Repair or pay off?
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Repair or pay off?
I'm new here and I DO intend to stick around. I love my Dodge.
I have a 2003 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe, with 170,173 miles on it, and she is still running like they day I bought her. No leaks, no anything. I have two questions so please bear with me.
1) I recently had my water pump, drive belts, timing belt, timing belt/crank sensor and bracket replaced. Now when I start the car there is a bit of a squeal that happens once and goes away instantly. Also, when I turn on the A/C there is a clicking noise, as if the belt is switching (it might be normal, but I am not sure). What is wrong/what should I do?
2) I owe $1700 and am currently under-employed. ~$500 a month to put toward it. She needs 4 new struts/sway bar links, as well as an alignment. Which will end up costing $500. Also, my power steering seems loose as hell. It doesn't require more 'strength' to turn, it just seems as if I have to turn it a lot. My question is, should I pay it off first, or get the repairs done? I know it might not be a mechanical question as much as an opinion, but I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you so much!
~Pieter
I have a 2003 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe, with 170,173 miles on it, and she is still running like they day I bought her. No leaks, no anything. I have two questions so please bear with me.
1) I recently had my water pump, drive belts, timing belt, timing belt/crank sensor and bracket replaced. Now when I start the car there is a bit of a squeal that happens once and goes away instantly. Also, when I turn on the A/C there is a clicking noise, as if the belt is switching (it might be normal, but I am not sure). What is wrong/what should I do?
2) I owe $1700 and am currently under-employed. ~$500 a month to put toward it. She needs 4 new struts/sway bar links, as well as an alignment. Which will end up costing $500. Also, my power steering seems loose as hell. It doesn't require more 'strength' to turn, it just seems as if I have to turn it a lot. My question is, should I pay it off first, or get the repairs done? I know it might not be a mechanical question as much as an opinion, but I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you so much!
~Pieter
Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 733
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From: Tunkhannock, PA (NEPA)
If I was in your shoes, I would pay it off (assuming you can drive/pass inspection/ect) in it's present condition. That way you don't have a set payment each month, and you are then free to fix things as you go along. Also holding the title will enable you to drop your insurance down from full to liability to save a few $ if you are hurting that badly also.
I paid $1366 out the door for my '00 a bit over 2 years ago. I am closing in on 200,000mi, and am glad that I don't have a car payment to make each month.
I paid $1366 out the door for my '00 a bit over 2 years ago. I am closing in on 200,000mi, and am glad that I don't have a car payment to make each month.