My problem with High Milage cars

"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
09/24/2014 at 13:38 • Filed to: goingthedistance highmileage

For the past couple decades, it seems as though a rule of thumb has been to avoid cars with over 100,000 miles. Article after article has promoted this as something that will " !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ."

Something that's consistently left out in many of these articles is what will actually start to fail. It's most definitely an uphill battle with some cars, but we'll categorize those vehicles as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . These are the cars that were problematic to begin with, and the current owner is looking to sell it to either 1) someone who really wants the car badly enough and is aware of what they're in for, or 2) someone who doesn't know, that will likely find out the hard way.

The big problem with buying used cars is that there are those two distinct groups of people. If more people knew more about cars, it would be easier to say that these Lemons would be dealt with sooner rather than later, and by dealt with, they should be bought back, and fixed by the automaker.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It had a grand total of 142,960 miles on when I got it home that day. To many many people out there, that is some serious mileage. To anyone who is misguided about higher mileage cars, that's straight up the danger zone for mileage. But why is that?

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Lets not get too far into specifics, but let's look at many common reasons to avoid a high mileage car.

1) Timing belts. In the vast majority of cars sits an !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . These are the things of nightmares for people who simply operate cars. While you can read the finer details about the Interference engine somewhere else, the long story short is that 99.3% of the time when your timing belt snaps for whatever reason, the repairs are typically cost prohibitive. The sheer amount of time alone to replace damaged parts is what makes bills ridiculously high.

2) Rust. No one needs any sort of introduction to tinworm disease in cars. Cars rust for two reasons. They weren't properly rust proofed from the factory, or they were typically owned and driven in "The Rust Belt." This simply means that these cars were subject to more water and more salt than other parts of the county. It snowed where these cars were driven most, and it's unavoidable, no matter how often the car got washed off.

3) Consumables have not been properly checked up on a regular basis. This is a tough one. Cars are not a turn-key solution to getting around. Humans require interaction, nourishment and rest. Cars require a careful eye. That innocent love-tap into the curb, the really tiny scratch that you aren't sure how you got, or the tire that never really held air quite right. Oil doesn't last forever, filters are not akin to perpetual motion toys, and rubber bushings or mounts will dry out and rot. That lucky pair of underwear you wont get rid of, but they don't fit right anymore? Just like that, but not one bit lucky.

So lets think back to why these things aren't really a high mileage problem really quickly. New cars have oil, and that needs to get changed, but many of those will tell you when service is due. The bean counters of the auto industry decided that in order to preserve the resale value of a car, they needed to make sure it was at least somewhat well kept. So many, if not all new cars today will start throwing a fit if they haven't gotten an oil change on time. With TPMS, it can protect your tires which are, after all, the only contact your car has with the road.

Oil and filters need to be changed on a regular basis. This isn't something special for old cars, they simply have a different service interval than a new car. Rubber bushings and mounts need to be checked regularly. Also, nothing unique to any car, new or old. Motor mounts can tear if not properly aligned, and bushings and dust boots can degrade over time. The car's suspension will have plenty of rubber that needs to be watched carefully. Strut mounts, ball joint boots, CV boots, all of these things need to be checked up on. Luckily for most of them, they even have fittings to be greased. Any mindful mechanic will look to make sure these things have proper lubrication in order to both last a long time, as well as function as intended. In plenty of cars, changing something as simple as the spark plugs and plug wires can help them continue running at their best. Many bearings will wear out over time, but if your wheels are aligned properly, the wheel bearings should last you well into the 100k range, and replacing them should last you about the same mileage again. A well maintained engine with clean, fresh filters and clean fresh lubricants should have no problem at all. While it may seem overwhelming to someone who's most intense work with a car involves turning keys, it's a lot easier than it really sounds. Technical terms for many things are very intimidating to the uninitiated.

