Hi All,
I own a 98 Q with about 150k miles on it. We had it in the family since 2000 with 25k miles. Recently, it has started giving me some trouble and after a trip to the dealership to get an oil change, I am starting to question on whether I should keep it or get rid of it.
The dealer told me it needs the following done:
Rack and Pinion Replacement
Rear Bushings Replacement
New Brakes
New Tires
Valve Gasket Replacement
The dealer quoted me close to $4,500 to get it all done, but I can get it done at the indy for about $2,500.00
So my dilemma is either I put the money into it and keep the car, or should i just throw in the towel and sell it to a local dealer.
Advice Needed - 98 Q
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oldmako
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Re: Advice Needed - 98 Q
When I bought mine at 106,000 I took it in for the "complementary" eval.
They thought it needed $3600 worth of work at a minimum.
I did half of what they suggested myself for maybe 800 bucks and put some new tires on it. It now has 197,000 and probably still "needs" to have some of that stuff done. Car drives nicely and has treated me well.
The shop that installed my new struts quoted me $1200 to have my drive shaft replaced because "it's really in bad shape". Came here and read all the horror stories of never getting one back in correctly. So, I punted. That was 5 years ago and the drive shaft is still shafting nicely. When it falls out, I'll junk the car.
IOW, you have a nice car. Some of that stuff is easy and probably essential. Every car needs brakes and tires at some point. Brakes are easy and cheap. Tires, well buy Michelins as they are outstanding tires.
I retorqued my valve covers 5 years ago. It was free. They seep barely enough to show some on the head, not enough to smoke, stink, or drip. Who cares?
I'd toss a few bucks at it. Sounds like you don't have much invested and the cars are so nice. You're going to have to spend a ton to get something close. And with gas a $4/gallon, it's not worth anything. You may as well milk it another 50K miles.
They thought it needed $3600 worth of work at a minimum.
I did half of what they suggested myself for maybe 800 bucks and put some new tires on it. It now has 197,000 and probably still "needs" to have some of that stuff done. Car drives nicely and has treated me well.
The shop that installed my new struts quoted me $1200 to have my drive shaft replaced because "it's really in bad shape". Came here and read all the horror stories of never getting one back in correctly. So, I punted. That was 5 years ago and the drive shaft is still shafting nicely. When it falls out, I'll junk the car.
IOW, you have a nice car. Some of that stuff is easy and probably essential. Every car needs brakes and tires at some point. Brakes are easy and cheap. Tires, well buy Michelins as they are outstanding tires.
I retorqued my valve covers 5 years ago. It was free. They seep barely enough to show some on the head, not enough to smoke, stink, or drip. Who cares?
I'd toss a few bucks at it. Sounds like you don't have much invested and the cars are so nice. You're going to have to spend a ton to get something close. And with gas a $4/gallon, it's not worth anything. You may as well milk it another 50K miles.
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BadQ45t
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Re: Advice Needed - 98 Q
That is good advise you just got. Do replace the tires, if they are saying your rack is leaking then buy some stop leak. You can put that repair off for a very long time. I did remember one guy posting about rear bushings, but is something an indy can do cheaper. As for the value cover gasgets, that is also something you can put off for a very long time until your losing oil and making a huge mess.
That all said, if you want a perfect car you do need to make a decision. My 97' has 97k on it right now and I hope to use it for another 3-4 years, but once all this type of stuff starts to happen it will be the next owners problem. Mostly I want to get the new higher horsepower V6's with more gearing and cooler interior toys, so I will wait to get a M35 hybrid or something newer....just gottan decide low long you intent to keep the car and how perfect you want it to be.
That all said, if you want a perfect car you do need to make a decision. My 97' has 97k on it right now and I hope to use it for another 3-4 years, but once all this type of stuff starts to happen it will be the next owners problem. Mostly I want to get the new higher horsepower V6's with more gearing and cooler interior toys, so I will wait to get a M35 hybrid or something newer....just gottan decide low long you intent to keep the car and how perfect you want it to be.