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We have a 20 year old Mitsubishi Mirage, around 98,000 miles, that now needs around $3,000 in repairs (engine control module, power steering rack assembly, axle assy, etc.). The first mechanic didn't think it was worth repairing as it's at the age when things get old and break no matter how little we drive. The second opinion mechanic said the repairs might give us several more years of this car. Friends give us conflicting advice.
We could afford a cheap new or used car if necessary, but we don't know much about cars and may be better off with what we have. The Blue Book price for a "fair" 1996 Mirage is $1300, and I'm not sure it's up to fair. Or is that even a consideration for this decision?
I'm generally in favor of repairing, and 98,000 is not a lot of miles, but 20 years is a long time and your mechanic has already told you that he can't assure you that this repair will keep the car on the road for much longer.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I could do the work myself and buy the parts for a fraction of that estimate, and might consider it if I really liked the car. If I had to spend $3,000 I would either try to sell it as is on Craigslist, try for a few hundred trade-in, or simply donate it to charity for the tax deduction. Your $3,000 payment for "might give us several more years" is risky, because while 98k miles is not a lot, 20 years is. There are many parts that suffer from metal fatigue, rubber/plastic deterioration over time regardless of the miles driven. You could get 4-5 more years, but you could also face another $3,000 repair such as transmission rebuild after just a month or two.
98 000 mile sis nothing for a car that normally runs easy 200-300 000 miles.
Find a friend with tools and skill. Axle replacement plus alignment (maybe needed) will cost you less than $200.
We had 4 Mitsubishes, 2 Eclipses, and brushed on bad (well, fried by sub installer) ECM. New it was $1400 dealer. There was outfit in AL or GA, don't remeber exactly, that was selling them for around $400-500 used. Guaranteed working. It's plug and play install. I'd also look for 2nd opinion on ECM, those are actually very durable.
Rack and pinion is a bit of a money taker. You can get one online for $150 and have same buddy install it.
So suddenly you are looking at what - $250 + $200 + $500= $1000, which is a 3rd of quote. I'd also take chances with junk yards or cars parted. Craigslist.
Your problem is not repairs. Problem is - MECHANIC has to do it for you and surely they "have you". Also, as I always say, find a mobile mechanic that will come to you. They are fraction of the cost. Get an amigo.
If the car is Honda or Toyota, then I'd consider fixing it. Honda and Toyota tend to have good reliability, so you can fix the problem and hope no other issues occur. So you can drive the car for many more years/miles.
I don't know Mitsubishi Mirage. But I suspect it probably doesn't have good reliability. Spending $3000 is likely not the end and it will cost more down the road. Sell it.
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