Cars have all sorts of sensors and computer systems to detect problems or prevent things for becoming damaged. Knock sensors will pull timing, the check engine light will have trouble codes associated, and even a simpleton can effectively take care of a car without any excitement. If you can take a long weekend to go to the beach, you can take an hour or so to at least one mechanic and ask them to check things for you. For many who pride themselves on their reputation, they will tell you what you need to think about doing soon, and sometimes for no charge initially. They pay their bills and feed their families based on a good reputation that keeps business going. If you don't like their attitude or something seems off, you can go to another place for a second opinion. Even more importantly, catching problems early saves you lots of troubles and headaches. No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road because their car broke. Cars are fun, they're built to be enjoyed by being driven.

There are some fantastic examples of modern cars which have what some people would call completely insane mileage. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! comes to mind. Going by some of the numbers he has listed, the service life of many of these parts are incredibly high. Would I trust some older cars to do this? Maybe not, but by older cars, we're talking about cars 40-50 years old, and they were built very differently. The standards weren't low at the time the cars were built, but by sheer volume and the era, a high mileage car was approaching 100,000 miles. Some parts were exposed, many were never tested for such prolonged use. Most importantly, they were about as long lasting as the technology back then could manage. There are plenty of survivor class cars going all the way back to the 30's, but very few of them were daily driven through all the elements mother nature had to throw down at them.

Both !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! offer badges for your grill for different milestones over 100,000 miles. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! will offer a license plate bracket to the first and second owners of a vehicle for every 100,000 miles (sorry third owner, no love for you). Companies exist to make a profit, yes, no one is going to try and fool you into thinking otherwise, but a really interesting take on this is that no one is going to really want to own a vehicle that is known for crapping out. They're going to want to go for a vehicle that goes for a long time and requires little maintenance. What's a better marketing tool than showcasing every car that's gone over 100,000 miles. Even continuing to congratulate the next 100,000 miles.

There have been major flops that have been released. The Dodge 2.7L V6 has a reputation for catastrophic failure, but they learned from it, and changed things. Technology has made some massive improvements on engine and vehicle design. Many engine bays today have expansive belly pans which protect vital components that in the past would have rusted away in very short periods of time. Materials were easier to get, parts warehouses were full, and labor was pretty cheap. Many of the mechanics really cared more as well. Reputations mattered.

Along with the flops, there have been a vast number of engines that have been able to successfully remain running over extended periods of time with no trouble. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! " !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! " awards and lists that have been published over the years, and they've been chosen for many different reasons.

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Most importantly however, there are engines that just last. The "New HEMI" 5.7L 345CI monster has certainly proven it's reliability. The bigger, beefier HEMIs, like the 6.1L and 6.4L have been equally successful for normal street users, and for heavy modifiers. With these engines reaching high mileage, it forces you to think about what high mileage even is.

Over time with the introduction of CAD and other computer technologies, the design of cars became more protective of vital components. Engines are not exposed to the elements like they once were in many cars. Oils have gotten better, not breaking down in the same time frame as conventional dino juice based oils. Gasoline seems to have gone against this trend, but with cleaner burning engines, and longer lasting parts, we can try to safely say that it's not a major detriment to the running components.

So what does it really take to sell a higher mileage car these days, what would change someone's mind? For a huge amount of the population, higher mileage will continue to be a red flag. For the rest of us car enthusiasts, or those with experience buying used cars, there are things to look for. When buying from an individual, service records, dated with mileage, or at least some form of record keeping about the maintenance. To be able to go back and see how long parts lasted, or what parts a hopefully reputable mechanic determined needing replacements is a very good start. Having even a basic knowledge of this information can give you clues about problems that may arise, or potential parts that may need replacing in the future.

Can you define high mileage by the odometer? Unfortunately, probably not. With so many older cars with five digit odometers, they can roll over 100,000 miles and a buyer may never really know the difference. Six digit odometers started rolling out, yes, you have !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , even still.

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Sure, a dashboard can stop working and you may just throw in a junkyard cluster without adjusting the mileage to the car, but there are still ways to find out. Unless the PCM was modified, it will have the original mileage that can be read. There are a handful of cars today that even sport 7 digit odometers. Can that help re-define what high mileage is?

