1996 ls manual. Fix or sell?

[Nickster]

Howdy,

Have owned this coupe since day 1. 16 years only 120k miles. No modifications.

I am not a mechanic nor even a tools person, but tried my best to do maintenance per user manual, mostly done by dealer.

It drives well, shifts well. Everything works except the antenna mast is worn. Small dents/dings here and there but overall the body looks ok and aligned. Paint starts to fade on roof and sunroof, and bumpers start to look dull.

Debating to fix or to sell:

1. Big time maintenance coming up: front brake, brake fluid flush/replace, alignment, engine air filter.

2. Occasional burning smell, and it is getting more frequently, about once every two weeks. The smell occurs either exiting freeway (shifting from 5th to neutral) or starting from stopping at red light (shifting from 1st). But not conclusive. Don't know what it, if you know please let me know. Clutch? About to take it to mechanic in a week or two.

3. Small oily leak at one spot, near forward of engine bay at the center. Started happening 2 weeks ago.

How much you think it would cost to fix?

How much can this get if I sell without fixing these?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Best,
Nick

[ATISTANG]

the mechanical problems you describe sound minor, yet paying someone to fix it is probably going to cost a lot.

so unless you really have your heart set on keeping the car then you would probably be best off selling it as is

[fartbomber]

Originally Posted by Nickster

1. Big time maintenance coming up: front brake, brake fluid flush/replace, alignment, engine air filter.

Front brake discs, pads, brake fluid bleed = parts will be around $150-200 plus labor, about $300.
Alignment will be around $50 - $75.
Air filter is around $15 to $20. If you can't replace that yourself, find someone who can walk you through it. It's very easy to do.

Originally Posted by Nickster

2. Occasional burning smell, and it is getting more frequently, about once every two weeks. The smell occurs either exiting freeway (shifting from 5th to neutral) or starting from stopping at red light (shifting from 1st). But not conclusive. Don't know what it, if you know please let me know. Clutch? About to take it to mechanic in a week or two.

Clutch issues are usually related to slipping, engagement of the transmission and the engine. If you have a burning smell and you aren't doing burn outs (revving high and then dropping the clutch hard), it is probably coming from leaking oil that is burning on the surface of the engine block. Did you change the oil recently.

Originally Posted by Nickster

3. Small oily leak at one spot, near forward of engine bay at the center. Started happening 2 weeks ago.

Probably the rear main seal. Is it between the engine and transmission? That seal can get replaced if you replace the clutch. The seal is cheap. The labor isn't.