Ask Smithy Xtra Old Holden Commodore a lemon?
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Asked by Fiona Markham-Moeller
Since buying a 1980 Holden Commodore SL/E last year I have paid for a new motor top-end, new battery, new brakes, new muffler, thermostat, sender unit, spark plugs, starter motor, brake master cylinder and a carby overhaul, and now apparently it needs a new bottom-end of the motor or a new motor, which is going to cost me approx. $700. The car cost me $1500 to buy, and when you add all this up, plus rego and insurance I?m starting to wonder if I've bought a lemon and if I should persist. I'm thinking there can't be much more to replace at this stage. What should I do?
Answered by CarsGuide
5 Apr 2011What you bought is an old car, and old cars are often worn out, so what you’ve replaced is not to be unexpected. You’re so far into it that it’s best to keep going rather than pull out and lose what you’ve put into it, particularly because it’s an SL/E, which will be worth more than a regular old Commodore when you’ve finished it. The ultimate decision on how much to invest in the car should be based on the condition of the body and interior. If all of that’s in good condition it would be worth spending the money you’re spending, but if it’s rusty or needs repairs to the panel work I would suggest you think about getting out of it.
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