Our cheapass hand-me-down-mobile has served us well for about five years, but I think it may be time to come to a decision on it's future. We bought this for $1000 from my parents and really the only thing we've had to replace since is the brakes and tires. But there are two things I need advice or instruction on.

First issue is that the wiper arms/motor is going funky. When you turn them on low, they won't wipe full arc. But if you have to turn them to high or use them for an extended period, they go over-arc. Slam against the drivers side molding, and against the cowl. I'm thinking there's a stripped gear or two, but wanted to ask if anyone has experienced the same. EDIT - probably a pivot bushing, already have a lead on a fix.

Second issue is that my wife went and got the oil changed (no time to do it myself) and they told her the struts need replacing. No big surprise, I guessed they would be coming up shortly due to how it rode. Now back in the day when I was a car guy, I didn't touch suspension pieces. These seem fairly straightforward though, rent a spring compressor and it's a few bolts and beers. Right?


The overall question is I wonder if we should try and sell/trade before or after doing either of these repairs. If I spend the money, I want to get the most out of it via length of use or value. We have been wanting a minivan for a bit, but I don't think we'll get anything near the reliability. Appreciate any musing.

 

For as little as you have in it, fix it and keep driving it. However, if the desire for a minivan is that great, fix the wipers and sell it.

 

We have a '99 CRV EX that my wife drives, around 118k. We replace items when needed and has been a great driver.

 

I haven't done shocks/struts on a truck or crossover/SUV before but they should be straightforward.

If you're looking for an excuse to get into a newer or nicer vehicle, I would probably just sell it as is. The time and/or money you spend on new struts won't be reflected completely in the sale price. You might be able to sell it easier but unless they're completely shot, I'm not sure anyone will notice. Unless the wiper repair is cheap as well, I wouldn't do it. As long as the vehicle runs good, no funny noises, etc. I wouldn't change a thing.

But if I were you I would keep it. A CR-V is such a useful vehicle, and you got it for almost nothing.



edit: dumb me, just saw the part where you mentioned you wanted a minivan. My still applies

 

+1 to repair and keep if it's large enough and in decent shape otherwise.

 

A 2002 isn't that old.

I'd fix it and keep it.

But if you're going to get a minivan or something else, maybe just fix the wiper issue and then sell it.

 

Id fix it.

Is there clunking coming from the cowl area whenever the wipers are on? There is a plastic carrier on the rods (not the wiper arms) that can wear out and cause excess movement. Its a cheap fix. The rubber isolators that are used to mount the wiper unit to the cowl could also be deteriorated.

Swapping struts is pretty easy too if you have the right tools. A spring compressor is needed and its much easier if you have an air compressor.

 

Struts aren't terribly hard to do. You can also buy the strut spring combo to save time and the hassle of removing the spring.

 

That is my guess. I saw one fix that only involved nylon washers. Easy enough.

I think I'm going to fix both problems regardless. The vehicle is in good shape, it's just a size thing.

 

So I've heard.

 

that's what she said

 

Hey-oh!

 

The wipers on my 04 accord are doing the exact same thing. Driving me crazy.

 

Considering you bought it for super cheap and haven't had any repairs to do since, the issues you have now seem very reasonable to put money into on an almost-ten year old car.

If you just want to get rid of it, it'd be silly to do it because of a simple wiper fix but yeah, makes sense if it's just not fitting the needs of your family anymore...that would make more sense.

 

The wipers aren't a deal breaker, it's the inevitable repairs that come with, or following something semi-major like shocks and struts. Like CV joints, etc.

May have it completely checked out and see what other hidden issues might come up in the next couple of years and base a decision on that.

 

What is the current mileage?

IMO, if the miles are low I would fix it and keep it. If there are more miles on it I would look to trade it in.

 

Hard to believe this thread is over three years old. And we never did anything to fix the wipers or struts. Life just sort of happens and you let things slide.

Well, the time has come to get a van. Like, within the next year get a van. The CR-V is still kicking, even with the multitude of things that are going on. I'm not expecting to get anything on trade or sale.

