Shrout1

Ok so I'm at an impasse. I need to decide whether to finish "buying" a 2000 Ford Taurus wagon from my folks or decide to just hang on to a 2004 Pontiac Vibe that I've owned for some time. (I realize this isn't 4th gen related but you guys have already helped me with many things, so I wanted to get your opinions).

I've sunk $700 of repairs into the Taurus, thinking that my Vibe was dead but found out that the repair for the Vibe is only $350 (surprise!). More detail on that below.

Specs on both cars:

2004 Pontiac Vibe:
235k miles
New brakes, new tires (including new front calipers)
Just did sparks / serpentine belt last summer
Had A/C compressor and tensioner pulley replaced last summer
Windshield *just* replaced
Needs front right passenger side wheel hub replaced, lots of whirring coming from that direction.

2000 Ford Taurus:
225k miles
Just had oil pan gasket replaced, cruise control fixed and new serpentine belt put in.
Engine / transmission only have 110k on them (used engine, was dropped in 10 years ago)
Suspension and steering have been fully replaced in the past 3 years
Needs lock solenoids replaced on two doors, needs power mirror motors replaced, minor corrosion on body.

The issue that caused this:
The Vibe windshield started leaking at the end of 2016. I sealed it with silicone (not urethane - oops!). The leak developed again late last year. Upon doing some research I discovered that a leaking windshield with a lot of rust could mean a perforated pinch weld, which can range from $1500 - $3000 to repair depending on what kind of frame work needs to be done. So I figured the car was dead; there's about 18 inches of rust present along the top of the windshield. My folks had just bought a 2016 Ford Explorer and were willing to part with the wagon for free. For the cost of repairs (the gasket / serpentine belt) I figured we could get into that car. Sadly it's out of state so I couldn't do the work myself before driving it. Considering a 700 mile trip home I wanted it repaired done before departure.

I'm at an impasse because I really like our old Vibe; it's a Toyota at heart and it's been a real trooper. At the same time, almost everything under the hood is factory original and I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop on the car. It definitely needs new wheel hubs, though I can probably do that myself. The Taurus, on the other hand, has a significantly lower mileage engine / transmission and has had a *ton* of work done to it in the past 3-4 years. The car runs great and most of the problems are sort of "cosmetic".

I've put $700 of repairs into this wagon so far and I'm committing about $350 to fix the windshield on the Vibe. I think both cars are a good option (0 car payment on either) but I don't plan on keeping / insuring both of them.

We own a 2012 Mustang Convertible that might still be worth $5000-$6000; have thought about selling that for cash, keeping the two old beaters plus the Maxima... I've also got a kid on the way (first one!) and the wagon has a little more room, so that's been a consideration as well.

Anyway, looking for thoughts! Thanks all!

KP11520

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KP11520

What? Too embarrassed to talk about the Maxima so distract with this? LOL

The answer is Neither! You just moved to a lower cost of living and you both work. Spend the right amount of money on the right car and don't be a slave to nickeling and diming! It never ends with this stuff. Especially old Fords. And Maximas too! LOL

Your wife keeps emailing me to take your Maxima away. I don't think she wants to continue on this path. (J/K)

Remember, there's nothing better than breaking down with a baby in the back seat and you being in another place implementing updates. Have at least ONE bulletproof vehicle always.

Shrout1

KP11520