High Tech Misfit wrote:
>
> I think my '93 Accord is cursed! Up until the start of this year, it had
> been rock solid with very few non-routine problems. But since the start of
> the year, it has experienced a handful of silly and/or annoying problems.
> They include:
>
> - Bent shock sleeve causing an annoying squeak over the slightest bumps;
> - Stiff climate control slider switch (I may have posted about this issue
> here); panel was replaced with a used one;
> - Hood release cable broke;
> - Clogged fuel filter;
> - Muffler, catalytic converter, and some other exhaust parts replaced due to
> years of corrosion--not to mention loudness under acceleration;
> - Left front upper control arm replaced due to play in the ball joint.
>
> The first 4 items were minor in severity and cost, but the last 2 items set
> me back considerably more financially. And now, some more issues have just
> popped up:
>
> 1. When the control arm was replaced a couple weeks ago, my mechanic
> suggested that the EGR ports be cleaned. OK, I have no problem in getting
> that done, about an hour of labour. I had felt for some time that the car
> had been slightly "missing" at times (in fact, I had previously thought it
> was the tires).
>
> 2. This started a few days ago... I have been noticing gas fumes both in and
> out of the car but it's not always there. It's most evident upon starting
> the car (cold or warm) and just after it has been turned off, although
> sometimes it could be detected while driving. I checked for leaks
> underneath and there were none. In fact, the tank and fuel lines were
> replaced a few years ago. Would something else cause a non-liquid leak?
>
> 3. This started yesterday... the car is once again very loud under
> acceleration (louder than before the muffler, cat, etc. were replaced). I
> don't remember what other parts were replaced before besides the muffler and
> cat, but could there be some other part on the exhaust that would need
> replacing? I saw something on Tegger's site about an "A-pipe" that is known
> to cause buzzing, but I do not know if that was ever replaced.
>
> 4. Finally, my mechanic (who has always been honest and has done good work
> on my car) advised me that the radiator will likely need to be replaced by
> next spring.
>
> I have already spent $1700 (CDN) on maintenance this year (above issues and
> some regular maintenance). But with more money about to be spent on these
> new issues (radiator will wait for now), I am now wondering if this is the
> time to consider a newer car. I know that what I have spent so far this
> year averaged over 12 months is still lower than monthly car payments, but
> there's no way of telling what will go wrong next and how much more I will
> have to spend. And I would prefer to spend less time at the mechanic than I
> have been this year.
>
> Then again, even though the car has only 241,000km (~ 150,000 miles), for a
> car of this age to live through all those harsh winters and numerous trips
> over ridiculously rough roads, I suppose it doesn't owe me a thing. :-)
>
> So what do you think I should do? Should I keep it and maintain hope that
> next year will be better? Or should I start looking for something newer?


Just put a pencil to paper and lay out the pros 'n cons.

What condition is the basic drive train?

What condition is the body structure in?

Is the cosmetic appearance satisfactory (to you)?

Condition of Brakes, Electrical System??

Cost of a new car vs. continued maintenance should be a fairly easy decision.

I tend to keep the old because I know what's in it, what I can work on
myself vs the almost total automation of a new unit of which you'll be
at the mercy of the dealer's service department.

Remember, these days, new doesn't necessarily mean less. Because of
complexity, certain service intervals can be costly vs the simpler days
of yesteryear...

JT