My_1st_Ac

Sadly, I picked up my 2005 RL today from the repair shop due to hesitant start and sporadic engine light. I will spare the details, but the repair shop owner stated that it wouldn't be worth repairing.

Should I sell the RL or donate it to charity? I really don't want to do a private sell where I have to meet strangers to check out the car, drive it, etc. I am a female and somewhat concerned about my safety. Is there another way to sell the car or has anyone donated a car for tax deductions?

I appreciate any and all suggestions. I will miss her. We had a good ride for nearly 13 years and I thank everyone who has offered me advice over the years!!

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

You could try to sell it to carmax, but you might get a slap in the face offer. If i were in your situation, imo, i would still try to sell the car but ask one of your guy friends (preferably with some car knowledge) to go with you if not and you have no other choice, have then meet you at a police station. At least you're safe. As far as donating it, i might just go for the carmax offer. GLWS.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i'll buy it for $500

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

and Don't spare us the details. Give us the details on why it's not starting up or why it's not worth it to repair.

(because to me; it is)

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

granted she lives near me
wouldn't make sense if the plane ticket cost more than the car

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

me too

truonghthe

This.....

thoiboi

I'd buy it from ya too.

Offering 502$

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I know it's not very altruistic to consider the tax benefits when it comes to donating, but I'd only consider donating it if you're going to get a good tax break. If you don't already have a higher tax liability (ie. you have a house, married, kids, etc.) then it won't likely help much.

Geonico

If you are in Florida I will buy it from you.

My_1st_Ac

Thanks for the replies as always!

1. What's wrong with her?
I posted about my engine issue back in Feb 2016 (See the previous post is here). Bottom Line: Dealership said my engine was non-repairable back in 2016 but the indy shop did some cylinder #3 work and she ran really well until last week. So, I took her back to the same indy shop and they stated the following on the service order:

• Tested fuel pressure - OK
• Ignition system - OK
• Charging sydtem - Good
• Compression test has cylinder #3 more than 20% below threshold
• Signs of coolant (Boroscope) in cylinders #3 and 5 due to age
• Recommend new vehicle rather than engine replacement

I picked her up the other day and she runs sluggish. I was afraid she wasn't going to make the 6 miles home but she did and no engine light.

2. Donating the car
My only deductions are real estate and after much searching online, this doesn't make much sense to me now, since eligible charities have up to 3 years to sell the car.

3. Car Location
DC/Northern VA area

4. Those interested in buying the car
This may not be the appropriate thread but I'm open to selling the car to anyone in this forum. This car has been good to me (and I have been good to her) for the last 12 years but she is not in excellent shape. Here is a pic of the car from the 2016 posts. If you are interested, just send me a PM.

5. Carmax
I forgot about Carmax, so I will enquire about their buy back process but not I am looking forward to haggling over a lowball price.

Thanks again!

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

If you are serious to sell it on here, please start a new thread on the BM side.

My_1st_Ac

Will do.... sorry for the incorrect placement.

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

at this point, you're not wrong. but upper management wants to keep sales in one place for easier management.

truonghthe

OP what you had in mind for replacement? sorry to heard your RL having trouble on the other notes my RL was neglected by the first two owners but the owners after that take great care of the car. My dealer never charge diagnostic fee on me even they found the issue, they even let me bring my own part for the repair.

My_1st_Ac

Hi Truong!

Is your dealer in the DC area? If so, care to PM their information.

My_1st_Ac

Maybe I should get opinion from another repair shop, although I do trust my current indy shop. Anyone have referral for a repair shop in the DC area? Please send me a PM

Thanks!

08KBP_VA

I believe Troung is in Texas area. I am in NoVa area and have used a shop in Chantilly if thats not too far, I dont think they are cheap but think they are fair and knowledgeable. I tend to stay away from dealers in NoVa area.

rlx015

+1 on Carmax

truonghthe

I am locate in Houston TX area. I know your area well since my sister and brother in laws living in Silver Spring. Its turn out my RL previous owner is working for the same dealer I servicing both of my TL, which explain alot why the car in such good shape, He want to buy the car car every time I drop the car off for service. I don't know why they want to charge you that much for a motor swap.

HDNBenjamin

Can get an engine on ebay for about $1K shipped with about 100k miles. I have a mechanic that would do the swap for about $1k, so for $2k you'd have a new engine. Problem is Im in the PNW.

Karol

Can anyone chime in on the diagnosis? 20% lower cr and sign of coolant? Sounds like a gasket to me but what do i know...