Overhaulin'

How do you sell a car that needs engine work and still make a profit?

I own a 1992 Ford Taurus that has stalled on me twice now. I have been wanting to sell it for a while now, but I keep putting more money into it. I have had the motor mounts repaired, the cvc joints fixed, a new starter put in, new power steering hoses, new belts, a new switch to turn on the head lights, and no my car randomly stalls. It stalled once in traffic in downtown Las Vegas while I was stopped at a red light. The second time it stalled was while I was driving down the road. The car lost power, so I pulled over and it died. Each time I had to wait ~15 minutes until the vehicle would start again. I am through repairing it and just want to sell it. How would I market a car that someone else is going to need to put money into, and still get money in return?

Public Comments

1. your car is worth maybe 2000 depending on its mileage. the repairs you have described are maintenance items. before you throw in the towel, see what the stalling issue is going to cost you. i assume that since u are driving a 1992 that money is tight. if u do sell it, u should disclose the stalling as it is a safety issue.
2. I agree with Robert, I wouldn't give up on it so easily sounds like a bad fuel pump or something
3. sounds like your fuel pump take it off the road slap a for sale sine in the beater and get it to run long enough to convince the buyer it a good deal buy taking off the road they cant test drive it good luck remember all cars are sold as is so when it leaves your yard and it stalls oh well not your problem
4. First off your car is pretty old, it might just need a tune up (new spark plugs and wires) If your mechanic can't find whats wrong with your car you should take it to a ford dealer service center and for around $100.00 they will hook your car up to a computer and tell you everything that needs to be done. Then when they tell you whats wrong with it, tell them you don't have the money to fix it right now (you don't want the dealer to work on your car cause they are very expensive) Take the information they gave you about your car and show it to your mechanic or someone you trust and see how much they will fix it for. Or if you can do work on your own car go to autozone, buy the parts there and do it yourself (which would save you the most money). It is easier to sell the car and get the most $ if it is in good working condition. Go to www.Edmunds.com and click on the link "appraise your car" put in the information about your car and see how much your car is worth. (do this before putting any money into the car to see if it would actually be worth fixing)