Looking at around $12000 for a minivan, and I'd guess even that might be pushing it. That puts me into late 00s territory at 70k and up. I don't know what the reliability for any of the brands are once it gets out of warranty. I know we want fold-flat or near seats, room for seven plus moderate trunk space. Bells and whistles aren't mandatory, but if they aren't there I do want the option to add some later. That pretty much excludes the Mazda products. I want, or want to be able to add navigation and drop-down screens.

Any immediate thoughts? Ody's seem to be out of the price range, and I'm leery of the transmission issues anyway.

 

Honda are pretty easy to change strut assemblies on and you can get them relatively cheap. with air tools it's about 30mins a side.

have you considered an outback? or a CUV?

2007 Subaru Outback , $11,991 - Cars.com

not bad for the price there tbelt service at 105K and it is about $650 at the Subaru dealer

 

The requirement is a minivan. There is quite a bit more wrong with the car than just struts, so it isn't in our best interest to fix any of it. Our kids are getting bigger, and we need more room. Especially on trips.

 

If you are stuck on a mini van then 12K gets you limited choices

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...3886/overview/

 

I was going to say that the CR-V isn't as safe as a new(er) minivan but after watching a crash test video of that generation it's pretty safe. I'm surprised. I would imagine a small overlap crash wouldn't be as good but those are somewhat rare.

That said, if a newer minivan has a good rating in all tests and airbags out the wazoo, it might be worth considering.

 

Again, that isn't a van.

Caravan/Grand Caravan/T&C/Routan
Odyssey
Sienna
Quest
Sedona/Entourage
Freestar

I don't see us buying an Uplander.

 

Can I get a thread retitle? Daddy needs a van.

 

Sienna all day. Nicer interior than the GC, more reliable than the Ody. They hold their resale well though.

 

CocheseUGA, you are NOT going to buy any of the GOOD ones on your list for $12K with low miles. You might want to expand your expectations. I would consider Ford and Hyundai/Kia to be average

around here this is how it breaks down

Oddessy 12K gets you 100K+ mileage and a POS 5at that will NOT last as long as the rest of the car will if Honda's track record is any indication

Sienna 80-150K various conditions

Quest, can't even get one here for $12K

you can get the Hyundai/Kia for well under that though. Kia surprisingly hold their value better than their Hyundai twin does

Freestar, good luck with that as they are like Dodge, do NOT hold their value

$10K gets you a van with 34K on it, and it was the most expensive on the list in your price range

 

Wife and I bought an '08 Grand Caravan SXT with 80k miles for $10k early this year. It's only used to schlep the kid around on the weekends etc... So if it lasts 5-6 years and another 80-100k miles I'll be happy and do it all over again.

Depending on the market, $12k would subtract miles or get a year or so newer.

I have heard good things about KIA in that vintage.

 

I never said my requirements were low miles. In fact, I outright said I was expecting 70k miles. Your contribution has been noted. Thanks.

 

Here you go.
Searched in Kennesaw with under 100k miles max budget of $14k (room for negotiation).

LINK

 

you want to drop 12 large on a car with high miles? I wouldn't... unless you are really tight for cash, I would move higher up in your upper limit more like $15-17K This something you are going to be using to transport your family in and it should be low miles...

 

Thank you for your contribution.

 

If the van was taken care of, it should do 200k miles without significant problems. I think age is more of a factor than miles to be honest.

That said, 2011 Ford E-150 Econoline panel van FTMFW ...

 

yes it should but reality is often quite different.... as a LOT of people are cheap when it comes to car maint...

 

Seriously though, I would consider a Nissan Quest. Good safety and I think good reliability. The 3.5L engine is probably not a very efficient one. But I've ridden in one and it's spacious and pretty well put together.

 

Get a Sienna. 10X better than the Quest and GC and you won't have to deal with 2nd generation Odyssey transmission issues.

 

Sienna's apparently hold their value as well or better than the Ody in my area. More in the mid 00 range than the late 00-early 10s of the other brands.

Something to think about. While I don't really want to spend more than that, I have the ability to. I may have to look either higher or lower.

 

Chris, I'll keep an eye out for you around here in case I see anything that may pique your interest.

 

 

You can't ninja a minivan purchase.

 

I just did.

 

And..........