Dear Tom and Ray:

Is it ever acceptable to drive a car until it breaks down and then decide whether or not to repair it? I own an '83 Ford Escort which needs about $1,200 in repairs on the engine and transmission. I have been told to just drive it until it dies, and then decide whether it is feasible or desirable to fix it. My husband agrees with this advice, although I think his judgement is somewhat colored by the fact that this is my car, and he doesn't have to drive it. I feel very uncomfortable driving this car. My husband and I have agreed to abide by your arbitration. What do you say? Liela

Tom: We side with your husband, Liela. This car SHOULD be driven until it dies.

Ray: However, it ought to be driven until then by your husband, since he thinks this is such a marvelous idea.

Tom: Yeah. Tell him when the Escort dies, THEN you'll give him back his Acura Legend. I'll think you'll see him reconsider his position very quickly.

How can you tell if a used car is in good condition -- or even OK, for that matter? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know." Send $3 and a stamped (55 cents), self-addressed, No. 10 envelope to Used Car, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

© 1994 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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