For car enthusiasts however, sometimes it's just the model, the color, the overall basic sight of the car to make us buy. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ? Is that going to sway my opinion on it? For many of us, we have a very acute awareness of what we're getting into, or we at the very least have the know how ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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The fear of higher mileage cars needs a very serious re-evaluation. It will take time, and lots of it. It's not really any different from Mini's branding, and then releasing bigger and bigger cars. People don't take change well, and it takes a long time to settle in. The real issue at hand is not how many miles a car has on it, it's how well the car has been taken care of. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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I took the time to ask some members of forums about their experience witih running higher mileage cars, to which I was told that there was simply no equal. One man located in Maine, a place not known for it's mild weather winters has a Magnum not unlike my own, but with 290,000 miles on it. It has been not only one of the most reliable cars he owns, but is regularly raced in 1/8 mile events, where even at 290,000 miles, is putting down a respectable 330 horsepower with only minor modifications. For the 1/8 mile, he said it will run 80mph, and in his words "couldn't hook up." He also owns a Dodge RAM which "only has a measly 203,000 extremely hard miles." Every one has been trouble free.

James, you asked. #23 was what the guy in the grey GM car saw, you can just see him in the corner of the pic. My Ram on nitrous racing Rich Millers 10.58 sec Magnum. Check out his Magnum on youtube= 10.58 second Magnum. Other pic of the Magnum earning her keep delivering 25' boat. Use the Ram for the big stuff, haha. BTW, the only thing that I've had to replace under the hood, beside fluids and spark plugs, 1 fan belt and EGR valve. Everything else still original, yup. Change power steering fluid ever 50,000 miles, the pump will be fine. Coolant every 100k, water pump will be ok. At 200K I did timing chain tensioners, but the originals were still mint! I'm putting on the second set of brakes on at 290,000 and will replace brake fluid.

The other person I wasn't able to talk to specifically is running another 2005 Dodge Magnum RT, the same model I have. The bean counter so far? 325,000 miles, as he seems to regularly update his forum signature with the current mileage.

So for all of the naysayers out there who are scared of high mileage cars, I say, fine, continue your antiquated viewpoints while I go enjoy the most of my vehicle. There are bad cars out there, but a careful, knowledgeable buyer will be able to spot it, and avoid it. I will continue to make the HEMI Wagon a part of my life, and continue taking it on grand adventures as often as I can. If my car could talk, it would now have 147,300 (and counting!) miles of things to say and stories to tell. I have every intention of doubling the mileage, and giving the car amazing stories to tell, if for nothing more than being able to tell the stories for it.

Don't you want your car to have amazing stories to tell?

DISCUSSION (41)

Nibbles > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 13:55

Wordswordswordswordswords

I read a lot of it but just came down here to say

I bought a used car with 282k on the clock. Got to 348k before I blew the [original] head gasket by forcing 26psi where only 14psi was supposed to go

Fuck miles

Mercedes Streeter > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 13:59

I find it quite staggering how far cars will go. In the US, we have tons of smart fortwos rolling around with well over 100,000 miles on them and still running strong. Just crossed 56k in my 2012 and intend on breaking the 100k barrier within the next year.

The diesels are amazing! Over 300k in a little city car?!?!?!

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 14:25

Mileage doesn't mean a whole lot to me. The lowest mileage vehicle I've ever owned is my current one, which is a 2000 Dodge Durango. I bought in February with 129k on it, it has 140k on it now. All other cars I've bought have had anywhere between 139k all the way up to 201k, most of them in the 150k-175k range. Wait, scratch that, my '92 Explorer had 33k on it, or 133k, or 233k, because it didn't have a 100,000 spot on it. But nonetheless, I've never owned a car with less than 100k miles on it, or even less than 125k miles. But, that doesn't bother me, because I'll drive my cars thousands upon thousands of miles, no matter what the odometer reads. As long as you keep up on maintenance, replace what needs replaced pre-failure, and don't let your vehicle get rusted to pieces, is there really a limit to how many miles you can put on it?

