1992 Mercury Grand Marquis, Take Two
Some of you might recall my paean, last August, to the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis that has served me so faithfully over the years. As was, in retrospect, inevitable, it didn't take long before that same Grand Marquis chose to test my own faith, making me an unwilling player in the age-old game of Repair-or-Abandon.
All was well until a month or so ago, when I dropped the GM off at the shop for an oil change and tire rotation. About an hour later, I got a call from the service manager. They would, he reported, be unable to change the oil because the oil pan was so badly rusted that attempting to unscrew the drain plug would lead to a full-on disaster. In fact, oil was beginning to seep through the metal. Then he gave me the bad news: the oil pan was spanned by an immovable chassis crossmember and various other components. Replacing the pan would require them to lift the engine high enough to allow it to be slipped past the offending hardware. The cost, including parts, labor, and tax would be in the $700 range. Then, just by way of truly testing my resolve, he added that the car needed a water pump and serpentine belt.
The cost of these repairs approached the market value of the car, which meant that I had to do some serious thinking. The obvious alternatives were to a) dump a grand into the Grand Marquis, or 2) cut my losses and walk away from it. But there turned out to be a third, less obvious option, and to see how I arrived at it you'll need a bit more background. You see, a couple of years ago I noticed that the Check Engine light would come on for a brief period soon after I hit the gas hard, say to pass someone quickly on a two-lane. My local shop ran a scan, and found "two fuel lean codes, one EGR code, and a pass. system code." (Uh-oh!) They estimated that the needed repairs would run somewhere in the $4-600, depending on what was found when various components were examined more closely. The estimate also included the news that "none of the codes at this time will make the vehicle unsafe to drive." (Aah!) Thus reassured, I declined the repairs and opted instead to place a square of electrical tape over the offending light.
With that in mind, let's look at the implications suggested by the first two choices. Replacing the pan, pump, and belt would get me back to where I was the week before, which at the time didn't seem like a bad place to be. But I'd also be $1000 poorer with nothing obvious to show for it. Walking away, by contrast, would save me that particular $1000. It would also mean that my wife and I would have to share the '07 Accord that she drives to work every day until I found another car. Now, as the list of 50-odd cars I've owned over the years should make clear, under normal circumstances I've always leapt at the chance to go car shopping. But, as we all know, these are unusual times. Say, for example, I found "the best 1997 Grand Marquis in the world" that I mentioned in the earlier essay. It would certainly cost many times the price of repairing the '92, and still might turn around and bite me on the rear end a few months down the road. This was a financial leap I was unwilling to take.
What I needed, clearly, was a solution that 1) resulted in a tangible, obvious improvement over the present situation, and b) cost less than buying a new(er) car. That solution was found in the two words I uttered to the service manager: "fix everything." To clarify, I told him to not only go ahead with the oil pan, etc., but to address the various issues that were triggering the Check Engine light. And, just to make sure the overall results would be noticeable, I added a full tune-up – remember, it hadn't had one in more than four years – to the roster.
Four days later I sashayed down to the shop, where the Grand Marquis sat, freshly washed and sparkling, under the awning. Then I opened the door to toss my hat on the seat, and was greeted by the distinctive aroma of an interior that had just been shampooed. A quick look, and sure enough, the seats, door panels, and dashboard gleamed. Even the carpet was clean. On one level, I was pleased; on another, though, I was well aware that the shop was attempting to soften what was about to be a serious blow. That blow turned out to be just south of $2400, or roughly twice what the car was, and is, worth.
I took a deep breath, wrote the check, and drove off. Within a couple of miles, $2400 worth of pain had receded, having been replaced by the joy of driving what truly felt like a car transformed. The engine felt way more powerful, and during subsequent trips demonstrated that the extra power wasn't just wishful thinking. Miles-long upgrades that used to trigger a downshift were now handled with effortless ease in overdrive. Those two-lane passes that used to require flooring it now took just a gentle nudge on the accelerator. As a bonus, the car's overall mileage has jumped a couple of MPG.
