Dear Tom,
How long should I keep my car before letting it go? I own a ’97 Ford Explorer Sport and cannot afford a new one at this time. It had a new pulley and belt replaced (not timing) as well as a lower ball joints fixed/replaced one month ago. Now the engine oil light is on but the car seems to drive fine. How much do people normally put in a car before they trash it? It has approximately 110,000 miles on it and I have been keeping up with the oil changes, etc. Thanks for your input.
Sue from Springville, N.Y.
Sue,
Ever since man embarked on his first car ride this question has haunted him. How long will it last? It all depends on how well or poorly the vehicle has been maintained or neglected either by you or the previous owner. My best piece of advice to you is to have the vehicle evaluated bumper to bumper as if you were going to buy it. After the tech has given his/her evaluation, make an informed decision on how much more money you can spend before driving it to the junkyard. Success to you.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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