We have an 01 MPV LX that's been having some problems. It's been in the mechanic's shop 4 times this year....once for when the transmission fluid leaked & we didn't realize; by the time we got it in the fluid was completely dry.

The last time it was in, we were told there's either a crack or a leak (can't remember which) on the head gasket .... quote to fix it was $1500, but they said even then there's no guarantee on how long it will last. There's also some mysterious rattling sound that can get quite loud; we thought it was a loose hose somewhere & it was fixed for awhile, but the noise is coming back.

Also, the tires a totally bald.

Cosmetically, it's not that great. We have 3 kids, and the carpet is pretty stained. Tinted windows are starting to peel, and there's a small dent in the rear where I backed into something.

Thing is, the car only has 136,000 miles on it. We were kind of hoping it would last a lot longer. So our dilemma now is, do we spend the money on fixing it?? It's going to be at least $2000 by the time everything is fixed & cleaned up.

How many miles should we expect this van to go?

Thanks!!

 

naomi:
This is my opinion based on some assumptions that I read between the lines. So forgive me if I am wrong.
It appears to me that vehicle maintenance is an afterthought for your family. And I understand that. kids are more important than an oil change and tire pressure check.
I am thinking that these 130K miles were tough on this vehicle, including the engine, or did it get the oilchange at least every 5000 miles? You could try to weigh it out this way:
MPV: 2000 for known needed repairs + 1000 for unknown needed repairs= 3000.

Take those 3000 and buy a good used minivan or appropriatly sized car, sell the MPV (at least $500 at the junkyard, up to 1000 in a private sale) then keep that cash handy for fixes for the new to you vehicle.
BTW minivans are not cheap to maintain. Consider an unusual move to a grandpa vehicle: Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis. Get one that is '97 or newer. See what owners say about them: Ford Crown Victoria Reviews - Carsurvey.org

You can have real bargains on these!

 

Actually, we have always done the oil changes. I think there was one time it was late getting in...but I think they've got us on a 3000 mile rotation.

We have more money to replace the van; not enough to get something new, but not too terribly bad. Theres a volvo we looked at; its got 99k and only $8900. But we're trying to be smart with it, as the house needs a few repairs as well.