I don't think there is.

Tohru > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 14:34

I've rarely owned a vehicle with less than 100k miles. The highest I've gotten was 178k miles.

JGrabowMSt > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe
09/24/2014 at 14:42

My dad is always very suspicious. When talking to him about buying a car with nearly 30k more miles on it his car that I DD, he's floored that I'd even spend the time looking at such a "high mileage" car. He typically lets go of cars around 100k or so, sooner if possible.

I mention my friend's Corvette, with just over 200k on it, and he doesn't have anything to say. That's a show car as well, it gets detailed, stored under a cover when it isn't being used, and the motor gets steam cleaned fairly often. It's a great car, I think they trailered it down so it could turn 200k at the Corvettes at Carlisle event.

To me, well kept is well kept. Just like age is just a number, so is mileage. I wouldn't buy a car that's barely running or that rattles everywhere and looks like it's in disrepair (unless it were a barn find that I'm going to restore). There's common sense that pairs with buying a used car, and avoiding high mileage cars is such a waste. Nearly as bad as Cash for Clunkers. The cars that got destroyed by that will never come back. It really hurt both the used car market, and a great number of amazing collector cars .

Sally O'Broder > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 14:48

My solution to those damn timing belts? Timing chains!

That being said, this is part of why I miss my Geo Storm so much. No interference; no problem.

Also the only problem getting an old car, IMO, is dealing with things like maintenance that had never been done, or else maintenance that was done super wrong forever.

JGrabowMSt > Sally O'Broder
09/24/2014 at 14:55

And that's the whole point, honestly.

The major consumable parts have a service life that can be looked up. Sure, things can go sooner, but when looking at a used car, you have an idea, it's either been done, and shouldn't be a problem, or it hasn't been done, and it's a red flag. My issue with timing belts is that the belts never seem like they're high quality, and so many manufacturers have different lifespans. Hyundai is 60k miles, many Dodges are 105k (those are the two I know off the top of my head).

Timing chains aren't prefect, but like timing belts, they have a specific service life, and following that is the key to keeping the cars running well.

Well kept is well kept. Simple as that.

Sally O'Broder > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 14:57

True, but things like flushes usually escape the minds of those who would otherwise keep up with "consumable" maintenance.

I'm doing a radiator flush with a cleaner that I will be following with a backflush, and let me tell you the orange goop is not pretty.

JGrabowMSt > Sally O'Broder
09/24/2014 at 15:35

My girlfriend works at a take-out place and their delivery driver had a Liberty with a 3.6L Pentastar and a blown head gasket. His "mechanic" said that it was "supposed to be like that" and he just ignored it, never taking it for a second opinion. Now the car (with a new alternator and full set of 5 new tires (full sized spare) is rotting away in the parking lot because the radiator cracked and it overheats in a matter of minutes.

Second opinions are super important for cars, especially when the person really doesn't know any better.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 15:35

That is true. It really did some damage. But, for those that already had cars like that, I'm sure their value went right up. It makes me shed a tear though, for those irreplaceable automobiles. Such a shame.

Sally O'Broder > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 15:41

I had a variety of opinions on what was causing the Sniper's problems until I settled on flushing the radiator and replacing the thermostat (because hey, if it had never been flushed it was going to need a new thermostat).

I'd heard a range of opinions from head gasket to the crankcase itself. Funny, that.

Mathias Rios > JGrabowMSt
09/24/2014 at 22:04

Truer truths have never been truthed. I found my mom a Miata with 176k on it and it runs like a champ.

DarklordCaterpie > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 16:19

My family and I have 5 cars and none of them have less than 100,000 miles

1997 Ls400: 194,000

2007 Yaris: 189,000

1999.5 Pathfinder: 320,000

1967 Beetle: 150,000

1974 Bronco: 120,000

all original engine and transmission cars.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 18:06

Don't forget the rubber bits. Engine mounts, suspension bushes, gaskets, etc.

