Oil leaks, coolant leaks, PVC valve

2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE
160,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SAMANTHA BASSETT
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I brought my car to the shop for a check engine light. I was given this list of issues and needed repairs:

1. Replace coil pack (disintegrated upon inspection so now car is not able to be driven).
2. Intake manifold leak (not sure if it's just the gasket).
3. Coolant reservoir leak (I've already replaced this once).
4. 2 coolant line leaks (Pretty sure I've already had these replaced too).
5. Turbo valve feed line leak.
6. PVC valve in valve cover needs to be replaced.
7. Oil change.
8. Clean engine and put dye in to see if there are more leaks.

Cost: $2,400.00

I am not car savvy. Does this seem like a high cost? Is the car even worth it to repair this much when it's 8 years old with 160,000 miles on it? Is it worth anything for trade in if it doesn't drive?
May 12, 2020 at 9:25 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

Is there any chance you can upload the estimate or invoice for me to see?

I need more specifics for the failure so I can help with the pricing.

As far as value, at 160,000, there is some value left but not much.

What was the original code that was set when you took it in for repairs?

Roy

May 12, 2020 at 9:39 AM
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KASEKENNY
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That is an excellent question. I show this vehicle (depending on options) is worth anywhere from two to three thousand dollars. That means putting $2,500.00 into a car that is about worth the same amount of money is probably not worth it. However, this is assuming that all these repairs are needed to keep the vehicle running.

From what it sounds like it needs the coil pack and an oil change to keep running. I would suspect this is worth doing but fixing all these leaks may not be needed.

Anytime you are questioning these things, get a second opinion. When you go, don't provide the other estimate. Just ask they check the vehicle over and provide an estimate on what they see.

However, as a general rule, we don't put this much money into a car that is worth about the same. So if you have a $1,000.00 we don't put a $1,000.00 into it unless we know it is all it needs to keep running. We would be better off using that $1,000.00 and whatever you can get for the current vehicle and buy another $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 that is currently running.

So applying that in your situation, I would fix what is needed to get it running. Then take it and get a second opinion. When you have both estimates, you can ask they prioritize these items based on how bad they are leaking and you can start repairing them or sell it as is. Let's assume you can get $2,500.00 for the car as is. You take that and the $2,400.00 that you would spend on repairs, and buy a four to five thousand dollar car that doesn't currently have any issues. Clearly we have no idea what will happen so we can only make decisions on what we have in front of us.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
May 12, 2020 at 9:40 AM
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SAMANTHA BASSETT
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Hi Roy,

The car is still sitting at the shop waiting to be towed so I haven't received the paperwork yet. I will post when I get it.
May 12, 2020 at 10:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds good. We will be waiting for the bid so we can help you.

It does sound like a lot.

Roy
May 12, 2020 at 10:21 AM