Fix car vs buy new

Now that your Nissan is 10 years old even after you drop in $2,300 you will average $1,000/year in repairs to keep it running. If this is within your budget, you can keep it. If you can afford a slightly newer Toyota or Honda you might be better off. If you get a 5 year old decent car it may get to 10 years with very few problems.

Quote from jagojago : He already said what's wrong. Engine something might cracked.

Sounds like the Johnson Rod may have been damaged during a stem lube. Shafts are expensive to repair and balance properly.

take it into a carmax location. see if they will give you a written offer for the car. maybe they wont catch the car needs repair. atleast you will know what you can get for the car to help make a better decision.

Oh my the thread got some traction. (Was busy on other stuff)
In result I have sold the car ($1100) and got a "new" used one. (This time Honda Civic)
Could not justify fixing a car $2xxx on a car worth maybe max $4000.

I did take semi-good care of the car (meaning oil change every 4 mo. avg.), but maybe the car did not like my driving patterns? I usually drive maybe 10 days per month. (Travel alot)

I do not know much about cars, thus I would not put in stuff as coolant or even open the hood. Maybe I should start studying a little and do some self maintenance. I changed mechanic due to move 2 years ago, and liked my old mechanic. (Gave me the impression of giving me good advice, still did not find a decent one here) Of course, this problem could have occurred even with the old mech.

Anyways thank you for your comments

When I had older cars I had the following theory. Once you pay the big bill you are all in for other assorted bills that come along. So the cost ends up more than the first large repair (usually) Clearly in this situation it makes zero sense to fix your car. Its not even debateable. If the car was worth 6-7K it might be a different decision. 2300 repair on a 3200 car?

Rob

This is where doing your own maintenance pays off. On any used car you will need to pay attention to your fluid levels and watch for leaks / noises. The same thing can happen to your new car.
Personally I would have kept the car and done an engine swap myself. Used engines for your car are only $500.

Quote from 4rc4ne : This is where doing your own maintenance pays off. On any used car you will need to pay attention to your fluid levels and watch for leaks / noises. The same thing can happen to your new car. Personally I would have kept the car and done an engine swap myself. Used engines for your car are only $500.

Used engines might be $500 but you always have other expenses and parts (new) that usually end up gettting replaced. Not eveyrone knows how to drop an engine into their own car either. And thats hoping the used engine is still good.

Quote from saladdin : What EXACTLY is wrong with the car?

The gasket between the seat and steering wheel.