Remember when we actually fixed things instead of replacing them?

My dad had this old push mower from 1987 that he kept running for 25 years. He'd rebuild the carburetor every 2 seasons and sharpen the blade by hand with a file. I watched a YouTube video last week on repairing a modern electric mower and the guy just said 'buy a new one for $150 instead.' That mindset is why we're drowning in e-waste and plastic. My dad's mower is still in his garage right now starting on the first pull. How do you all decide when something is truly broken beyond repair?

3 comments

3 Comments

felix14723d ago

Spend more time fixing it than it's worth and call it a hobby.

violatorres23d ago

Whoa hold on, $8,000 in parts on a Miata? That is honestly wild. I mean, I get having a project car, but at some point you could have just bought a running one for that kind of money. For real, you could probably find a clean, decent Miata for around that price and just drive it home. I have to wonder what kind of parts you're buying. Are you replacing the whole engine three times or something? That math does not add up for me.

the_zara23d ago

My 1990 Miata has cost me $8,000 in parts over two years and it still doesn't run right. At some point you gotta admit you're just a mechanic who can't afford a therapist. That's fine, my car's still worth more than my peace of mind.