............I have a 1996 2.5TL with 133K miles on it, and it seems like I'm replacing everything on this car, first the master cylinder, then alternator, then harmonic balancer, and now power steering fluid pump, distributer is now leaking oil. what's going to go next? I'm I at the point where one says enough is enough and get a brand new 2008 Lexus ES350?

 

Well the saying goes "When it rains...it pours" Mine has 126k on it and i have done a good amount in repairs. Mine is paid off tho and i plan on driving it for atleast another 4 years or more or into the ground. It seems if you have already replaced quite a few things, then get your money's worth out of it and drive it a while longer. If you have the money to get the Lexus and the headache is not worth it then sell it......but keep in mind that you might regret; because so many cats on here are always wishing they hadn't sold theres. Sorry for rambling so much, hopefully i helped in some manner....

 

That is a little worrying, if you start having that many problems at 133k, but then again, there are a few members on here with 1st gens that are over 200k miles and running without any major work.

A new ES would definitely be a nice upgrade, but the monthly payments are a pain in the ass.

 

If i could keep the TL for another 2 years I"ll probably avoid the monthly payments on the ES

 

your pretty deep into your repairs already, not much left to replace even if it breaks. distributor leaking is just a little rubber seal. prolly an hour at most to replace.

 

Repairs are part of owning a car w/ advanced mileage. In my experience, when people want to trade they use "cost of repairs are killing me" as justification to do what they want to do.

You can do a lot repairs for the price of new car payments, and still have money in your pocket.

I take pride in nursing my fleet (6) of advanced mileage vehicles around. I have no or low car payments. It's somewhat of necessity as I am supporting 2in college and partially supporting another in graduate school. Here's hoping for some graduations in near future.

Your repairs have been minor. I hope you've done timing belts to avoid potential catastrophic timing belt failure.

good luck

 

I am at 247k, major break downs were exhaust manifold, crank pulley, power steering pump.

Car is running ok but burning some oil.
I have already purchased a TL 2.5 engine with only 55k on it. My mechanic said that there's no way to really tell exact miles on the engine but it looks great.
I also purchased all TB, water pump and all the seals.
Probably have it put in next week.

So, my TL has done great for me so far, may be the reason that I always followed Honda's recommendations on regular maintenance..

 

I have 233K miles on mine, it's a 96 2.5....it's had one problem: exhaust manifold cracked at 149,650 miles and was still covered under the 150K emissions warranty!:bubbarubb Other than that, just reg maintenance...oil changes, filter changes, tires, brakes...

 

I'm going to hold on to the TL, hopefully with these repairs done, the car will stay healthy

 

I am king of repairs!!

Not really, but I'm glad that you've decided to keep it. My old motor blew at 100K more than what you have now, and that was because of poor maintenance from the previous owners. You all know how hard I drive usually, and she's still kicking!

~Cheers~

 

My parents have a 97 TL with 170K on it. I am sort of wishing they will get something else as I am the one doing all of the repairs. Nothing major so far, just altenator, wiper motor, brakes.. It is leaking a little oil but I'm not sure where its coming from, already replaced the valve gasket.

 

I have a 96 3.2 with 158,000 miles - only major repair has been a head gasket. You have had too many problems with low mileage - I would get rid of it.

 

I know I've had problems with this car,but i'm keeping it for now. if i have any major issue again, i'll probably get rid of it.

 

It's NEVER time to let a TL go.

 

Texas - your posts constantly amaze me in how much we are alike:

I have 10 cars right now, getting rid of 4 all with high mileage.(Plus a boat, quads, dirtbikes, tractor, etc...)
Kids approaching college
Love no car payments
Watch timing belt mileage