Wondering if I just junk or get rid of my daily driver w 158k on it. Went to mechanic for a no start issue and he noticed that the car is leaking oil on starter that caused it to malfunction. Gave me two options...replace the starter (labor and part) for $300 w no warranty or spend $900 to do both jobs (valve covers and starter). Opted for cheaper option as I was in a rush to get back to work. Car starts fine, but he noticed that engine was nearly devoid of oil so he topped it off. On the drive to work the car ran rougher and I smelled burning oil. Engine vibrate at idle. Wondering if I should stop sinking $$ into a 20 yo car and look for something else

 

I'm gonna give those Lucas Engine $top Leak products a try. Got nothing to lose

 

Find yourself a different mechanic! This clown is ripping you off! Go to Rockauto.com and price a starter and a pair of valve covers and you'll see how much this bad example of a mechanic he is, I do all of my repairs and modifications myself.

 

Imo dont get rid of it just for those minor issues, my 07 SL has nearly 157k on it now, got it at 148k 2 years ago. I do understand the feeling of wanting to get rid of it but hang with it for a while, these are great cars when running right and at your mileage, you still have alot of life left in the motor. Find a different mechanic, he’s taking you for a ride imo. Since I had mines, I’ve replaced the alternator, front struts, bank 2 cam sensor, 6 coil packs and more work to come. Btw, I bought an 03 Maxima years ago that had a bad valve cover leak taking out the alternator, I’d say get it fixed.

 

Appreciate the response....its still my daily driver and I'll just add for ATP AT-205 to slow the leak instead of doing a valve cover job and stay on top of checking the oil levels more often. I also have to change the 6 coil pack