In January, I bought a 2008 Focus with 162k miles for $1,200. It was in a wreck before, so the front bumper is gone. But the engine is strong, and I replaced the battery and starter. It’s my first car and has gotten me through tough drives in bad weather.
The mechanic replacing the starter noticed damaged flywheels and said they’d need replacing. It’ll cost just under $1,000. That’s more than I thought I’d spend on this car.
I’m torn between fixing it or getting a different car. Could the repair keep the car going another year? What would you do?
Even in great shape, a 2008 Focus isn’t worth more than $4k. But fixing it for under $1k could make sense. If it lasts another year, that’s less than $100 per month. I let my 2008 go because it was rusted and needed $1,500 in repairs, plus $500 for tires. It was time for something new. But if it’s just the flywheel and the car is solid, I’d fix it.
Did they finish installing the starter? Does the car run now?
If the flywheel is only slightly damaged (like missing teeth from the old starter), you might just drive it until it won’t start anymore. Could last weeks, months, or years. When it becomes an issue, then decide if it’s worth fixing.
@Milo
That makes sense now. When a starter is bad or loose, it can chip the flywheel. Back in the day, people would keep driving chipped flywheels until the damage caused starting issues. It might not get worse, but a broken flywheel could ruin your new starter eventually. If it starts and drives fine now, you could just wait until it becomes a real issue. Keep a tow truck’s number handy just in case. If it starts failing, then decide if you want to fix it.
@Milo
My car had similar damage when I got it. Three teeth were chipped, but I replaced the starter, and it’s been fine for over 10,000 miles. If it still starts, you might be okay for now.
Cale said: @Milo
My car had similar damage when I got it. Three teeth were chipped, but I replaced the starter, and it’s been fine for over 10,000 miles. If it still starts, you might be okay for now.
That’s my thinking, too. If the damage isn’t too bad, you could replace the starter and keep driving. If the flywheel fails later, you can always fix it then. For now, it’s a gamble, but it might save you some money.
@Fin
Exactly. I had a few chipped teeth, but after replacing the starter, the car runs perfectly. Sometimes, it’s better to wait and see if it actually becomes a problem.
Cale said: @Fin
Exactly. I had a few chipped teeth, but after replacing the starter, the car runs perfectly. Sometimes, it’s better to wait and see if it actually becomes a problem.
Right. I’ve seen flywheels with worn teeth that still worked fine for years. If it starts and runs without weird noises, you can probably keep driving it until something changes.
If the flywheel isn’t causing immediate problems, you have time to think. Check other repair options and look around for cars.
I considered replacing my beater but ended up sticking with it. I’ve spent $2k on repairs but expect another 2 years out of it. Focuses are reliable and easy to work on. Taxes and insurance are cheap, and they’re not theft targets. With maintenance, they can last a long time.
@Teo
Exactly. For older cars, learning basic maintenance with YouTube and some tools saves a ton of money. Paying mechanics for everything makes it expensive fast.
Quick question: is this about the flywheel that connects to the starter? And is it just worn teeth or something more serious?
If it starts and runs fine now, I’d just keep driving and save for a new car. Worst case, it breaks and leaves you stranded, but that’s when you tow it and either fix it or sell it as is. If you’re worried, maybe get a second opinion or a cheaper repair estimate. But unless it’s causing issues now, you don’t need to rush into anything.
Older cars with high miles can always need repairs, so decide if you want to keep maintaining it or start looking for something more reliable. Either way works—just depends on your budget and how much you rely on the car.