Motor Vehicle Question

[Beowulf]

Since I want to do this legally, I'm putting this here.
My 2000 Pontiac Montana blew it's head gasket the other day. My mechanic hasn't given me the official end result yet but as he explained, even if it gets fixed based on the amount of anti-freeze that was in the oil, it may lose it's bearings down the road. We're talking about at least a couple thousand dollars to fix it, which I don't have. Besides the motor, it's in good shape.

I still owe $4500 so I can't just sell it for parts nor can I get a good trade for it. My question is can a big repair bill total out a car so that I can at least get out of the loan? If not, do I have other options? I just want to get rid of the damn thing some how and get the wife something else. We had planned to trade it this spring but fate frigged me again!!:flame: This is the 2nd van that has done this to us and we spent several years paying off the last one after it broke it's crankshaft. Also, it'll be the last domestic car I buy as every one I've ever had has given me trouble.

Serious suggestions only would be appreciated! I'm very steamed over this and not in the mood for feeble attempts at humor!

[Rhino]

Theoretically, only an insurance company can "total out a car". They do this when the cost of repair exceeds the value of the vehicle, but will generally only pay up to the blue book value. Unfortunately, your insurance company will almost certainly not get involved, as their coverage is limited to collision/accident damage, and would not cover maintenance type repairs.

With a blown engine, it is unlikely that the blue book value would equal what you owe, so you would have to make up the difference to the lender to get out from under it. The blue book value for a typical 2000 Pontiac Montana would not cover what you owe on the vehicle, so you couldn't sell it to pay off the loan, even if it was working fine. In short, there is apparently no 'good' solution to your problem. My wife had a Chevy Venture (same basic vehicle I believe), which she babied, and we still had lots of trouble with it. She no longer buys American for the same reason.

Your best bet at this point is probably just to fix it and hope it lasts until the loan is paid down enough to get rid of it. While the engine is blown, it could only be sold as salvage, and it wouldn't go for what you owe. Sorry I couldn't give a more hopeful response.

[Beowulf]

I kinda figure all that, Rhino. I guess I'm desperate for a miracle, something I never get.

My wife had a Chevy Venture (same basic vehicle I believe), which she babied, and we still had lots of trouble with it. She no longer buys American for the same reason.


I'm also glad I'm not the only one who is in this boat. Every domestic car I've ever owned has been trouble. I may pay a bit more for an import but it's worth it. I'm done buying Detroit shit!

[Timberwolf]

How many miles are on it? I only ask because I couldn't find a recall notice for Montana head gaskets, and if it's still under warranty, GM might help (don't hold yer breath, though).

I'll keep you in my prayers, B.

[Beowulf]

It has 92,000 miles on it and I bought it used so no warranty. See, no matter what I do, I'm stuck.

By comparison, my Hyundai has 159,000 miles on it and runs like a top.
Our old Nissan we had for 10 years had 268,000 miles when I retired it. It ran great when I did but was rusted out.
My Saab had 254,000 miles on it when I donated it.

See why I'll stick to imports!

[Oldeshooter]

Since you are way upside down, owing more than the car's value, I would have them replace the head gaskets and change the oil. They can manually power up the oil pump and flush any contaminants out of the bearings. Then it depends on how long it operated with the oil/anti freeze mix. They could also check a couple of bearings to see what the wear is.
I used to deal with cars/trucks and would NEVER buy anything but a Lexus, Toyota Nissan or Honda as they have the best reliability of any vehicle at any price. Good luck.

[Beowulf]

Actually, per Edmunds.com, it WAS worth more than I owed until this happened. Grrrrrrrrr I'm still ripping angry over this and yes, it is causing me to lose sleep.:flame:

[ThomasMore]

Beo, you're probably SOL.

Most states have "lemon laws," and there are other ways to tackle cases where a new car becomes unusable. With 90,000 miles, you're not likely to find relief at law.