Used car: What to do with it

[bruto]

It may depend on what you have for working facilities - garage, permanence, etc. If you have a garage, and are mechanically reasonably apt, there's no reason you couldn't do a head gasket yourself. It requires some investment in tools, but it's almost certain that the tools and parts will cost less than it would to have someone else do the job, and you get to keep the tools when you're done. I still have some really nice tools that I bought back in 1972 when I first discovered that I could do a complete engine rebuild on my Jeep, including the purchase of things like a ridge reamer and piston ring compressor, etc. for about 50 bucks less than it would cost to have it done. I don't have the Jeep any more, but the operation was both educational and successful.

Of course, if you're really not interested in doing mechanics, and have absolutely no experience or aptitude, this is a poor option. But if you're motivated and take care to learn the ropes, there's no reason you can't take on the job yourself.

If you really do have a blown head gasket, I do advise you so one thing or anaother soon. It won't get any better, and you really don't want to be stranded.

 

[CriticalThanking]

If you want to donate the car and play Mythbusters but can't get them to take it, consider donating it to your local fire department. They sometimes look for cars they can burn for training purposes. It can be fun and satisfying to watch them set your car on fire. And it contributes to global warming, which will help you be able to ride a cheap motorcycle even in Wisconsin winters.

CT

 

[hgc]

An Escort with over 100,000 miles?!? See if the Smithsonian is interested.

If you donate for charity, make sure the title transfer is executed. You won't want to be the owner of record under subsequent circumstances involving liability.

 

[sts60]

A junkyard will pay pretty good green for some cars, but a 95 escort will likely only get you 2 or 3 hundred at most, depending on the condition of the salable parts. I mean, a Ford with more than 100K miles isn't really worth repairing. It will spend 3/4 of the rest of its life in a repair shop.

Hey! Donate it to mythbusters!

Rrrrr... My '90 Ranger had >280k miles on it when I finally sold it, and it was still running reliably, thank you very much.

Anyway, I'm biased, but if you're going to donate a car to charity, contact your local fire department. They're generally always happy to have a car to chop to pieces for extrication drills, and it's tax-deductible.

 

[littlehulkster]

If you want to donate the car and play Mythbusters but can't get them to take it, consider donating it to your local fire department. They sometimes look for cars they can burn for training purposes. It can be fun and satisfying to watch them set your car on fire. And it contributes to global warming, which will help you be able to ride a cheap motorcycle even in Wisconsin winters.

CT

They also look for cars they can hack to pieces to practice vehicle extrication.