car

[novapsyche]

So I took my car in to get an oil change, as I was overdue.

While there, the technician gave me these recommendations for things that need attention:

Tie Rod Ends (both Left and Right inner): These are worn and will eventually give out. Recommended course of action: Remove and replace, then get four wheel alignment. Estimated cost of repair: $418.49.

Power Steering: Fluid leaking. Recommended course of action: Remove and replace steering gear. Estimated cost: $694.89.

Front Brakes: The front calipers are going fast. (I had my rear brakes replaced last year, so those appear to be doing fine.) Recommended course of action: Install complete front brake package. Estimated cost: $379.97.

Water Pump: It's leaking. Recommended course of action: Replacement (no brainer). Estimated cost: $399.99.

Exhaust: Says here there's a system failure. After telling the tech I'd had the catalytic converter replaced last year, he said I should take the car in to an exhaust specialist, as his business would need to replace the entire system. If I had everything replaced, the cost would be around $434.89.

It goes without saying that my car is not worth all of these repairs. I paid $1000 for my car.

The tech rated these recommendations, as obviously some cannot be ignored. The top items are the water pump and the brakes, with the tie rods coming in a close second.

And to think I was this close to getting a new(ish) car this summer.

At least I got the oil change.

Comments

[sophiaserpentia.livejournal.com]

Ugh, i wish i had a dollar for every time a mechanic has tried to run a snow job on me like that.

Is this a mechanic you know and trust? Ask your friends to recommend a mechanic.

If the water pump is leaking, that's one problem you can't ignore.

The tie rod ends... i'd get a second opinion. You don't want them snapping while you're driving, but i think that's kind of rare.

Brake calipers... have you noticed any problems with your brakes at all? Probably not.

Power steering and exhaust... i wouldn't lose much sleep over. If you really do have exhaust problems, they'll tell you at the next state inspection. Power steering fluid is easy enough to refill, it must be leaking very slowly indeed if you didn't notice any problems.

[bloodlikerain.livejournal.com]

a brake job and water pump should nt even come close to costing that much.

not even remotely close. most water pumps are 60 and brakes (depending on if you need pads are disks) MIGHT be about 100.


find a different mechanic. or call this one, tell him you priced parts, and if they're charging you 300$ for labor you're going somewhere else.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

The water pump itself is $80, the rest is labor. The brakes would be around $200 for parts, the rest labor.

[bloodlikerain.livejournal.com]

not ones of those jobs takes over an hour.

and i know, cause i've done them myself.