Refurbish and repair or recycle?
So it’s been awhile, bought the Mrs. 92 240 wagon around 93, and at the time it was a cream puff. Took good care of it too (all the usual service and maintenance through the years). Then came kids around 99 and now, 250k miles and 24 years later it is showing signs of old age. My littlist one thought the center ebrake cover was a path between the front and rear seats. And the door map holders were kick plates for opening the door. Normal life stuff. The engine, drivetrain all work fine, and for the most part I can handle those repairs; timing belts, brakes, etc. Got a good mechanic if I can’t. What’s getting me frustrated is all the little piddly stuff ; shiftlock/shifter linkage random nostarts, freekin door handles that break off every other week, glove compartment won’t stay closed, interior plastic trim pieces that turn to dust like an Egyptian mummy, etc, etc. Almost afraid to touch something it will crumble in my fingertips. Not complaining, just saying; cars get old and I’m having a hard time keeping up with the repairs.
Sooooo, been noodling this around for awhile and I’m coming here to ask the BB sages your experiences, thoughts and expert advice. This brick needs a major overhaul of the body interior and exterior. If I wasn’t so involved with normal life stuff I would take this thing off the road and do it myself. But life back hands me back to realty…..
So Q1 is: Has anyone here done this (the big R&R), what did they have done and how much did it cost? And how long did it take. Was it worth it.
And Q2: Should I sell it (gasp – there, I said it!) and get something newer? Like what? Don’t really see anything that inspires me. The new Volvo wagons seem not that reliable and very expensive to own and maintain. Passat wagons are too short. Subaru’s have all wheel drive (sounds expensive to fix). Minivans are too big and their gas mileage sucks. And all the new stuff looks way complicated to fix. . .
Thank you BB sages in advance.