The original post: /r/askcarguys by /u/EscobiaReddit on 2024-07-22 23:08:13.
A little back story, less than a year ago, I purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe 2010 3.5-liter V6 with 200km on it for $8,000. The car when purchasing seemed perfect with no visible rust, leaks, drove perfectly - almost too good to be true- (my mistake to not get it fully checked by my mechanic before purchasing but the vehicle inspection they provided at the time looked good) and it has served me well up until these last couple of months.
Since then, it’s been having some big issues like a jerk each time the car goes into drive for the first time, a sight smell of gas, as well as the AC not blowing cool air. Took it to a mechanic and pointed out some major issues and quoted me at least 4k for these fixes. Here is the inspection report.
The issue is this is just from an initial inspection and I’m worried as they fix the car they’ll find more issues with it. Do you think I should just cut losses, sell the car for a major loss, and purchase a newer used car (will probably have to finance it) or go through with these fixes and hope the car can last me at least 5 more years without any more major issues?
More about me: I don’t know much about cars myself. I am a student with variable work. I initially planned to drive this thing to the ground. I’m a fairly safe driver but weather conditions where I’m from (Alberta) is a concern. I have the money to fix the car now but unsure if I have enough to go on a payment plan for the next 3-5 years. I appreciate any insight or advice - these past week have been a lot!!