Just say ‘no’ to Pinto!

Q: Greg, I have a Ford Pinto hatchback, four-cylinder, stick shift with no air and 85,000 miles on it. It has the original paint, a few dings here and there, and it needs a dashboard, as it is cracked. It also needs a driver seat, carpet and a new radio. Should I invest $1,000 to $1,500 and fix it, or should I sell it as is? — Tom K., New Port Richey, Fla.

A: Tom, you didn’t mention the year, but don’t spend one dollar on this car, as it’s not worth it and could result in you losing money! Specifically, the Ford Pinto (any year) is not a car collector favorite by any means. Put an ad in the paper and unload it for whatever you can get. I doubt the repairs you mentioned, with labor, would cost as little as $1,000 to $1,500 anyway, as something would “show up” to cost you more.