And shocks tends to go early if the roads in the area suck.

JGrabowMSt > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
09/25/2014 at 18:10

It was most definitely mentioned in there, absolutely.

Even in new cars, improperly aligned bushings and mounts will go bad in a fraction of what their service life would normally be.

wazmo > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 18:18

The 3.0L Vauxhall plant in the Cadillac Catera was notorious for its timing belt tensioner to go, trashing the engine real good.

JGrabowMSt > wazmo
09/25/2014 at 18:25

I'm not really familiar with that engine, but I'm going to hazard a guess that it was a hydraulic tensioner. Swapping something like that out to a mechanical one would fix that issue entirely.

RedPir8Roberts > Nibbles
09/25/2014 at 18:31

Words, words words...

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 19:25

Ah yeah, I missed that. Bushings are seriously annoying to replace, and some cars are just harder on various ones than others.

JGrabowMSt > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
09/25/2014 at 19:34

The simple fact that many require a press is something that ends up deterring many shops from replacing them based on time alone. Dropping the whole control arm and replacing it is still more expensive than spending the hour labor pressing bushings in or out. Same with replacing pulleys and bearings.

Im not sure if its a lack of experience, knowledge, or just not caring, but Ive had shops tell me its "cheaper" to replace the whole arm. All I hear ends up translating to, "its easier for me, and less work that youre still getting charged for." I know a very good mechanice that I take my little bushings and pulleys to because he will take the time to press them on correctly.

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 21:59

175,000 miles here!!

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > JGrabowMSt
09/25/2014 at 22:39

My 1st VW TDI was a '98 Jetta I bought new. I'd owned two Jettas before that but wanted the diesel, and back in '98 TDIs weren't selling that well because gas & diesel were both around $1.10 (the good old days..) Anyway, I kept that car for 11 years and sold it with 220k miles for $3400 running like new. Everything worked and the interior was original and clean. The only unscheduled maintenance was a bad 2nd gear synchro that went out at 150k miles. I kept every repair and parts receipt and handed the new owner a big folder. Moral of the story? I'm not scared to buy a car with high miles if it's been cared for and the seller kept all the receipts.

JGrabowMSt > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
09/25/2014 at 22:59

Exactly as it should be. Modern cars are extremely capable when cared for.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > JGrabowMSt
09/26/2014 at 00:01

Very well written and enjoyable, thanks for posting!

Chase > JGrabowMSt
09/26/2014 at 00:38

My Ranger - 197k
My Miata - 209k
Mom's Explorer - ~260k (haven't looked at it in a while)
Brother's Ranger - Bought at 155k

nope, no problems with high mileage here...

JGrabowMSt > Chase
09/26/2014 at 00:45

It's funny, with this now gaining a little traction and more replies, I haven't heard a single person try to argue against high mileage. I'm really waiting for that one...I do really want to know what's so scary reaching 100,000 miles.

The Neon I DD had more problems before 100k than it's had since it crossed over 100k. In fact, arguably, it runs way better now that the major 105k service has been done (timing belt/water pump/tensioner/serpentine belt), and with the PCV valve replaced, it doesn't burn oil anymore. That's not saying I'm now interested in keeping it any longer, but it's just another nail in the coffin for this long overdue viewpoint to be laid to rest for good.

agjios > Mercedes Streeter
09/26/2014 at 07:30

You find 100,000 a lot? My father bought a 1990 Chevrolet Blazer (the full-size, K-5 style one) and drove it until 2001 when it had 225,000 miles. He then bought a 2000 Yukon left-over on the lot and it's still driving around with 210,000 miles: my dad handed it off to a friend that uses it as a maintenance vehicle for managing a few rent homes.

If crappy old American trucks can go for 200,000+, what does it say about Mercedes when it's breathtaking that they go over 100K?

agjios > JGrabowMSt
09/26/2014 at 07:32

My own cars have never been purchased with a hair under 120,000 miles. 100,000 is an arbitrary number that is only prescribed value because we count in base 10.

