Piston Slap: Toss, Flip, or Respect the Van?

Ryan writes:

I own a 2000 Mazda MPV, 165,000 miles, and it has been a wonderful vehicle up until this winter. Mechanically it is very sound, the motor, tranny and suspension are all very good. While it has been too cold to do anything about it, I have accrued the following list of problems though:

1. Radio went kaput (not a fuse, etc.); needs replacement.

My wife is insisting that we replace the vehicle, so my options seems to be:

1. Fix everything with bone yard parts and sell (I was a mechanic in a past life, would do these repairs myself).

Your thoughts would be appreciated!

Sajeev replies:

I like options #1 and #4. The cosmetic and interior problems make #2 and #3 a financially poor proposition for a skilled mechanic like you. The MPV sounds like it needs a few minor fixes to be a respectable vehicle. That’s good for you, your buyer, or the person in your community who’d love a reliable vehicle owned by a mechanic. But that begs the question:

Would your wife reconsider if you recondition the MPV, using the money for its replacement on something else? The house always needs help, and college for the kids (minivan, right?) ain’t cheap. Crunch the numbers. I reckon there’s a good reason why TTAC is all gloom and doom on new car sales: even a faithful Mazda minivan is worth keeping these days.

No matter what, fix it and reap the benefits.

Problem #1 is no biggie, a brand name CD player is $100 or less most anywhere, thanks to Wal-Mart, Crutchfield and entrepreneurial stereo shops. The installation kits (dashboard and plug/play wiring adapter) are available from Scosche (or others) for another $30-40. Installation takes 1-2 hours, or less.

Problem #2 is either in the motor or regulator, and some motors have replaceable gears that cost about $10. Check out the “HELP!” aisle at your local parts store, or search the on-line catalog from the Dorman website. I wouldn’t touch Problem #3 unless the buyer wants it, I doubt it adds value if you merely donate. I will let the more experienced readers decide if #4 is worth addressing, as everyone is comfortable with replacing tires, its not gonna turn someone away from the MPV if its priced right.

#5 obviously has to be fixed. I assume the only place to find one (at a reasonable price) is a computerized warehouse/junkyard, as the MPV is new and rare enough to not die at your local Pick ‘N Pull. With any luck, you can find a fender nearby in the same color, so call around until you find it. Remember that paying extra for shipping an exact match is better than painting to match. Unless you know a body guy who will make you a deal, of course.

Once its installed, compound/wax the paint, shampoo the interior fabrics and clean everything. Even the engine. You’ll be ready to flip the MPV for much, much more if you do the elbow grease that car dealers normally do to their hoopties bought at auction.

[Send your automotive conundrums to sajeev.mehta@thetruthaboutcars.com]