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I have to get rid of my Festiva. 
It's getting unsafe to drive. Mechanically, the car's fine. But the body's shot. I don't have time or the desire to deal with these issues down the road.
The area where the engine crossmember bolts to the body, right below the radiator, is rusted out. I was under the car changing the oil, and heard a sort of creaking, but thought it was the car settling or something. Then it happened - there was a sort of "snap" and the crossmember broke loose, dropping the engine a few inches onto the swaybar. I got the fright of my life - I thought I was going to die at that moment.
I can still drive the car, but I'm going to have to get a plate welded across the rusted beam so the crossmember can be attached.
Once this is done, I'm getting rid of the car.
But what then?
I want another Festiva, preferably in better shape and with a 5th gear. However, these things are so hard to find in good cosmetic and mechanical shape. My last 2 had major engine problems, and I need something that runs and needs only minor work.
My other option, which my parents are pushing for, is to get something new, like a Ford Focus. It's tempting, but I don't want to put myself or my parents in debt - I'm in college, and my brother just got his licence.
I don't know what to do. This totally caught me off guard.
Anyone got some advice for me?
Regards,
Tim
It's getting unsafe to drive. Mechanically, the car's fine. But the body's shot. I don't have time or the desire to deal with these issues down the road.
The area where the engine crossmember bolts to the body, right below the radiator, is rusted out. I was under the car changing the oil, and heard a sort of creaking, but thought it was the car settling or something. Then it happened - there was a sort of "snap" and the crossmember broke loose, dropping the engine a few inches onto the swaybar. I got the fright of my life - I thought I was going to die at that moment.
I can still drive the car, but I'm going to have to get a plate welded across the rusted beam so the crossmember can be attached.
Once this is done, I'm getting rid of the car.
But what then?
I want another Festiva, preferably in better shape and with a 5th gear. However, these things are so hard to find in good cosmetic and mechanical shape. My last 2 had major engine problems, and I need something that runs and needs only minor work.
My other option, which my parents are pushing for, is to get something new, like a Ford Focus. It's tempting, but I don't want to put myself or my parents in debt - I'm in college, and my brother just got his licence.
I don't know what to do. This totally caught me off guard.
Anyone got some advice for me?
Regards,
Tim
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