economically Feasible for Repair).
From their website, here's a list (below). If you're anywhere else (not Baton Rouge), their approach is the right one, IMHO, from a cost/benefit standpoint: http://www.agcoauto.com/content/General_Inspection
___From their website____
Just a few of the things we check:
- Brake linings, hoses, cylinders and operation
- Belts, hoses, coolant pH, specific gravity and condition
- Maintenance items, is maintenance up to date
- Codes and pending codes in the vehicle computer
- Tire condition, age and air pressure, including the spare
- Suspension and steering components
- Drive axles, differential and transmission
- Air conditioner efficiency and operation
- Exhaust system and components
- Power windows and accessories
- And of course fluid levels and condition
