Is it worth it too get repairs done or just buy a new/used car?

Question

Alright so here's the situation. We bought our van in October 2004, Ford Freestar. My mom liked it at first sight so yeah, anywase it was used, came with about 30,000k already on it, no accidents, cost us just about $40,000 (SES trim). Yesterday my mom tries to drive out of the parking stall and can't get into gear at all, Reverse Drive First and Third won't go, I don't know if she tried Neutral or park but yeah. Ford inspected it today and gave us an estimate of $6,800CAD. Supposedly what needs to be replaced is the transmission, left Trans axle, intake control?, motor stuck irc, switch for brake lights and there's something wrong with the engine. Considering that were going to Scotland in August with my band and flights cost around 10,000CAD were in a bit of trouble. This van has been in and out of the shop more than my Dad’s 2006 Toyota Camry which has only gone in once since he bought it. The question is

Should we end up getting this fixed and just keep the car? Or buy a new/used vehicle?

My mom doesn’t want another van and we can’t afford anything over $25,000. She’s more into an SUV. I was thinking a Toyota Highlander or the Hybrid would be good but they have a pretty high resale value. After this fiasco my Dad won’t get another Ford. What do you guys recommend?

Answer 1

Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice, it has a near trouble free reliability record. Honda CRV or Pilot may also be good choices. Look for 2004 to 2006 should be in the price range that you mentioned. I Personally would not put that kind of money back into the Ford. What else will they find when they tear it down?

Answer 2

i can buy that van for under 6800 never head of int.controll or irc switch motor.a rebuilt trans is about 1-1800 dollors and ive never seen 3-4000 labour to install one get a second opinion not from dealer.besides you sound sold on toyota

Answer 3

i might say it relies upon on how lots a 365 days you spend to maintain it in working order. a sparkling motor vehicle at $250 a month will value you $3000 a 365 days just to possess, to no longer restore and preserve. Does your used motor vehicle value greater desirable than that a 365 days to maintain on the line? no longer likely. i might shop the used motor vehicle, exceedingly if it in basic terms expenses $one thousand a 365 days or with a view to maintain working, it incredibly is extremely clever. Plus insurance is greater low priced, that's great. edit: type lots

Answer 4

Dude anything involving the transmission is a pain in the a$$. we had a Grand Prix and the trans went out we had it fixed but we went on a trip a week later and it went out again... you will just keep having problems... get a different vehicle.