Keep or Sell/Trade

[TheValk]

Bought the 90 Defender TD5 new in 2004. After numerous fixes under warrantee, it has now done 245,000kms- inc outback trips etc.

But, I now have just paid $1000 for repairs and it's now off for more repairs to engine (unknown problem at this stage, but serious noises).

Should I move it on (anticipating more trouble) or keep it? (ongoing repairs generally cheaper than buying another vehicle).

[Rextheute]

I would repair and keep it and find the best one you can to purchase ( if looking second hand / pre loved )

My P38 is in hospital at present ...needs an injection of $1000 - brakes require work .
It's cheaper to fix and hold onto as vehicles are not worth anything unreg or not going .
When you find a good one you can then pounce and purchase .
Either way you need a vehicle ?

As long as it's not an expensive repair - worth more than the resale .

[AndyG]

Find a good LR mechanic to give it a detailed inspection/ service

[Rok_Dr]

The major question is do you have the itch for something newer or is the $ outflow from your pack pocket pushing you to consider? Today with labour over $100/hr and the price of parts, $1000 is verging on average.

If you are happy with the car I'd recommend seriously considering spending the coin to get on top of the issues. At 12 years old and those kms you are due for a couple of big $ bills.

You've also reminded me that I should post a couple of case histories of ownership costs. Keep a watch on the general section over the next week.

Cheers

Steve

[TheValk]

Many thanks for v helpful replies. Steve has given me a handy reality check ref mechanic's rates.
What sort of "big issue" items are you thinking of- anything specific/well-known around this mileage?.
Mechanic says fuel pump/starter/alternator/head gasket- but I reckon these are items I'd expect anyway as mileage climbs.

After calming down, pls reading these and other posts on site (new site to me- what a resource)- I am going to keep my 90 and see how we go.

After a life-time of diy building, I might even be able to have a crack at a few mechanical items myself!

[mudder110]

your going well, ive spent nearly $4000 on rip off mechanics up here in cairns, 300tdi defender trying to do the work myself now, but got limited space, maybe look at the integrity of your mechanic, that's still reasonably
low ks for a maintained td5.
good luck.