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I have a 1994 Mazda Lantis V6 auto that has a blown head gasket, badly leaking power steering unit and cracks around where the front struts join the body.
Only paid $1200 for the car in the first place and been told it will cost up to $2000 to fix the head gasket and up to $500 for the power steering. I haven't looked into getting the cracks fixed yet.
So I was wondering if the car is worth fixing or if I should send it to the wreakers and start looking for something else?
Rodney
From the "Ask Jack" archives - 19 November 2009
If some mechanics knew they were going to be given a Mazda Lantis V6 cylinder head removal job when they came into work they would ring in sick and let somebody else have the pleasure.
Because the engine is shoehorned into the engine bay on this particular model, any work connected to cylinder heads (V6 means two heads to remove) is a nightmare and extremely labour intensive.
The $2,000 is a fair estimate but it may go beyond that figure depending on what is found once the heads are removed.
The power steering leak could also go beyond the $500 estimate unless a second hand rack is sourced and fitted which can be a very temporary repair method.
Any work around the suspension strut mounting points will also be very expensive as it will be subject to a very close inspection come Warrant of Fitness time.
There is no way you will ever recoup your outlay on these repairs when it comes time to sell the car so your other option of disposal is a serious consideration.
There may even be a mechanic out there who will pay you a little more than a wrecker (some wreckers pay for broken down vehicles), and is prepared to chip away at these repairs in their own time.
If you do dispose of the vehicle via a wrecker, then take the number plates off and hand them into a NZTA agent (Post Office / AA centre), you will then be sent a refund on any unused portion of the registration fees.
If you sell privately, make sure you change the ownership and be very clear you are selling the vehicle as-is where-is.