RACK & PINION Repairs needed should I buy?

NATFIT

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
265,000 MILES

KKB values this car at $1,367 in fair condition with minor repairs. The seller is asking $1,700 OBO and is aware that it needs a rack and pinion replacement after he replaced the pump and it didn't repair it. It also needs a new windshield that will cost $279. Pep Boys said they can replace the rack and pinion for $738. The key lock on the drivers door does not work either. With 256,000 miles on this car and all the repairs it needs how much do you think this car is worth or should I run for the hills.

I really need a new car and can't afford a new one or one that is no repair free with $1200 in my pocket. I figure I can buy and repair over time but I wanted a good reliable car. Since Honda's are reliable I thought that investing in a Honda would be a smart idea but they are always so very expensive. Need your help is it worth it or am I fooling myself. -THANKS!

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4 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

That's a bit of an oxymoron. $1200 won't buy a trouble free car. With that kind of mileage that car will be far from trouble free. In fact I would anticipate some real big repairs in the not. Too distant future. You're assuming the Rack will resolve the issues, whatever they are but that may not happen either.

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Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 AT 4:28 PM

NATFIT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the reply, I know that $1200 wont buy a trouble free car hence the consideration to buy this car even though it needs work. It's easier for me to buy the car and do the work over time. Since Honda's are known I think, for their long life I thought this car would be something I could invest in. I wan't sure if however the large expense was a sign of thousands of $ more. Like you said I am assuming that the rack will resolve the issue. I'm all for putting some work into the car and turning my $1200 car into a $3000 car.

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Thursday, October 30th, 2014 AT 9:40 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

I don't think you got the point I was making.

That car has 265, 000 miles on it and every part in it. You could be facing thousands in repairs in the very near future. You could easily turn your $1200 car into a $5000 money pit that is still worth $1200.

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Thursday, October 30th, 2014 AT 3:16 PM

NATFIT