So my jag finally got the dreaded broken transfer case (I think the gears inside are all messed up, it still drives but in jerky movements). Quote locally was almost $3000 to repair ($500 for the used TC and $2100-$2300 in labor). With 145,000 ish miles on it and very little into the car I am thinking I should just get rid of it. Called a local junkyard and they would only give me $200 which seems laughable. Is it worth fixing or should I move on? It's hard to part with since I've had it a while and it was almost fully loaded sport model, but perhaps it is time.

 

sqenixs, that is a tough call. If you like the ride and drive, then sinking that money in may be well worth it, especially since you will more than likely end up sinking $3K into the next car. Now, if you know that there are tons of other issues and you are looking at dumping $6K+, then cutting your losses and moving on may be well worth it money wise. I would personally dump the money into the car if the transfer case is the only major issue.

 

Well on top of that I need:

- new upper radiator hose
- new rear halfshafts/CVs
- new rear links
- new waterpump (again)
- new battery (again)
- new tires
- new hood ornament (was stolen for the third time)

So probably at least $1500 more in repairs (assuming I did the above myself minus the tires). I would say at least $4000 total, certainly more than its value at this point.

 

The other way to look at it is what would another car cost you? If you're buying a used car, what issues will it come with that have to be addressed?

This winter I rebuilt my transfer case and it is a lot of work. Access is the hardest part, you will need to drop the rear catalytic converter and that's not the easiest thing to get too. It take a lot of patience.

To me the items you listed above are reasonably trivial and not huge money to replace. Things like the waterpump and suspension parts are available on Rockauto.com for not much, and batteries are consumables with any car.

 

The first question I would ask myself -- in Michigan -- is whether there is any rust. Is this your summer car or winter car?

If no significant rust, and no other major issues, why would you NOT fix it? Don't just sit with one quote, call around. Call the local community college with an auto repair school -- the job is simple enough for students, and interesting enough to be worth their time.

 

There are a lot of repairs on these that are arguably more than the car would be valued. HOWEVER...that sort of question always needs to be balanced against the question of how much you would be spending on a replacement by the time insurance and other variables are factored in.

Much of what you describe is the sort of work that, done properly, get you through probably at least five to ten years of further use. If the car gets totaled, you are screwed, but otherwise, you are still money ahead with a decent looking vehicle that had an element of panache to it as compared to dropping either a monthly payment for the next three to four years OR buying someone else's problems...

 

 

FWIW, we just spent some bucks getting the transmission rebuilt by a local shop I trust. Cost about what I could sell the car for.

Not an easy decision, 166k miles on the car. OTOH, we've owned it since new, there's no rust, and the body is in pristine condition. Garage kept.

It's the wife's daily driver, she loves the car, and nothing new interests her at all. Right decision? I don't know. But the rebuild has a 2 year warranty I know the shop is good for and we don't have to get a different car.

 

Rebuilding a Transfer Case is very important if you can't find one new because you can buy a "used" TC with dead bearing inside and still "working" :