ccrr

I'm sorry if this isn't the right category but the one that seemed right said it wasn't accepting new posts so I'm posting here.

I have a 2005 Civic sedan special edition. I bought it used in 2009 and haven't maintained it anywhere near as much as I should have as I was in a total financial disaster for most of the time I owned it and couldn't put a penny into it, it has about 140,000 km.

The current problems are:
-Brakes finished, mechanic said brake lines also leaking and finished so it needs new rotors, pads and brake lines
-Trunk and gas door levers are ruined, I have to open gas door through the trunk by removing the lock/cable, and trunk must be opened with the key at the back or it will never close again (heard these are common problems)
-AC out of gas but was told compressor still good
-Alternator and battery were replaced months ago
-I think I started feeling a faint vibration from either the transmission or engine

The mechanic is telling me fixing the brakes (new rotors, pads and brake lines) would be over $1000 Canadian and the car isn't worth that and recommends I scrap it and offers me $250 CAD for it.

It's a new mechanic at the same location I used to go but they changed owners so I'm not sure how much I can trust this new guy.

With the problems I mentioned does it seem plausible my car is due to be scrapped or is he trying to scam me to fix it and resell it for profit? Is $250 a good price? I would have hoped to get at least $500 especially since it has a virtually new battery and alternator (isn't it worth salvaging those being that new?)

If I agree to scrapping it, would I get proof it was actually scrapped and not fixed and resold?

Thank you

BrotatoChip

Yeah, they're going to flip it.

Nothing you mention is that big of an issue unless they're replacing all of the brake lines as opposed to just the brake hoses at each wheel. If they think all brake lines need replaced $1k CAD is definitely reasonable. Even if it's just the brake hoses $1k CAD isn't that far off.

I don't see how this thing should be scrapped. When I KBB guessing it's an LX special edition in good condition (which is the majority) it's valued at $5k+ CAD. Granted, it needs some work but still. $250 CAD is a joke of an offer unless this thing is completely rusted out. I bought a 2003 Civic with a bad transmission once for $400 USD and I felt like I was stealing.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

moved to proper section.
7th gen, mechanical issues and since they are multiple, under General
you just did not look hard enough

ccrr

I'm not sure if it's an LX, how can I tell the exact model?

It has some rust but I wouldn't say it's completed rusted.

Are you saying it's worth paying $1000 to fix it? I was almost ready to scrap it but would have tried getting more than $250 for it, now I think it may be worth fixing.

If I fix it how much would it be worth in a year? One way or another I don't want to keep this car for much longer.

Also, I mentioned I thought I was feeling a slight vibration from the transmission or engine, could either be about to fail?

Do you recommend I get it fixed and keep it another year or try to get more for it in it's current condition?

ccrr

BTW it was $12k CAD 12 years ago, can it really still be worth a few thousand?

Thanks

BrotatoChip

Use Kelley Blue Book or some other website to look up the value. When using the Canadian KBB it actually shows it's worth $3k CAD. It doesn't show an EX/LX special edition, just coupe or sedan. US evidently got both. Cars here must hold value better because it was showing $4,200 USD.

Your vibration is probably just a worn engine mount.

Colin42

As long as there's no holes in the body it's worth $1000-$1500 as it sits.
I would fix the brakes and the AC, maybe take it to a different shop. I got a similar run around after I bought my grandmother's car and brought it in for a safety

ccrr

I believe there are a few rust holes in the body, does that affect value a lot? In either case I wouldn't fix the AC as I don't use it much in summer.

If I paid $1000 to fix the brakes could I expect to sell it for $1000 a year from now?

Colin42

Yeah that has a huge effect on the value.
post some pictures of the holes, car might not be worth it