# Repair or Buy?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 30, 2007, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398 "2007-07-30T14:06:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![marge\_mel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/aeb1de/32.png) [@marge\_mel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marge_mel)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2007, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398/1 "2007-07-30T14:06:37Z")

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Need some advice. I have a 1998 Toyota Rav 4 with 186,000 miles. I’ve been told it needs syncro gears and probably a new clutch at the same time - approx a $4000 repair job, so I’m told. It runs quite well other than the shifting problem, and burning a little oil.  
  
  
  
 Is it worth putting that much money into a vehicle that has that many miles on it, or should I put that money into something newer?

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2007, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398/2 "2007-07-30T14:10:53Z")

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I’d say be happy you got so many miles from your vehicle, but think about moving on to something newer.

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**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2007, 2:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398/3 "2007-07-30T14:13:50Z")

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That estimate seems high. Was it from a Toyota dealer? No wonder! Before throwing in the towel, turn to the Yellow Pages to find independent transmission shops. Get new estimates; you may be able to save a considerable amount on repairs. If so, go for it!

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2007, 3:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398/4 "2007-07-30T15:35:30Z")

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I am guessing this is a manual transmission vehicle? You may be able to find a used or even rebuilt tranmission installed for possibly half or less the price. I would get at least another estimate for the work and then decide. You’re right at the cusp of getting rid of.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2007, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-buy/2398/5 "2007-08-04T15:10:14Z")

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Thanks for your replies and input!