Fix Rack and Pinion & Oil burning problem or Get A New Car?

Question

Which do you think would be better in the longrun/cheaper within the next 3 years? 
Repairs on my crappy car or getting a new one, but paying a monthly payment and higher insurance.
My car is a 1997 Cavalier, 2.2L
161,000 MILES
Decent tread on all tires.
Seems to need oil changes 500 miles short of 3,000 cause it burns oil, not sure why.
Brakes are in good shape.
I know once these kinds of cars hit these kinds of miles and things like this start to go wrong, that's when most people to sell them cause they become a money pit.
Plus, I've lost some power in the recent months, seems like it takes twice as long going from 40-60 then in did when I bought it 2 years ago.
Here's a list of parts my mechanic says have to be replaced for my car to be in working coniditon.
Upper and Lower radiator hose
Heater hose
Coolant Fortifier
Coolant system vac and exchange
Power steering hose
Steering gear
Power steering flush
Alightment
AND TO TOP IT OFF
Rack and Pinion
The estimate they gave me is $1700.
My dads mechanic says he can do it for $1200

So if you were in this situation, what would you do?
I have a budget of around $550 a month between insurance and a car payment.
Factor in that I'm only 19, and that's basically impossible

Guy · Accepted Answer

Having had a couple of sons in that situation while in college, I make the decision for them. Don't put $1200 into your high mile Cavalier. Also, on a larger DON"T, don't buy a new car and pay a hugh payment for 5 or 6 years. The option I chose?? Find a one or two year old car that has a good service history (do a Carfax) with less than 50K miles. That way, you are getting a decent car and someone else has taken the big depreciation hit for the first year or two. 
If you can't find something you like within those limits, then you can adjust your limits somewhat. But most importantly don't take the depreciation hit of a new car just yet. When you're older with money to burn, then spring for the new one. Good Luck.

Pete M · Answer

Get rid of the Cavalier and buy a decent used car for cash.

You can save up some money while doing the minimum required to keep that car running for a while, then buy a decent used car for cash.

When you figure putting the money ($1200-1700) towards a different car, you're already half way there.

You can get a nice used car for under $4K on craigslist.

Sombody · Answer

I say a new car Cavalier sucks your mony away and say you have an oil problem you don't know the proble behind it and the power is not as good if you knew what you were doing you could get a knew engine and eliminate a lot of that hoses and pumps go out I have a 97 Honda Civic that cost me $300 to tune up but that was becouse the car is not origanal but for you it would be best to get a new car and be done with it I won't get rid of mine becouse it has a sentimental value but that's it

spotted.dawg · Answer

none of what you have listed has a thing to do with a loss of power or burning oil. If you fix all this you will still be dealing with these issues. that is a lot of miles on this car.....Let it be somebody else's money pit.      When looking for another car  take the time to choose wisely.

? · Answer

specially circumstances a equipment or section interior the transmission can start up rubbing on the case and make the sound you defined. One motor vehicle I had made a pop, and then stopped working. in case your motor vehicle is a front wheel rigidity, examine the front axle u-joints. Jack the motor vehicle off the floor (with secure practices stands and the rear wheels blocked), and view the wheels turning. It the axles are undesirable, you may desire to have the skill to be sure and right here it. be careful and have somebody with you. good success.

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Fix Rack and Pinion & Oil burning problem or Get A New Car?

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