That’s the question I find myself asking.

I have a 1992 Honda Prelude SI- nice, I know- but, it isn’t in running condition. For starters, it’s been sitting in a garage for the past two years with all fluids still in the system. This is what I’ve done so far:

• Replace battery
• Replace positive cable terminal to battery
• Flush and fill coolant
• Changed the oil and oil filter
• Added a fuel system cleaner to the tank (1/2 full)

Here are additional things that I need, and want, to do.

Need

• Replace 1 stripped wheel stud in rear
• Replace 1 tire
• Replace alternator
• Replace AC system or compressor
• Check/Replace head gasket
• Replace exhaust system
• Replace fuel filter

Want

• Replace wheels
• Fix dented driver’s side door
• Find and install center console

For the stripped wheel stud, I know the procedure involved, but I’ve never done it before. And, I’ll be doing everything out of my garage. It’s probably the easiest item on the list of things to do, even when it includes taking off the brake calipers and drum cover.

Replace 1 tire… I take it back. This is the easiest thing to do. I just haven’t done it yet because… well, you saw Want item number 1. I’m still considering it.

The current alternator does not produce enough juice to charge my new battery. It actually drained it before I noticed the alternator wasn’t working. My problem, here, is trying to figure out if it is indeed the alternator or bad wiring.

For the AC system, I have no clue where to start. I honestly believe there is a leak somewhere, I just don’t know how to find it.

Replacing the head gasket after two years of the car just sitting seems like a good idea. This goes the same for the fuel filter, but I’m holding off on that until after I burn what’s left of the old fuel.

The exhaust system has to go. It is terrible. There has to be a leak somewhere because the exhaust fumes are overwhelming when the car is on and parked.

The Wants list is purely cosmetic. I’ll get by without them, but would like to eventually get to it down the line- if I decide to keep the car. I’ve got to figure out what the total cost will be to complete the Needs list. The value of the car, as it stands right now, is probably in the range of $800 – $1200. Blue Book value is $1600. I can get it up to that value, or more. I just need to handle the repairs, first.

But again, how much is that going to cost me? Would it be better to sell the car? Fix it and keep it? Or fix it and then sell it?