The bottom line, then, is that biting the bullet and ponying up for all the repairs yielded a car that feels much improved. Had I just done the minimum needed to keep the old beast alive, I would have resented the expense and, no doubt, the car itself. Car Lust is, sometimes, a peculiar affliction, but it can also be very rewarding.
That Car Guy on January 13, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Yes, David, you did the right thing! Shopping for a new(er) car might have only landed you in a barrel full of other troubles, possibly getting a wreck or something Hubcaps Lesch might sell to Barney Fife. On top of that, please remember the most-wasted money ever spent on a car, new or used, IMO... is the sales tax.
My first car, a less-than-one-year-old 1972 Chevy Vega, cost $2,100 + taxes in 1972. Six years ago, the SALES TAX on my Super Crew was much more than that. Here in Tennessee, you can figure about 10% of a vehicle's price added with assorted taxes and fees.
Personally, I think sales tax should only be paid on a car when it's new, but others don't agree with me. Whether one keeps a car from new to the recycler or it sells a dozen times, taxes were paid on the thing up front.
I'm glad your Grand Marquis is all better now. Please enjoy many more years of driving happiness together!
P.S. Nice photo borders and captions!
Shawn on January 13, 2009 at 04:17 PM
I think you made the right move, you obviously were perfectly satisfied with THAT particular Grand Marquis. You've also made a point for active vs. deferred maintenance. Had you had the EGR issues fixed along the way you might not have faced such a large bill right now. And ignoring the issue could've caused other problems. I'm not picking on you but observing what is common with people who keep their cars for long periods of time.
Mark on January 13, 2009 at 05:00 PM
Yep, it's cheaper to fix 'em. My better half drives an'02 Mountaineer V8 AWD with about 145k on it. It's bitten us us a few times, but we've maintained it, and the motor, trans, body, and interior seem like new. It is a distinct pleasure to spruce up an older vehicle that has served you well over the years, and avoid thousands in tax, interest, and depreciation.
Rob the SVX guy on January 13, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I'd also like to point out, that even though you have a V8, the choice you just made makes you more environmentally conscious than some shmuck in a new prius. Or a new anything, for that matter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooN9INJxxy4
Note the amount of pollution created in the production of just ONE new car. For a prius, it's even more, since it has two seperate drivetrains, and many more batteries. Reducing your footprint is simple: keep fixing an older car for as long as you can find someone to fix it.
David Colborne on January 13, 2009 at 05:45 PM
Right on! As long as the engine is still sound, you'll do just fine. What's on the odometer at this point?
Darrencardinal on January 13, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Yep, fixing the thing is the way to go, if you generally are satisfied with the car.
I'm getting ready to spend about $1000.00 at the shop on my Miata. But I'm glad to do it because I love the car and take pride in it. She has 105,000 miles on her and going strong.
Getting the back two wheel bearings replaced, and fixing the backup lights and running light. The baby will be good as new.
Mike C on January 13, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Your oil can be changed without using the drain plug using a "topsider" pump, which sucks the oil out the dipstick tube. Now that I have one, I'll never get under a car for an oil change again. Also, almost every check engine light I've seen on a Ford is a bad O2 sensor. Easy fix. As far as I'm concerned, there's far more pride of ownership in a good performing high mileage car than a brand spanking new one.
...m... on January 13, 2009 at 07:07 PM
...much respect, david - you've *earned* that ride...
bill bush on January 13, 2009 at 07:07 PM
My 1985 Toyota pickup looks doggish, but is still doing 30 mpg and has functionality that could not be replaced for less than $3000 or $4000. I'd spend $1000 on it in a heartbeat. A solid basic car has a utility value far more than its typical "value" on a used car lot. If it is trustworthy and meets your needs without a payment, go for it. There will be a time for newer/better, but as long as you have one "good" car to take trips and depend on, like your 2007 Honda (I have a 2003 Honda) you can afford to keep a second car that may not be quite as reliable at times. I plan on my next "good" car being at least hybrid, if not entirely plug-in, so I'm holding on for a while yet. I have a good Honda dealer in Danville, VA, and a good Toyota dealer in Greensboro, NC. My cars get regular service, and I have never had an engine failure.
