Car Scrapping - need some advice

Resonance on 15/09/2014 - 16:54

Hi all,

My Honda Civic GLI (2003) had problems with accelerating while I was driving last Saturday. It was towed to the closest NRMA Motor Serve for an inspection. I was informed a few hours ago that it costs $3200 to replace the gearbox. Being a 10+ year old car, I don't see any value in repairing it. I spoke to NRMA staff in person and they were not allowed to give me any advice on my situation. It appears that my only option is to scrap the car and hopefully get some cash back. I would like some advice before I find a scrap car removal company.

Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • airzone on 15/09/2014 - 17:15
    +1

    Just check around for some different werckers to gauge the gearbox price…. Bearing in mind that to install it the tech will likely need to remove the engine. You might call up other mechanics too

  • gevidian on 15/09/2014 - 17:22
    +1

    The 2003 Honda is probably worth $3000-3500. You will probably get $200-400 for scrap/salvage. You might want to give some companies a call to see the cost of replacing a second hand/recon transmission or even the cost of repairing your transmission. I would guess this would be the region of $1500 or so. Lubemobile, etc would be able to give you an estimate and would help make your decision easier.

    http://www.lubemobile.com.au/car-repairs/gearbox-diffdriveli…

    • tonyjzx on 15/09/2014 - 17:36

      this^^^

      had a few cars with blown autos and i dont think it ever cost more than $1,500

      but you need a warrantied reco auto to be sure

      dont be fitting no piece of shit auto you found at the wreckers

      oh and if its still doesnt go well, trade the bastard in

    • RockyRaccoon on 15/09/2014 - 18:49

      Yeah call around, standard cost to repair auto gearboxes seems to be around $1500** and that's for any issue, alternatively look for a secondhand one.

      If you know the car and it feels like its otherwise in good nick, that maybe better than buying a replacement where you have no idea of what troubles lie ahead.

      But if its in poor shape then dont bother.

      ** for the more popular standard cars. BMW, Rolls, Audi maybe different as they think you have more money..

    • morpheu on 15/09/2014 - 20:30

      a transmission is a labour intensive part to fix, i.e if you are quoted $2000 to fix it might be $400 parts $1600 labour, not worth fixing in an older car, i would scour ebay/gumtree/local paper etc for 2nd hand unit and if possible see it working first

  • t_c on 15/09/2014 - 18:58
    +1

    Throw it on eBay, plenty of home mechanics around will see the value in it and pay top dollar.

    • RockyRaccoon on 15/09/2014 - 19:17

      Maybe not top dollar but a lot more than scapping it.

      Also if you go the scrapping route, which I think is silly, you can also look at deregistering it first and getting a refund on the rego and 3rd party insurance.

  • Resonance on 15/09/2014 - 20:25
    +2

    Thank you for your suggestions.

    The car is currently stuck in a NRMA Motor Serve far away from where I live. I do not know if NRMA will charge me for storing the car. Since the car is faulty, I cannot move it unless I spend money to toll it back.

    If the car is worth $3000, it is not worth it to spend the money to fix it. It is not in the best shape from old age and I can feel it while driving. Definitely will call a scrapping company for a quote and deregister the car at the same time.

    • RockyRaccoon on 16/09/2014 - 08:54

      Fair enough at least you have considered the advice that others here have given you and helped you make a more informed decision, and giving feedback on what you are doing is nice.

      Might check with the NRMA when you need to have the car removed to avoid any fees

      If you have a few days/weeks to do this you could put it on ebay and have the purchaser pick it up.

      But then this may all just be too much effort vs the "reward"

      Good luck.

  • adn on 15/09/2014 - 23:53

    Sorry to hear OP. How crap is NRMA not able to give you advice on your situation and only advise you to fix gear box. You need to find a real honest mechanic.

    I had to go through about 8 of them and alot of money to find one I can trust and give good advice. Yeah if you can't find a place to recon for cheap then best to scrap. Call pickles they might be able to buy it off you as a whole and go auction it off.

    • tonyjzx on 16/09/2014 - 01:18

      NRMA dont want the hassles of 'advice' but the reality is what advice is there?

      here's what we charge to fix the car - do you want to go ahead of not?

      its not their place to tell you there's cheaper places out there or that a $3,000 car shouldnt be fixed for $3,200…

      its pretty simple to work out

  • Resonance on 20/09/2014 - 08:27
    +1

    Finally got everything sorted out. I sold what remains of the car to a friend of a friend, who was willing to pay $600 and offered to tow it away. It was a better rate than the quotes from other scrappers, offering only 200-320. I spent almost three hours getting to the NRMA Motorserve to remove items from the car. Luckily NRMA only charged me inspection fees, around 90 bucks.

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