[2fast2c]

Hi Folks,

I need your opinion on this one. I have a 04 V8 with 120k miles. I'm the original owner. All the regular maintenance has been done and she's been good to me so far. I still love this car.

Here is my concern. From now on, it's gonna cost some money to keep up. I have been noticing possible drive shaft issues (not all the time but once in a while, when I'm trying to park the car, turning wheels, I can hear and feel clunking sound. Never happens while I'm driving.

I had timing belt and water pump replaced around 80k but indy that I've used possibly did a shady job of not replacing other parts with it while changing out timing belt such as other belts.

So should I keep her or trade her in get something else? As I said I really like this car but I'm afraid of this being money pit.

Thanks for your inputs in advance.

 

[LOtouareg]

How about a new Touareg?

 

[Jimbuffalo]

I was in similar dilemma a few months ago. Decided to replace front differential (whining made it sound like I was driving a 1980s pick up). I went so far as to work a deal on a 2012 TDI but decided to keep the 05 V8 instead.

Drive shafts are an easy fix. I thought that was the problem, so ordered one from Colorado Drive Shaft and brought it to the dealer to install....then got the news it was the front diff (still have the old case in case anyone wants a core to repair theirs). Props to Col drive shaft...they accepted the part back less shipping costs.

The rest of the car runs fine, still looks pretty good for its age/mileage, still does what I need (tow), original owner with proper maintenance, etc. I would prefer newer electronics and sat radio, but as you know T1s had lots of neat comfort features you can't get anymore.

New car payment in the face of other bills made me decide to keep it, but that was me.

Go buy a new car.

Life is too short to worry about possible future car bills, especially if your indie did not replace tensioners and water pumps at 80 k.

Nobody is promised a tomorrow and if you are concerned about future repair bills you may have already decided. Factor in 300.00 of that new car payment as savings from not performing repairs on your T1 and you're almost home free.

If a new car sounds fun (read review of Porsche diesel) and you have the itch, go for it. Your 04 V8 will fetch 7.5 - 11K on trade.

Just sayin'.

 

[noobytoogy]

So, you get, let's say, 10K for the current car and then add 50K to get a new car but the moment you drive the new car out of the showroom, you'll drop 10K so effectively you'll have just given away your V8, which is running fine, for nothing.

Keep it!

 

[earlthepearl]

First of all, you need to find a better mechanic. One that can be trusted to do the job right. Secondly, an occasional repair bill beats a regular payment any day. Finally, you said it yourself, "I still love this car".