Mochi Mochi on January 14, 2009 at 12:03 AM
We all have our limits and certainly everyone will at some point be confronted by that equation - the one David, that you confronted. The cost of repairs exceeding the value of the vehicle. But there's book value and then there's personal or real value. To me the real value of the car is what you will pay to continue to happily drive it.
Coming from my particular lunatic perspective all i can say is, you got off easy! You only paid double the value of the car?!?! What a frackin' fantastic deal!!! OMG if that were as far as i had gone with my Civic... i crossed that point so long ago i can't even remember. In the past year alone i've ventured into a realm that has either numbed me to the expense of rebuilding an old car, or has finally allowed me to come to terms with it, accept it, and move into that ecstatic state reserved for those who have seen nirvana and those who spend too many hours speaking in tongues.
But seriously. I commend your decision for so many reasons. First because you did not give in to the narrow minded commonly accepted practice of scrapping a car because of the expense of repair. Secondly, because you created a third new option that was uncommon and took guts, bravery, and creativity to arrive at and to follow. Thirdly because you kept a good older car running, and running well... better than it had been.
Too many people just let perfectly good cars slip into disrepair or fade into the junk yard. The more i check out old cars and motorcycles the more i am appalled at what people do to, or allow to happen, to older (AND GREAT) vehicles. Vehicles which with a little loving could be productive, positive, and fun to drive. A little lovin' for these cars and motos would keep them running for many many years.
I partly blame a societal tendency to value only the new and the perfect. But there are a lot of mechanics out there who mistakenly encourage their customers to scrap their cars and get new ones... you'd think it would be in their interest to keep repairing cars, but there are mechs out there who really don't care.
I was recently looking at a used moto. It was a rare bike by many standards. Not many made. Sold for only a year or two in the US. Parts are scarce as hens teeth. I have only ever seen one. And i know of only one other bike like it, the owner of which has gone out and purchased parts ahead of time to insure he has them when they fail on his machine. The bike was an 87 Yamaha SRX250. It was by many accounts a rat bike. Needing new fork seals, a complete carb rebuild (you could not get a new carb if you tied and anything else would be an invention). The tank was dented and scratched up. There were random stickers in various states of peel across the bike. But I had to keep myself from handing money over too the owner. It's rarity and peculiarity drew me to it. And more importantly it we "perfectly beaten" up. All those scratches, dings, and peeling stickers. They formed a patina of age. They were perfect, the bike was perfect looking to my eye, and they would only get better with time and wear. But the best thing was when i rode it - the bike felt so right and so tight - it fit like a glove - even though it was completely unsafe to ride.
I'm still thinking about the little srx. There's a mystery problem with the carb (or possibly the ignition) that makes it unsafe to ride. I'm researching the bike and looking for parts. I bought a shop manual for it off ebay. I still want to buy it - even though that's slightly insane. The good news is it's not going anywhere quickly. The only person who would buy it would either be someone who is a complete dupe, or someone irrationally drawn to this bike like i am. I tell myself that if i buy it, i'm buying a project, and with a project you can always drop a new engine in - maybe a 2stroke from a motocross bike. you can create something new and salvage the best of something old. But the good thing is that i'm holding off and completely researching this thing before i get into it.
You did a great thing with your Grand Marquis. Thanks for a wonderful and delightfully unexpected story.
OldCarGuy on January 14, 2009 at 06:13 AM
So pleased to read that I'm NOT the only one who sees the value and reward in keeping an old car going, especially one that you are essentially happy with. Yes, writing a check with 4 digits on it isn't anything we look forward to, but if it keeps you from writing one with FIVE digits, or worse yet taking out a loan, don't you still feel like you're beating the system? And as a bonus, as Rob said it's the more environmentally conscious route as opposed to buying new.
