The Used E53 Odyssey - Replacement after Total Loss - Page 2

ylwjacket · #1 01-25-2017, 05:22 PM

So, I call the indy we have used, and ask them for prices. Their prices:

- valve cover gasket - $200
- oil pan gasket - $600
- replace transfer case w/60k mile unit - $1500.

So, with them, our net is $800.

Since I am a total idiot for not checking it out better, but I do understand math, I take to them for the work.

They check it out, and confirm the above is needed.

The good news is that they seem to think everything else seems pretty solid with the car.

ylwjacket · #2 01-25-2017, 05:23 PM

So, we get it back tomorrow, with a newish transfer case, oil pan gasket replaced, and valve cover gasket replaced.

Now, it will be drive with crossed fingers and see how it goes from here.

dannyzabolotny · #3 01-25-2017, 05:56 PM

Properly maintained, these go past 200k miles easily, especially the 3.0-powered ones. I have a 4.6 with 214k miles, and aside from having to replace the chain guides/valley pan/OSV I haven't really had to do too much. My total cost for all that work was $800 because I did the work myself.

What made you want a gray interior though? In my mind that's the least attractive interior color, haha. Black always looks more modern and it always looks clean.

ylwjacket · #4 01-25-2017, 08:11 PM

That's what she wanted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

What made you want a gray interior though? In my mind that's the least attractive interior color, haha. Black always looks more modern and it always looks clean.

PR1AWRet · #5 01-25-2017, 07:58 PM

They had to fix it when you looked at it the first time, that should have shied you away from it. I've done the same thing with a 68 GTO. You know, probably just needs a tune up. Ended up being a hole in top of piston. The freeze plugs were rusting out and started leaking as I get it on base.

PR1AWRet · #6 01-25-2017, 08:16 PM

Paid 5K for mine knowing about the "LITTLE" things wrong with it. Loved the green/gray and new sand interior. Drivers seat had some wear. 5K later it's solid, parts not labor.

upallnight · #7 01-25-2017, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PR1AWRet

Paid 5K for mine knowing about the "LITTLE" things wrong with it. Loved the green/gray and new sand interior. Drivers seat had some wear. 5K later it's solid, parts not labor.

So for 10K you now have a 15 year old car that is probably worth 5k or less.

crystalworks · #8 01-25-2017, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upallnight

So for 10K you now have a 15 year old car that is probably worth 5k or less.

But it feels better to drive than any other 15 year old car in the $5000 price range... there is a lot to be said for enjoyment value vs. actual monetary value. The heart wants what the heart wants.

If he drives it for 5 years it's paid for itself in terms of savings over buying a new $10,000 econobox car (plus whatever interest would be paid on the loan if financed). And, let's be honest... even most things in the $20-30k range offered these days aren't as fun to drive as a well maintained E53. Some will be more practical, most more reliable, most less attractive, all more expensive, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

Properly maintained, these go past 200k miles easily, especially the 3.0-powered ones. I have a 4.6 with 214k miles, and aside from having to replace the chain guides/valley pan/OSV I haven't really had to do too much. My total cost for all that work was $800 because I did the work myself.

What made you want a gray interior though? In my mind that's the least attractive interior color, haha. Black always looks more modern and it always looks clean.

The V8 powered X5's definitely seem to be more expensive to maintain for even a seasoned DIY'er. For one of my kids, it would be an M54 powered truck as well. And I disagree on the grey interior. Black is good, grey is okay, sandbeige least desirable (the base faux leather, not the nappa), and truffle is best.