Is it worth keeping up or should I let t age gracefully?

[imperial70]

I have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata with 74K on it. It is fully equipped with every option available (including the 3.3 V6) that year. It has been very reliable.

The left front fender is rusting from the inside out. I am also told I may have a ground issue related to that same fender.

I have also lost the "black plastic tape" that they use around the window frames and pillars.

there is minor cosmetic paint damage too.

Should I bother putting on a new fender (the best way to take care of a front fender) and get paint and other cosmetic repairs to keep the car up or is it a waste of about $700? Should I just let it age gracefully only making the required repairs. I love the car and they don't make them "full size" like this any more.

paul

 

[yogitunes]

if it is mechanically sound....and only needing a fender replaced, and some cosmetic stuff....for that low of a price, I would go with repairs, for the most part you should get close to 200,000 before serious things would go wrong.....then I would say its time to move on.....

 

[danemodsandy]

$700....

....Is like, two or three months' payments and insurance on a new one.

If you have no major issues, it seems to me that upkeep is a prudent investment that will keep you from having the much larger obligation of a new car.

There is no feeling like having a well-maintained car that looks great, and is PAID FOR.

 

[goatfarmer]

How well do you like the car? $700.00 isn't much to spend, if it extends the life of the car another 8-10 years. But remember, if one fender is rusting, the others probably have started also.

 

[maytagbear]

I would do it!

If it helps you get another year or three out of the car, I think it's money well spent.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[imperial70]

I love the car. I have never owned a car that was as reliable and had great pickup and ergonomics. I am glad to hear the feedback. It was the way I was leaning, just wanted to make sure I was being foolish.

thanks for the feedback and Happy thanksgiving to all. I am very thankful and grateful to know this website and the people who are part of it.

 

[norgeway]

I drove a 2003

Sonata 145000 and if it had not been for the ac being un fixable, I would still have it!

 

[wayupnorth]

I dont know if Mass uses the severely corrosive brine that Maine does. Its like going back to the 50's to save on plowing and sanding. And the vehicle totally rusts out. That was the demise of my 18 year old Silverado. Ran perfect, frame was totally shot.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

I'm waiting for that to happen w/ my 2003 Honda Civic!

-- Dave

 

[imperial70]

my last sonata

Went over 90,000 (a 2000) but it had a mishap at Valvoline Oil change place and it never ran the same again.

Norgeway: That 145K is re-assuring.

WayupNorth: Brine? Not sure. But I know a lot of people down here lose K frames because of the rough winter weather.

 

[DigAPony]

I'm all for running cars well beyond 100K however. However, rust on 7 year vehicle is bad news and body/paint work is expensive.

On the other hand used car resale/trade-in values are very high these days. The smarter move may be trading up to a newer model while the car still has some value left and interest rates are low.

You could get into another low mile, late model Sonata if you like that brand. I'd look around and see whats out there, this is a good time of year to car shop.

 

[d-jones]

I think Douglas (DigAPony) has a good point. Before spending the money on the repairs, you might want to consider having the body and frame inspected for corrosion. What you're currently seeing on the fender could be just the tip of the iceberg. If the inspection reveals that the rest of the metal is sound then by all means, fix it and keep it. Otherwise I'd consider fixing it and selling it before the problem gets worse.

 

[imperial70]

DigAPony and djones: Both very good posts and well taken. I am going to have the car inspected soon by a mechanic.