Hey Scotty,
I've been the loving owner of a 2002 Lexus RX300 (automatic AWD) for eight years. Bought used at 150,000 miles and is about to hit 280,000 in probably a week or two. Lots of road trips between Phoenix and San Diego to see my fiance's family!
About a month ago a P0420 code popped up so I took it to a mechanic who confirmed that the catalytic converter is just about dunzo. On top of that, the door lock actuators are starting to wear out so I can't lock the car remotely (I often have to go around the vehicle and manually make sure each door is locked). I've replaced the knock sensors, radio antenna, and tires all within the last year.
Kelley Blue Book evaluated the car's worth about $1700 as a trade-in and $2907 for a private party. That's about how much I'd spend just fixing the cat!
What should I do?
That's about how much I'd spend just fixing the cat!
How much would you spend buying a new/used vehicle?
What should I do?
Spend ~ $2000 on a new cat vs who knows how much on a new car (assuming your engine and transmission are still in excellent shape)
I would get the cat fixed.
And maybe turn the door lock problem into a weekend DIY project.
Only because I am not interested in a new car payment, and the RX is expected to last.
If you do a ton of highway road trips, your mileage is actually 10% of engine wear, as Scotty similarly puts it.
20yo car with almost 300k ... yeah it's going to be near the end of it's useful lifetime. It's really hard to justify the expense.
I would live with the code but you live in commiefornia so that might not be an option? Regardless, I would plan for a vehicle purchase.
The door locks are small potatoes.
Honestly, if your just up for a change, shop for a good used car as it will take weeks to find a good one. Otherwise see if you can find someone to put a decent aftermarket CAT on for less money and run it till shes a gonner.
How much would you spend buying a new/used vehicle?
Do you need a monthly payment in your life right now? If your Lexus only needs a new cat, I’d rather stick with her, rather than dive into a whole new kettle of fish..
I would live with the code but you live in commiefornia so that might not be an option? Regardless, I would plan for a vehicle purchase.
Actually, I live in Arizona, and my fiance's family is in San Diego. I'm trying to drive this car as far as I can into the ground so that we can save up faster for a house after we're married. Lord only knows how much longer that'll be 😛