Olex Prost

I have a 2005 Acura TL, got it used for around 1400 USD. Had to buy new rims for it because the old ones were bent.
Had to replace brake rotors and pads because old ones were warped.
This cost me around 550 USD. I have the Navi build, but the Navi does not work (Please check disk message) and the screen is smashed.
Car has 280k km on it now. I drove it for around half a year so far, and put around 10k km on it.
It always had a cracking noise, which I ignored due to being a broke-ish student, but recently I went to a shop.
First he told me that it was my ball joint (it's dried out) , and that it would cost 100$ to replace it (parts + labour).
Today I came in, but after inspecting further he had to tell me that it was actually my steering rack, and it needs to be rebuilt, which would in turn cost me around 450$

So now I'm facing a dilemma: should I get a full inspection to see all the problems that the car has, and then decide whether it's worth it to fix it up? Or should I just get rid of it ASAP?
(Known problems so far: Steering rack, front right bottom ball joint, left CV boot is leaking, P0171 code (System too lean), smashed and non-working Navi, a lot of exterior damage (scratches and dents), interior is pretty damaged too (big hole in driver's seat, cupholder cover broken)
This was my first car, and I was really time and budget restrained when I was buying it.
At this point I'm just not sure if it's worth it to put money into this car, or whether I should just get something different. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Olex Prost

Correction: cracking noise when turning the wheel. Sounds like it's coming from the front right side. Also, dash is cracked and sometimes makes noise.

thoiboi

drive it into the ground or until the transmission gives up and then buy a new car.

Chad05TL

or just before it gives up... what is the avg. lifespan of a 3rd gen transmission ?

TheSauceBoss

Depends on if its auto, manual, pre-facelift, post-facelift...

It would be interesting to see the numbers from that "how many miles on your trans....still going strong?" thread. That might take some time to sift through though.

Some of those replies have the pre-facelift 5AT failing at 40k. Pretty sure that one was in NYC but still. On the other head of the coin, recently a guy posted from Iowa with that same 5AT and he had over 400k on his original trans.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

It really depends on the OP and how much time, dedication, and money he wants to put into the car...

if he doesnt want to do any of that, buy a new car.
Cant afford a new car?
buy used.

if buying used, then you'll have to put time and money into that used car to make it driveable.

HankHill

Miles are up there but it depends on the overall condition of the car, cracked dashes are so common it's not if it's when, I never used the navi so meh, but for 1400 bucks its so cheap its almost not worth too much money, I'd just drive it until it bites the dust.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

If you are handy, fix it up and drive it in to the ground as mentioned. If you are not handy and end up selling it. You'll get nothing for it with those known issues that I would hope you disclose to the next buyer.

El_Cheapo

It depends on your financial situation.

If you can afford another car, then sell it.

If you can't afford another car then get the ball joint and steering rack repaired. Get a used steering rack if you are replacing it yourself. You definitely do not want a ball joint or steering rack failing while driving.