car woes

[desh]

So the quote to actually get a replacement hood for my car is about $900. WTF. Though about half of that is paint labor. If I can buy a hood myself from a junkyard or something that's the right color, then the other parts and the non-paint labor that I was quoted only come to about $160. If I can find a junked hood for $150 or $200, then $310 is a much more reasonable total price to pay. Or, of course, I can do nothing.

And then my car started making squeaking sounds. I need a new water pump. $700.

Ugh.

Is it time to just give up? Sell the car (which, being a Honda, will always be worth something)? I don't know; I really don't think I can justify getting another car, and it's so useful for me to have one now. Plus, I mean, it's my baby. I've had it for 11 and a half years now.

Comments

[dagoski.livejournal.com]

If the only thing mechanically wrong is the water pump, fix it. I say get a hood from a junkyard that either matches or strongly contrasts. The latter will make it look like a custom job and impress the girls. Seriously, $700 + hood is still a lot less than what you'll shell out for any decent kind of user car. I just bought a used car this past fall and prices are way, way above bluebook.