ewilen
01-09-2016, 09:29 PM
Hello, first-time poster here. I reckon this would be the place to get some advice on what to do with my '87 Accord LX-i sedan (automatic with 160k on it). Good cosmetic condition inside & out, drives very nicely. A few years ago the radiator developed a leak and I decided to mothball it and just do minimum maintenance, however it's getting more & more troublesome to keep it registered due to CA smog requirements.
Aside from the radiator, there are a few other problems:
PGM-FI light is on (this is new).
Temperature gauge shoots to the top when the key is turned, even if the car's completely cold (something I've seen in a few threads here).
There are a couple oil leaks, neither of them serious according to my mechanic, can't remember the details.
Last time I had the car smogged, I was told that there might be a leak in the exhaust system--the technician said there was difficulty developing enough pressure for the test to work (?) although it did pass.
Now, one way or another there are state/local government programs that would give me $1000 to scrap the car...but I'd rather not, if I can recoup some of the repair costs should I eventually sell. (I don't have the time/skills to do much if any of the work myself.) Esp. if the radiator's replaced, I'd enjoy having it as a city runabout.
Or I could try to find someone handier than me who'll buy it in "non-running" condition.
What do you all think? Is the state's offer too good to refuse?
Aside from the radiator, there are a few other problems:
PGM-FI light is on (this is new).
Temperature gauge shoots to the top when the key is turned, even if the car's completely cold (something I've seen in a few threads here).
There are a couple oil leaks, neither of them serious according to my mechanic, can't remember the details.
Last time I had the car smogged, I was told that there might be a leak in the exhaust system--the technician said there was difficulty developing enough pressure for the test to work (?) although it did pass.
Now, one way or another there are state/local government programs that would give me $1000 to scrap the car...but I'd rather not, if I can recoup some of the repair costs should I eventually sell. (I don't have the time/skills to do much if any of the work myself.) Esp. if the radiator's replaced, I'd enjoy having it as a city runabout.
Or I could try to find someone handier than me who'll buy it in "non-running" condition.
What do you all think? Is the state's offer too good to refuse?