Bravo, David!
Steaming Pile on January 14, 2009 at 06:43 AM
That's kind of what my wife said to a co-worker of hers who winced at the expense we incurred last year when we had some CHECK ENGINE issues addressed. We have a '99 Accord that my wife inherited from me, and turned into a beater within a week by kissing a guard rail with it rather hard. We fixed the body panels, and instead of having the body shop people have their way with us, I took the car to Fort Drum, where they have an auto craft shop with a state-of-the-art paint booth. Three attempts later at repainting the car, and we have something that looks reasonable, but it is clear that the creamy taupe we eventually put on the car wasn't the original color, and that the paint job was done by an amateur.
Still, we spent major bucks (lemme see, I think it came to around $600 altogether) troubleshooting and fixing the CHECK ENGINE problems, which had to do with driving the car in Upstate New York until the O2 sensor and wiring rusted out, requiring the replacement of the entire system. What my wife told the co-worker was that the $600 expense was roughly equivalent to 1.5 car payments, and the car now runs like it did when it was brand-new. Not bad for 162,000 miles.
Now, one more wet-sanding, and I think the car will be reasonably presentable. I figure sometime in May.
Steaming Pile on January 14, 2009 at 06:50 AM
@TCG sez - "Personally, I think sales tax should only be paid on a car when it's new, but others don't agree with me. Whether one keeps a car from new to the recycler or it sells a dozen times, taxes were paid on the thing up front."
I couldn't agree with you more. That's why I'm handing down my car when it's time to say so-long. I figure my son's 2000 Focus won't last much longer than his graduation in 2011, so I'll save him a few beans by letting him have my gently-driven and nicely broken-in 2005 Scion xA for a buck and trading in his Ford POS (which I retained title on for insurance purposes) instead. That saves one transaction, and as long as somebody in the family drives the Scion to the junkyard, even if it isn't me, I'm doing my part for the environment.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on January 14, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Proving that great minds run in the same channels, there's an article on maintaining older cars over at TTAC that says a lot of the same things you do, David.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/hammer-time-fashion-or-function/
Glad to hear that you are happy with the Marquis. The Marquis is not my kind of car, but it's a good car.
David Drucker on January 14, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Thanks very much for the kind comments, which are much appreciated.
Shawn wrote: "You've also made a point for active vs. deferred maintenance. Had you had the EGR issues fixed along the way you might not have faced such a large bill right now."
I'm not sure I agree with that point, at least as it applies to bigger issues. I'm good about involving fluid changes, filters, etc. But there was no consequential damage associated with deferring the EGR and tune-up issues. The car started and ran fine before I had them fixed. It just ran better afterwards. I *did* learn to take a few more wintertime trips through the car wash, with the "undercarriage wash" option selected!
David Colborne asked about the odometer reading, which is now just a couple of days shy of modest 130K.
Mike C wrote: "Your oil can be changed without using the drain plug using a "topsider" pump, which sucks the oil out the dipstick tube."
Indeed it can, and if I had even the slightest interest in changing my own oil I'd consider it. Of course, had I taken that tack originally, there's a good chance that the rusted oil pan wouldn't have been detected, and that the seepage would have turned into a good-sized hole, lunching the engine.
Mochi Mochi said: "To me the real value of the car is what you will pay to continue to happily drive it."
Amen to that, brother, as long as even a modicum of common sense is applied. (Ask my ex-wife about our adventures with a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 3.5; or, even better, don't!)
Mochi Mochi on January 14, 2009 at 08:58 AM
CookieTDO - that's a great article you found there. Thanks for sharing.
Jim Bob on January 14, 2009 at 09:14 AM
$2400!!! Wow. It makes me glad I can do all of my own repairs. I don't think I have spent that much in total for repairs to my 310,000 mile 1998 Nissan Frontier (used since day one to deliver pizza), and yes I am the original owner. I thought I was getting ripped off because it was costing me $270 in parts to replace the steering box and center drag link, but now I guess I don't feel so bad. I hope that old Merc keeps driving for many years to come for you as you certainly have earned it.
