"Mo Zhang" <mz62@cornell.edu> wrote in message
news:45miq09pcn6b262ai8suie2ntodvblansn@4ax.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I own a first gen Integra that has 130k miles on it. There seem to be
> a problem with the fuel pump, which will take me $250 parts alone to
> fix. However, I'm hesistant to get it fixed due to several problems.
> First, the engine also needs a new water pump, as the old one is
> leaking quite badly. There are also fairly loud "tap-tap" noise coming
> from the engine head area. Furthurmore, The e-brake return spring on
> the rear cliapers are quite weak so the brake won't loosen up after I
> pull the ebrake.
>
> Otherwise the car is fairly well maintained. all oil changes are on
> schedule, fuel + air filter replaced on time; the rad, clutch, and
> drive axles are all fairly new. The engine + tranny is seldomly pushed
> hard.
>
> My question is, is it worth fixing up all the problem there is on such
> an old car? Given the car's age, problmes are going to be popping up
> intermittently. With the ever increasing cost going into fixing the
> car, I might as well buy another one.
>
> Your opinions would be appriciated.
>
My take on the matter is: if you are asking, you aren't in love with the
car. I recommend trading it in on a new car. You aren't usually expected to
say what problems you have with the car. Normally the dealership takes a
look and decides for themselves. I think you will lose less value doing that
than you would spend on repairs - it looks like you are facing more than
$1000 for all the repairs. And dealerships view parts and labor at their
costs, not at retail costs.

Do not put off doing *something* about the water pump. It is driven by the
timing belt, which not only makes it expensive to replace, it puts you at
ever increasing risk of the timing belt failing. The damage from that would
be heartbreaking. (I'm suspecting the timing belt is overdue for replacement
anyway - it was due at 90K miles IIRC. The water pump and timing belt are
normally changed at the same time because of the large amount of common
labor between them.)

This is a good time of year to find deals on new cars. The Christmas season
lures buyers away and the salesmen still need to sell. Cut your best deal
and have no regrets.

Mike