It seems that we can't get enough of oil threads and other maintenance discussions. It dawned on me that in all the years I have been driving, I have been less-than-diligent about maintaining my cars at times, but have never had a major component failure, except a transmission on a 1988 Buick. Are we as enthusiasts over-maintaining our cars' mechanical systems? Does it really matter if it runs great if the structure is rusting to bits?

What has fallen apart on members' cars that has caused you to pull the plug on a car? Mechanical? Body? Just tired of it? Where's the cut-off point beyond which members won't bother to repair it?

In my experience I tend to destroy cars in collisions so I have never really worn a car out. I'm looking for personal opinions/anecdotes.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

It got to the point where the cost to replace the various parts outweighed the value, both in $$ and satisfaction. I bought a new ride that costs as much, or less per month, and has far fewer 'issues' of maintenance. Well, so far at least...

If at first you don't suceed, try again. After that, give it up, no sense beind a darned fool about it...

BTW, I never had a oil-change related failure that caused me to abandon a car...

The things that have made me get rid of a car:

1. First car, 1973 Chrysler Newport Custom. I had driven this car for about a year. The motor mounts both broke, so the engine was pretty much just sitting on the K-member. I took a railroad crossing way too fast and caused an oil leak at the pan. The engine bled out on I-75, causing a connecting rod bearing failure. The fix was more than the car was worth, so I junked it.

2. Second car, 1972 Mercury Montego. I bought it for 400 bucks. I drove it for a while and the oil pump locked up, taking a camshaft with it. I paid to replace the camshaft and oil pump. It ran great for a while (130 on top end, never mind the blowby that blew oil out the dipstick tube), then ate another oil pump, which I replaced. It never ran quite right after that. When that oil pump locked, I was tired of dealing with the car, so I called the junk man to come get it.

3. 1963 Dodge Dart. I bought with no engine, and the tranny in the trunk. I installed a '79 360 engine and '73 904 trans. It was fast as all get out, but it was never reliable. I sold it after I joined the Navy (in 2001, after six years of ownership). Dad sold it for me as I was away. Got $500 for it.

4. 1976 Buick Century. Had a 350 2bbl. Wasn't all that fast, but sounded good with open exhaust. I can't believe I never got an equippment violation ticket in this thing. I went to college and couldn't take a car with me (no parking for freshmen). The 'rents wouldn't let me leave two cars at home, and I favored the Dart, so I let Dad sell this one for me in 1996. $250.

5. 1986 Lincoln Town Car. Bought in 2001 with 96,000 and some change miles. Drove for several years. Daily commuting on a dirt road caused various problems. I'm selling because I have a more suitable commuter vehicle, and a diesel Benz that I like better as a weekend car. Engine and trans still strong after 20 years and 155,000 miles. Body has seen better days.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I would be more fastiduous with maintenance if I had the time and money...but so many other things require attention that I can only be "reactive" most of the time.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car