Rep Power: 287

hi Guys, its been awhile.

My 2002 EX sedan is 208k miles and i just got my rotors replaced.

During the replacement, the mechanic showed me some slight play in my ball joints with the pry bar, and suggested replacement. right side more loose than left.

steering feels fine, the car does not feel loose driving. i do not hear any tapping or rattling from driving. so i guess its showing wear, but not failing yet. FYI, LCAs has been replaced before.

i know there could be a level of looseness to the ball joints, esp over 200k. so when would be a good time for replacement? or should i even worry?

my plan is to retire the civic sometime next year near 225k to 230k miles.

 
Rep Power: 366

retire as in?
good mileage to replace the joints first time, i would say. some do way early?

 
Rep Power: 287

retire as in, its not going to be my primary car. possibly sell it, i can probalby sell it for 3k at 230k miles.

im gonna start looking for a more reliable new car sometime next year. probably the new mazda3.

so the ball joints are not dead, just some play right now. im trying to decide if its worth replacing the ball joints since i have no long term plans on using the 02 civic. i know its loose and its possible that the shop is just trying to scare me, but then again the car has almost 210k on it, theres plenty of things i can replace if i really wanted to.

 
Rep Power: 366

you seem to know your ropes, so follow your guts!