Does my car need this repair?

July 18, 2006 10:10 AM

Shadetree filter: Does my car need this repair?

Car has 200,000kms on it and here's the story as of a month ago:

1. Check Engine light comes on.
2. Check Engine light goes off. (couple days later)
3. Check Engine light comes on. (week later)
4. Take car in for checkup (usual place, reputable)
5. First engine light was for EGR system, needs three parts, $500. Second engine light was for dead knock sensor, $350.
6. Hold off on repairs while we think about it.
7. Idle gets a bit rough (a few days later)
8. Take car back in, replace knock sensor and one of the three EGR parts, the other two are on backorder.
9. Car runs much better, all seems fine.
10. Other two parts are in.
11. Do we really need those other two parts? We are trying to not put any more money into this car.

posted by Cosine to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

What's the make/model/year of the car?
posted by internet!Hannah at 10:11 AM on July 18, 2006

1995 Nissan 200SX SE-R

Air, cruise, tilt... lol
posted by Cosine at 10:13 AM on July 18, 2006

No, you probably don't need them, but if the place is honest, and they notice (say) disintegrating seals or a leaky diaphragm, your car will run a little better if they are replaced, and the environment will thank you. If your idel gets rough again, or you experience knocking, then get the parts replaced.

Also, I haven't turned a wrench in a few years, but I wonder how you could need $500 worth of EGR service.
posted by Kwantsar at 10:25 AM on July 18, 2006

The EGR is an emissions control thing. You can do it, or not do it, but your car will most likely run fine either way. The knock sensor is a very important safety mechanism to keep your engine running right, and it's good that you had it fixed.
posted by knave at 10:26 AM on July 18, 2006

Well, a car that age with that kind of mileage already has a very low value, either as a trade-in or otherwise. Even the $850+ you've put into it is probably more than the car is really worth, unless you've kept it in great condition. So really, your options here depend on your plans.

If you have the finances for it, and are ready for a new car, I would recommend running this one into the ground while saving up for the down payment on a new vehicle. If this isn't viable, then yes, it probably is worth it to replace those parts, but I would possibly seek a second opinion from a different auto repair shop.

And if the engine light comes on again later, keep in mind that a car that age is going to be buggy. I'm not familiar with Nissans, but I know Fords in particular are notorious for, after a certain age, having the check engine light on almost continually. My '98 F150 has had its on for something like three years now, and it runs as good as ever, no repairs needed (at least not relating to the check engine light).

In fact, the only trouble I've had regarding the light is passing inspections. However, I have the advantage of having a very trustworthy mechanic to work on my truck. My particular light returns a code for a problem with the O2 sensor, but according to my mechanic, it's fine, no replacement needed. I know some shops would not be so honest about such things.

Really, all you can do is trust your gut. If it's running fine, you could very likely safely put off repairs for quite a while, so long as you pay attention to how your car is running. That's personally what I would do so long as the car seemed alright, but you should consider all of your options.

Hope that helped.
posted by internet!Hannah at 10:31 AM on July 18, 2006

The $500 for the EGR is $500can, and it's in Vancouver which is a very expensive city. The three parts with labour were $150, $131 and $160.
posted by Cosine at 10:38 AM on July 18, 2006

By the way, if you have emissions testing over there you will likely need it. You would need it operational in California, USA for example.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 1:17 PM on July 18, 2006

I think internetHannah has it bang on.

FWIW, I have a 95 Nissan Pathfinder. I have no complaints about the truck, it has been a stellar performer. However, recently certain electrically related events have taken place which cause me some consternation. For example:
- the light in the heated seat(s) does not work even though the seat is on,
- the light for the Sport/Comfort supension setting does not work, even though the wiring is OK,
- the tach has a lot of serious issues especially when it is warm out,
- the battery can go dead on occasion without warning, and,
- the tailgate light switch used to give a really nice disco ball effect going off and on.

OK, so what does this mean? I am coming to the conclusion that Nissans of that era may have certain electrical issues that may be related to an age breakdown of electrical insulation (for example the wire covers) or that certain wires may have been routed in compromised locations through the vehicle. This may be indicative of Nissans in general of that age.

What I am getting at is that your check engine light may not actually indicate anything at all. It may be simply a short. My 2001 GMC pickup did this (and MORE!) as well. I finally put tape over the check engine light and the vehicle ran just fine...
posted by fox_terrier_guy at 4:14 PM on July 18, 2006