I have a 2007 Odyssey that needs probably $6000+ in repairs.
It's fully driveable, but immediately needs two new tires, new fuel pump (leaking), front brakes and a front bumper replaced.
That's estimated at about $1600 + whatever the bumper replacement would be.
And in the near future will need a PS pump (?$) and AC compressor ($18-2500) - both leaking.
Add to that a scratched up windshield , a non-opening sliding door, and some minor dents.
It has 150k miles on it.
A new-used car is not exactly in the budget at the moment, but I don't want to dump a few grand into it and still have a POS that needs to be replaced in a year or two anyway.
KBB says the trade-in value in Fair (lowest) condition is $1200-2400.
My options are to:
1) put about $3k into it now to get it safe - expecting another ~3k in needed repairs in the next year or so.
2) trade it in (assuming some dealership would take it as a trade-in)
3) sell it to an auto salvage
I assume that IF a dealership took it for trade-in - they'd likely sell it for salvage themselves.
Which got me thinking I'd like to understand what the salvage value would even be.
How do I go about determining that? I mean obvious answer is just to call some places to see, but thought I'd check in if anybody had any experience or other advice..