David Drucker on January 14, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I neglected, in my earlier comment, to include a well-deserved shout out to Rob, who quite rightly pointed out the environmental advantage of the original premise.
Chris Hafner on January 14, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Everybody else has already called out how awesome this is, but here's my take. $2,400 is certainly a lot of money, but I don't think you can compare that to the book value of the car.
The fact that the repairs cost more than the car is worth is cited often as a reason to get rid of a car. But I just don't see it. Why does it necessarily imply that the car isn't worth fixing? What about the book value makes that distinction?
Just because the repairs cost more than the car's worth doesn't mean:
- that you have the money (or inclination) to buy a new car
- that the car isn't worth more than that to you
- that ditching this car in favor of a different used car is a good idea.
You made not only the awesome and sentimental choice, but the smart one. You invested much less money than you would need to buy a new car - and you have what is, for the moment, a newish car, with much lower insurance costs.
And losing this car for another used car doesn't make much sense either. Sure, you lose this batch of problems, but even if you invest your proceeds and the $2,400 of repairs into the nicest possible Grand Marquis, it will still have a history and problems. It will just be a history that you won't be fully aware of, and problems that you don't know about. Who knows how much money you'd have to sink into that car?
This way, you get to keep a car that you love and know, performing like new and with the peace of mind that there are no niggling outstanding problems. Excellent.
There are limits to keeping a loved used car around, of course, but I think you did exactly the right thing.
Chris Hafner on January 14, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Did they replace the shocks/struts? I think that's one of the most-overlooked but most-impactful replacement you can make on a tired used car.
Patrick Carroll on January 14, 2009 at 04:34 PM
I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. Over the years, I've changed the oil every 3k, the tires when the service manager said "Do it," and I've done three major services, each averaging $2k. In total, I'd guess I've spent about $8k on maintenance over the years. And the car just keeps soldiering on. My only real complaint is how the driver's seat has disintegrated under me. Ford's 1997 pleather is not all that good.
Swear to God, it'll have to collapse under me before I get rid of it.
Love this car.
kevIN on January 14, 2009 at 04:48 PM
We've given up chasing the 'new car' smell - my wife drives a base '96 Volvo 850 that hasn't given us a lick of trouble for over three years. Just new tires and oil changes.
I drive a '97 Volvo GLT - it is turbocharged and has been a bit more trouble than her '96. I guess all that 'luxury'/gadgets makes you pay a little bit more for repairs ;) New exhaust, new rear brakes and a broken steering joint set me back $1500 but it still beats a $350mo car payment.
Heck - now we're looking at getting some carbed 80s RWD car for our next vehicle. At least I can work on those cars - having done engine swaps on my old '86 Monte Carlo SS and a '81 Chevy Malibu wagon. They're easy to work on, are really quite reliable and parts are CHEAP!
Darrencardinal on January 14, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Well got the car back today. The Miata drives like a new car and that annoying noise from the rear end is gone! Praise G-d.
The lights all now work, which is nice at night.
This 1990 Miata with 105,000 miles looks and drives like new, all her maintenance is up to date, and good to go for years to come. And she is a paid for car.
A very few car payments will pay for a lot of car repair, people.
Think about it.
Smaack on January 14, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I know the love. I have a 1996 Grand Marquis (the one with the cooler than cool all electronic dash) that I took in to have a check engine light analyzed. By the time I was done I had a $1700 bill, and a couple of weeks later, just tryng to see what it would take to stop a fanbelt from squeaking I ended up with another $1200 bill. And the check engine light is BACK on, indicating I probably need to replace the catalytic converter.
But it's such a sweet car that I keep pouring money into it.
Bill Smith on January 14, 2009 at 05:35 PM
You did the right thing. I've always thought that the real value of an older car is what it would cost you to replace it with something of comparable quality, and in which you can have the same level of confidence.