Engine started dying, thinking about repair or buying a new car - advice?

[Spacealien2]

Hey all,

So my car engine just started stalling and I'm not sure whether I want to repair it or just buy another one under 5k. It sounds like it's not getting enough fuel and shuts down a few seconds after getting started.

Also, if I'm going to buy a used car here in Ontario, what are the procedures, and what do I need to be aware of (e.g. so I dont get scammed by buying a broken car).

Any help would be appreciated.. thanks.

Ricky

 

[yamaha r6]

Is your car worth repairing ? Get a diagnosis to see what the trouble is. Take someone who has car knowledge with you. The process varies slightly if you buy the car as is or certified.
Make sure the seller provides the used car package, it will list how many owners and if there are any liens against the vehicle. Carproof will show if there were any accidents/claims

 

[Spacealien2]

Thanks, that's some very good info!

How do I get a find a good mechanic in my area (websites?) The one I usually go to wont have any one to look at my car until late this week!

 

[WoodPeckr]

How old is your car?
What's the make/model and how many miles?

It could be something very simple needing repair or cleaning.....

 

[mailman]

Thanks, that's some very good info!

How do I get a find a good mechanic in my area (websites?) The one I usually go to wont have any one to look at my car until late this week!

What area are you in????

In addition to previous mentioned tips on buying a car I would recommend that you go with a dealer who is a member of both UCDA & OMVIC as these organizations require there members to maintain certain standards in regards to dealing with the public and both have a process for dispute resolutions.

 

[TeasePlease]

1. Go to a mechanic you trust.

2. Buying a very used car (sub-$5K) is buying someone else's problems.

In my mind, the decision is simple - if the cost to repair > the value of the repaired car, junk it. If not, fix it.

 

[Spacealien2]

Hey guys thanks for the help!

How old is your car?
What's the make/model and how many miles?

It could be something very simple needing repair or cleaning.....

It's a toyoto corolla 95.. yes, 95! Around 170k miles. I really hope it's just something really simple! Doing a diagnostics tomorrow.

What area are you in????

In addition to previous mentioned tips on buying a car I would recommend that you go with a dealer who is a member of both UCDA & OMVIC as these organizations require there members to maintain certain standards in regards to dealing with the public and both have a process for dispute resolutions.

I'm in thornhill, near richmond hill! (yea it's in the middle of no where). Thanks for the advice about UCDA, that's very useful to know when I buy a car!

 

[yamaha r6]

Hey guys thanks for the help!



It's a toyoto corolla 95.. yes, 95! Around 170k miles. I really hope it's just something really simple! Doing a diagnostics tomorrow.



I'm in thornhill, near richmond hill! (yea it's in the middle of no where). Thanks for the advice about UCDA, that's very useful to know when I buy a car!

Those Corolla's are little warriors. Id fix and drive the wheels off it, varying what the issue is. Save your money meanwhile for a car you like

 

[Old Milwaukee]

this is a long shot, but remove the gas cap and try driving it - most caps have to vent to allow air into the tank so the fuel flows properly, it wouldn't be the first time I've heard of a defective cap

 

[Spacealien2]

Yea I'm going to fix it now..

I just started it and let the engine idle for a while, it works a bit better now - there are times when the engine sounded it's slowing down but it picked back up.

 

[Moraff]

Have you ever changed the fuel filter? Could be clogged up perhaps.

 

[yamaha r6]

Yea I'm going to fix it now..

I just started it and let the engine idle for a while, it works a bit better now - there are times when the engine sounded it's slowing down but it picked back up.

When was the last time you changed spark plugs, wires, distributor cap+rotor, fuel filter, air filter ? Clean out the throttle body as well and run some fuel injector cleaner on a almost empty tank

 

[Spacealien2]

When was the last time you changed spark plugs, wires, distributor cap+rotor, fuel filter, air filter ? Clean out the throttle body as well and run some fuel injector cleaner on a almost empty tank

Only changed spark plugs last year. The rest of them (other than air filter) never changed since I bought the car 3 years ago.

I'm car retarded and I dont know how to do what you wanted me to do

 

[Old Milwaukee]

it could be the fuel filter, Moraff is right. If you know where it is, just remove/bypass it temporarily to try it

 

[rhuarc29]

I'd get a diagnosis before making any decision.

Actually, your symptoms sound exactly like a scenario I went through about five years back. Check your distributor cap and spark plugs. I was driving on a wet day and the engine started stalling out on me, off and on. I just had some moisture in the distributor cap. Needed to replace it is all.

 

[Spacealien2]

Awesome! It doesn't sound like a huge problem - I'm happy now. Definitely bringing it to the mechanic tomorrow.

I just found out that I need some tools to get the fuel filter off.. and I don't have what I need to do it LOL!

 

[Spacealien2]

Now I have a very important question.

Is my car safe to drive?

 

[Old Milwaukee]

Just don't turn left in front of traffic at a light, LOL

 

[Spacealien2]

Just don't turn left in front of traffic at a light, LOL

yea I'm delaying my gym visit until late haha

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Check if your engine is getting spark and gas.

- Could be gas filter is clogged as mentioned previously ( cheap to fix )
- If it is a gas pump it will be a bit expensive for the time to take the gas tank down and replace the pump + parts.
- The problem cold be in the distributor, cap, rotor, coil or igniter. ( moderate repair cost )
- The problem could also be in the worn distributor assembly ( few hundred dollars )

If you have no mechanical experience, then take it to a mechanic you trust.