Advice on a 98 Accord

Advice on a 98 Accord

So I have a 98 Accord EX V6 with 141k miles. I've always taken good
care of the car but recently the transmission went on the car. Dealer
wants almost $4000 to put in a remanufactured transmission or $3000 for
a used transmission with 85k miles and 1 year warranty.

Although I knew the trade in value would be dismal due to the high
mileage and expensive repair they quoted me $500.

Now I'm looking for advice on what to do next. The engine is strong,
the car recently passed emissions here in MA (last month), has leather
seats, CD, moon-roof all the EX loaded extras, but it also has a big
scratch on one side of the car (life in the big city).

So I'm looking for advice on what to do next with the car.

1) Take the trade in value of the car.

2) Do the repair then try to turn around and sell it. I'm imagining
with the high mileage and scratch I may recover the cost of the repair
and a bit more but not much. The KBB for a "fair" version of my car
with 141k miles is $5620.

3) Sell the car for parts. How does one go about this? What could I get
for a car like this?

4) Donate the car to charity for a tax write-off... although I've heard
new rules limit how much you can get for this option.

5) Other options I haven't thought of?

Any and all advice much appreciated thanks in advance,

MikeK

 

Check www.edmunds.com 's used car appraiser, and see how its
prices compares to whatever other choices you are
considering.

 

Mike:

Our 98 Accord needed a new transmission at about 120k. The dealer
wanted 4000 to rebuild it but I found an independent transmission specialist
with a good reputation to do it for 3000. It really hurt putting out 3
grand but the car is like new again. In the long run I think it was worth
it.

 

My '98 Accord's transmission exhibits a few suspect behaviors at 100,000
miles of operation that concern me to some degree. On certain occasions the
transmission downshifts sort of rough. Also, there are times when there is
an unusual feeling of disconnect--or slack in the drive train after
decelerating. Maybe that's just the inherent nature of these cars'
transmissions; but I kind of doubt it. I've already had the transmission
fluid power flushed by the local Honda dealership and that didn't seem to
change the transmission's behavior very much. And maybe the problem isn't
even related to the transmission. If it gets any worse I'll have it checked
out.

Other than this one issue, I absolutely adore the vehicle. For me it would
be worth investing in a transmission rebuild job in order to keep on driving
a car that I find to be truly pleasurable to own and operate.

Ron M.