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What to do with an old, not running vehicle?

Posted on 5/12/16 at 4:57 pm
Posted by doublecutter
Hear & Their
Member since Oct 2003
6586 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 4:57 pm
I have a 2003 Chevy Venture mini van with 206K miles on it. Yesterday the plastic radiator starting leaking from a crack that developed on the driver side lower corner. I brought it to a mechanic I use and he said about $1000 to replace.

It's in good shape for being 13 years old and that high of mileage. It was running OK, A/C blows cold, and there are a few things broken on it that I never repaired- cruise control, rear air does not work. It doesn't look bad inside or out. I used it to haul stuff--Home Depot runs, doing some remodeling work on a house Uptown, etc.

But I don't want to put $1000 into a vehicle that is only worth $1500.

What would be the best way to get rid of vehicle, sell as is, parts, junk it? I would like to get something for it, but it seems until repairs are done, it is basically worthless.

TIA
Posted by Redlos
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2005
1046 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:00 pm to
Fix radiator yourself (Google is your friend), sell, profit....or donate to charity and take tax write off
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7377 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:00 pm to
List it on craigslist. A Mexican will tow it back across the border.
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
13883 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:03 pm to
quote:

2003 Chevy Venture mini van
quote:

plastic radiator

quote:

$1000 to replace




$99 online at Go-Parts

Posted by YOURADHERE
Member since Dec 2006
8042 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:05 pm to
Google says a new radiator will run you about $100-$150. Order one, replace it, continue driving kids to soccer practice.

If you really want to be cheap, locate the crack and epoxy it.

Posted by Redlos
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2005
1046 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:11 pm to
My 4Runner started making a whining engine noise (figured it was a pulley or alternator). Took it to stealership and they wanted $1K to replace alternator and serpentine belt....went to Carquest and bought remanufactured alt and belt for $130. 2hrs of sweat and grease and back in business....
Posted by VetteGuy
Member since Feb 2008
28184 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:18 pm to
quote:

epoxy it.


I don't think that will work (for long) on plastic.
Posted by bhtigerfan
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2008
29475 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:19 pm to
Was the mechanic wearing a ski mask when he gave you that quote?

That's fricking ridiculous for a radiator replacement.
This post was edited on 5/12/16 at 5:24 pm
Posted by Propagandalf
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2010
2528 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:38 pm to
quote:

What would be the best way to get rid of vehicle, sell as is, parts, junk it?


40# of Tannerite ought get 'er done.

LINK
Posted by Tiger Ree
Houston
Member since Jun 2004
24548 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 5:59 pm to
Have this in Houston. May do it where you live - Purple Heart.

https://carshelpingveterans.org/secure/donate-a-car.php?gclid=CLyw6ZPR1cwCFQqsaQodi_kImw
Posted by Pepperidge
Slidell
Member since Apr 2011
4314 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 7:40 pm to
quote:

I brought it to a mechanic I use and he said about $1000 to replace.


change mechanics...that part is no more than $150 shipped to your door and easy to swap if you have any mechanical inclination whatsoever.
Posted by Yewkindewit
Near Birmingham, Alabama
Member since Apr 2012
20039 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 8:14 pm to
If I had the time I would do it myself with a max $150 radiator. You will have to plug the transmission lines that feed into the bottom of the radiator when you remove it but worth a try if you will still find a need to drive it. Sometimes the grill has to come off the vehicle to be able to get a wrench on radiator bolts. Google stuff and see if you want to try.
Otherwise, donate it to charity.
Posted by DeoreDX
Member since Oct 2010
4054 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 8:17 pm to
If the leak isn't too bad those pellets you crumble into the top of the radiator might fix it fit a while.
Posted by bayoutiger08
Cajun Country, Louisiana
Member since Apr 2008
610 posts
Posted on 5/12/16 at 11:58 pm to
How much do you want for it as is?
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 5/13/16 at 5:32 am to
quote:

If the leak isn't too bad those pellets you crumble into the top of the radiator might fix it fit a while.


Try black pepper. Old folk quick fix. Just leave the cap crack open to keep pressure down. This will get you out of a bind if need be.
Posted by CaptainsWafer
TD Platinum Member
Member since Feb 2006
58351 posts
Posted on 5/13/16 at 6:00 am to
Can't believe no one has mentioned JB Weld yet.
Posted by Thib-a-doe Tiger
Member since Nov 2012
35391 posts
Posted on 5/13/16 at 6:59 am to
Wouldn't know, drive a tundra like the baw from Houma
Posted by Ole Geauxt
KnowLa.
Member since Dec 2007
50880 posts
Posted on 5/13/16 at 7:20 am to
Go park it on a right of way, or a long straightaway on logging road. Sounds like the makings of a mighty comfortable deer stand.
Back area for nappin', making sammiches & entertainin'...
Take the battree home ever once in a while and charge it, listen/watch tiger games, use wipers to clean glass during rain, and be able to control your "shootin' windows".

Posted by SportTiger1
Stonewall, LA
Member since Feb 2007
28504 posts
Posted on 5/13/16 at 8:37 am to
quote:

Go park it on a right of way, or a long straightaway on logging road. Sounds like the makings of a mighty comfortable deer stand.
Back area for nappin', making sammiches & entertainin'...
Take the battree home ever once in a while and charge it, listen/watch tiger games, use wipers to clean glass during rain, and be able to control your "shootin' windows".



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