A few days ago I got the car back from the shop, they had it for a few days and I got a complete run down on what it will take to fix everything and I wanted to know since tax time is right around the corner if I should cut my losses and buy something different or repair my car So here is what 150 dollar diagnostics fee will get you for a 96 Olds Achieva.

The List

It needs a camshaft/lifter kit with all new push rods, That job I can do and the will cost me about 500$ (The shop said if I keep driving the car I will more the likely damage the new lifters so I will need to replace them, also the bottom end is nice and tight and all the noise I am getting it from the top end)

The AC need repair and it will cost me about 300$ to fix it (something is wrong with the thing that is inside of my dash to make the AC work)

The rear brake need an overhaul because they are not working the right way along with it need a driver side rear hub, the bearing are starting to make a clicking noise. (The hub assembly for the driver side and overhauling the rear brakes will be right around 250$, I can due that work myself.)

Last but now least are the front struts and tie rods need to be replaced. The struts are squeaking and got a small seep of oil coming from them ( I can due that work myself but the ready mounts will be about 190$ aside so that is right around 380$ plus right around 55 dollars for tie rod ends.)

So is my 96 worth all that money to get it in good running order or due I just need to get rid of it and find something better. The price will be right around 1,500 to get it in better running order. So I am wanting any and all opinion or ideas on that matter so I I know it I need to take car of other priorities like bills and other stuff and just forget about the car or do I need to start putting back to fix everything that is wrong with it.Thanks.

Hmmm, its kind of a flip side here. If you spend the $1500 and get all the repairs done, you will have almost a brand new car again. If you get rid of it and get another car, what are the chances you will spend the same amount of money say next year or the year after?

If your 96 is in good shape body wise, and you enjoy that car, I'd say fix it. If it'* cancerous, find something else.

Well the front half of the rocker panels are rotter out on both side but I was thinking about it I keep the car of buying new rocker panels for it offline.

i was going to replace my rotted out rockers on the buick but found a TON of new rust in other random places and it just wasnt worth it to me.

I seam to have bad luck all the way around, I was hoping to make the car last a few more years since I am a student at my local college and I really can't just up and buy another car. I am gonna need to due some soul searching and decide what to do on the matter. I may just let the motor make the noise all it wants since I have a nice sounding radio that can drowned out the noise and just fix the rear brakes along with the rear hub on the driver side along with replacing the tie rods and just go the cheaper route on my struts, I really don't like dissembling them but I will since that is a cheaper route. I will just it till the camshaft either breaks or it just rounds the lobes off to a point that it drops a lifter and blows the motor.

What about replacing the engine, and, repairing the rocker panels? Considering the cost of new/used cars nowadays, and, I'm sure you really don't want another car payment, since you're a student.

Well even a used engine is gonna run right around 800 to 900 dollars used wise. A re-manufactured engine will run about 1,800 that is including the core charge. I have never had any good luck with a junk yard engine, I have only have good luck with used transmissions from my local junkyard.