New to forum. Introduction and general inquiries....

Thanks to a poster on another website I've followed for years (which doesn't get much 2nd gen Q&As) I joined this forum. Hope not to bug y'all TOO much!

I've owned my 1992 4Runner since 1998 (bought it from my brother-in-law). Not being the least bit mechanically inclined I've had virtually everything service-related done at a local Toyota dealership ... everything from oil changes and brakes to air conditioning (more than once), timing belts and clutch replacement to head and valve gaskets. Yes, I've spent a LOT of $$ on it!

Lately, especially in the past year, I am - and the dealership is - finding it increasingly difficult to acquire replacement parts ... everything from air filters and brake pads to engine hoses.

I suppose my bottom-line question, which I suppose is asked by all used car owners, is: how does one know when it's time to stop spending money on an old vehicle and kick her to the curb?

After years of online searches I've concluded the pick-a-part value of my 4Runner must be in the millions!

 

Welcome to the forum, pics. would be appreciated.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome, I have had no issue finding hoses and filters but have had to get them via Ebay. Yes it will get to the point when you start questioning whether it is cheaper to get rid of or keep. For me it will be major repairs. Your reasons may differ especially since you don't wrench. That said I would never take it to the dealer to fix. Way too expensive. They wanted $400 to do a brake job when I did it for $60. A shop near me that I trust would have done it for $150. I would never let minor repairs justify selling it but major yes. Mine has less than 150k miles so as long as nothing major breaks, I will keep it. I am hoping it lasts for another 5 years at least. Personally if I could afford it, I would never have a vehicle older than 15 years old.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

When your monthly repair costs approach what you would pay for a new(er) car payment, then it's time to replace.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Phoenix, in my own case I do not like to have car payments. That being said when you find a zero percent loan at the very least you are not paying interest on a depreciating investment, never a smart thing to do if it can be avoided.
Start putting away in a savings account what would be an estimated car payment monthly, faithfully and you may be able to save enough to pay cash for a new vehicle, if your old vehicle lasts long enough. If not it may give you a nice down payment and allow you to lower your future payments. Patience is the key, best of luck.