Hello Car Killer Community,
I have 2003 VW GLX Passat Wagon, automatic transmission, naturally aspirated V6, with approximately 155,000 miles. I am the second owner of the car and I purchased the car from an older woman in my neighborhood three years ago for $3000.
She was obsessive (in loving way) regarding vehicle maintenance and I have records dating back to the purchase in 2003.
According to my local mechanic, the timing belt and water pump are due for replacement (the original was replaced at approximately 75,000 miles) and heater core is shot. I don't drive the car in the winter months in Detroit due to the lack of heat and it is stored in my garage when the temps are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I sell the vehicle or simply keep driving it during warmer weather? I've calculated my per month cost of keeping the vehicle on the road around $225 over the past three years. Is it time to say goodbye to the German money pit?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions or guidance.
A three grand car that needs nearly three grand in repairs after spending $7500+ on it? Sell.
If the heater worked, I would say use it as your winter beater ( I used to live in the rust belt, too). If it looks ok and it's running well otherwise, I say sell it this Spring, while it is road-able (and saleable).
I'm leaning heavily in the direction of a spring sale for the VW.
The vehicle presents well (aftermarket larger rims from Hot Wheelz Detroit) and I'm sure someone will want to take a chance on the old VW.
I've owned many Hondas over the years and this is my first VW (manufactured in Germany). I'm not likely to add an Italian car (Fiat) to my collection to complete the Axis of Evil (WWII) trifecta. Scotty wouldn't approve!
Japanese manufactured vehicles for now on!
Thanks for the suggestion.
Enjoy the day.
If you don’t get the price you’re after, use it as a weekend toy. Also, price around the timing belt job along with a new heater core. I recommend you don’t delay the timing belt replacement, if you’re past the interval recommended in your owner’s manual.
Just drive it until the timing belt breaks or summer comes.
But put it on craigslist NOW for like $3000-3500 and see what you get offered and if your happy with it you can sell it.
Damn. Doing both the timing belt and the core would probably total what you paid for the car. Heck, it would probably total the car regardless.