With regards to the timing chain/belt, it should be something that you immediately do when buying a used car that is past the service period, unless you have proof that it was done. Buy the car, and it's off to a timing service (and water pump while you're in there). Then any head gasket or valve cover leak, if it has one, and you're off to the races.

agjios > Sally O'Broder
09/26/2014 at 07:33

Timing chains wear out and break too. I've seen it.

agjios > Sally O'Broder
09/26/2014 at 07:36

Except that on some cars, flushes are a serious no-no. With my 2 Hondas right now, for example, you are NOT to flush the coolant system, or the automatic transmission. Only drain and refill. There is a local woman who recently went through a lawsuit with a shop that flushed her transmission, causing issues.

Mercedes Streeter > agjios
09/26/2014 at 10:31

I find 100,000 miles to be a lot for a car that was designed for the inner city environment, rather than to be a highway warrior or workhorse. Furthermore, the engines used in these cars are the Mitsubishi 3B21, a really fragile engine that still has unknown long term reliability: Since these engines are used in city cars, many of them don't even reach 50k before the car itself gets replaced years later. Many second hand smarts are 5-6 years old with incredibly low mileage.

So the fact that a super fragile city car can surpass 100k doing things it wasn't built to do? Pretty impressive to me. :)

Caddyman > JGrabowMSt
09/26/2014 at 11:35

My wifes 'o6 Honda Pilot, only been to the dealer once for the timing belt/water pump service (good deal at $700), I maintained it since new. Just cracked 225k miles and still runs strong. Only major issue was it blew a spark plug out of the block at around 125k, probably my fault not tightening enough, I hella-coiled and it has held ever since.

Sally O'Broder > agjios
09/26/2014 at 14:48

The vehicle in question is a 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage S, and let me tell you that flush was entirely necessary. I just checked the CRV, and...it's fine.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > JGrabowMSt
09/27/2014 at 01:24

I own 4 old Toyotas with a combined mileage of over 1,000,000 miles. High mileage isn't a problem for vehicles that were actually built to last.

My mom owns a '94 Miata with over 270k

My dad owns an '01 MDX with over 250k (looks brand new, too)

I have a big family, so I'll end it by citing my sister-in-law's oddly immaculate Avalon that had 393k until my brother totaled it...

Be a savvy buyer and take care of your vehicles. That's all there is to it.

Jasons-Awesome-Display-Name > JGrabowMSt
10/04/2014 at 01:44

'03 Silverado 2500HD, 192,000 miles, 4200 engine hours, runs like a champ

yaqui > JGrabowMSt
10/06/2014 at 12:59

Hey guys,

Parent of a hi schooler here, I am looking for a dependable high mileage car, for under 4 grand. I picked up an 04 Passat with 150,000 on it. Service records galore for the older kid, and am thinking about a Volvo or Mercedes or BMW for the next. Any ideas?

For Sweden > yaqui
10/06/2014 at 15:27

Go here http://lifehacker.com/ask-an-expert-…

Cobra > JGrabowMSt
10/07/2014 at 11:51

Wow it seems everybody here bought their Mother a miata, what a girl car lol.

LosDiablos > JGrabowMSt
03/24/2015 at 17:26

When did the Liberty have a 3.6 Pentastar?

OneTyreFyer > JGrabowMSt
02/22/2018 at 09:36

Its scary when you’re looking at a older german luxury car, and don’t have your own toolset/garage/knowledge.

Repairs are fucking expensive when you can’t do them yourself. So it maintenance (necessary to avoid repairs).

JGrabowMSt > OneTyreFyer
02/22/2018 at 21:28

3 years into ownership of my R129 SL600 Sport, I can say sure, it’s not cheap, but it’s not nearly as expensive as people assume it to be.

I don’t have a garage, but an okay amount of tools for what I am comfortable doing on a car.

What’s scary is purchasing a car solely for the image, and then needing unforseen repairs that drain an already suffering wallet.