We own a 1995 Mercury Sable. It has about 180,000 miles on it and it ain't much to look at, but we've relied on it for more than six years. It is good in the snow; it is roomy and comfortable; it is relatively efficient (around 30 on the highway); and it was paid for long ago. Recently, though, the transmission has started slipping. It hesitates and then clunks into gear. We called the guys down the street at Reese Automotive, but they don't even want to work on it. They said it isn't worth it. They may be right. Generally, at Rural Ways we fix things rather than replace them, but this may be a case where we don't bother. The car, according to Kelly Blue Book, is worth between $250 and $750. I looked for a rebuilt transmission on line. There was one available for $1400. Is it wise to buy a $1400 part for a $700 car? We may try nursing it for a few months, but this may be the end of the trail for our Sable.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Transportation Dilemma
We own a 1995 Mercury Sable. It has about 180,000 miles on it and it ain't much to look at, but we've relied on it for more than six years. It is good in the snow; it is roomy and comfortable; it is relatively efficient (around 30 on the highway); and it was paid for long ago. Recently, though, the transmission has started slipping. It hesitates and then clunks into gear. We called the guys down the street at Reese Automotive, but they don't even want to work on it. They said it isn't worth it. They may be right. Generally, at Rural Ways we fix things rather than replace them, but this may be a case where we don't bother. The car, according to Kelly Blue Book, is worth between $250 and $750. I looked for a rebuilt transmission on line. There was one available for $1400. Is it wise to buy a $1400 part for a $700 car? We may try nursing it for a few months, but this may be the end of the trail for our Sable.
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I hear "Taps" being played in the distance...
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