Car Experts: These 6 Repairs Turn 'Cheap Cars' Into Money Pits
Not all cheap cars are actually affordable. While some buyers focus heavily on the sticker price, some lower-priced vehicles may have hidden repair issues that can wipe out any up-front savings.
According to car experts, here are some repairs that can turn “budget-friendly” cars into money pits.
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1. Alignment Repairs
If the vehicle was involved in an accident, it’s a good idea to take your car in for an alignment, explained Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. However, if it goes out of alignment frequently, it could be a sign that there’s a bigger problem with the frame.
“That means your tires are likely to wear unevenly and have to be replaced more often. Your brakes may wear unevenly. Your tie rods and ball joints may need to be repaired more frequently,” Musson wrote in an email.
2. Infotainment System Replacement
Most newer models, even affordable ones, come with infotainment systems. According to Daniel Gigante, brand manager at Cuescreens, a touch screen replacement company, these systems are notorious for failing.
“Dealerships will quote you $1,500–$2,500+ to replace them because they're going through OEM parts and labor,” Gigante explained. But that’s not all. “There's the initial $2,000 hit, which no one likes, but the dealer often replaces the touchscreen with the flawed OEM design that led to screen failure to begin with.”
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3. Topping Off Transmission Fluid
If you frequently need to top off your transmission fluid, it could be a sign of a larger problem. According to Musson, this doesn’t fix the problem. It only keeps your car operational as it worsens.
“If there’s a leak in your transmission fluid line, your transmission may not get the fluid it needs to run properly, even if you’re topping it off. Rebuilding your transmission will cost thousands of dollars and may be more expensive than your car's value,” she explained.
This can cost as much as $6,400, Repair Pal reported. This doesn’t account for taxes, fees or your location. Additional repairs may also be needed.
4. Timing Belt
A vehicle’s timing belt is responsible for keeping the mechanical timing of the engine by making sure that the fuel and exhaust valves open at the right time.
“It's relatively inexpensive to repair, $300-$700 depending on the shop and model of the car,” explained Steven Lazaroff, founder of Compare Mechanic, an auto repair comparison platform serving drivers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
If it’s not fixed, Lazaroff explained that it could snap and potentially destroy the vehicle’s valves, pistons and cylinder heads.
“Your repair bill jumps to $3,000-$6,000 or more. If you don't know the service history, you don't know the risk,” Lazaroff said.
5. Sub-Frame Rust
It depends on where you live, but always check for sub-frame rust before buying an affordable used car.
“I live in Montreal, and like most parts of the Northeastern coast, we use a lot of salt on the roads to melt ice and snow,” Lazaroff explained. “If the buyer isn't careful and doesn't inspect a car for sub-frame rust, the car could be a rust bucket and the buyer doesn't even know it.”
6. Fuel Injector Replacement
Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the engine. If one needs a replacement, it could cost around $500, according to Musson.
“Unfortunately, if one needs to be replaced, the rest of them may be on the verge of going bad, too. That could cost as much as $3,000,” she said.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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