Car Troubles

[Atrail]

I have dropped almost $500 on my car the last 2 days. I went to get my oil changed and my inspection done at the dealer yesterday $60. I went by Sonic after that and my car would not start when I was ready to leave. So I called a friend and tow truck. When the tow truck got there I went to back the car to back it out and it started right up. I killed and started it a few times, parked and went to pay the tow guy for his time. When I got back in my car it wouldn't start. The tow guy gave me a jump and I went and got a new battery. Today after class I took the old battery back to get my core money. I asked him to test the alternator and sure enough. It is not pumping any juice. I end having to buy a alternator from the Honda dealer for $270 bucks. My mechanic installed it this afternoon for $90, the battery was $50, I put a new air and fuel filter in $20. I am glad I didn't get stranded or anything, could have been worse. Just puts a crunch on the Christmas budget. My mechanic also mentioned that my CV joints are going bad. It is $320 to replace both of them.

 

[isekii]

never go to dealer for your oil change ??

60 bucks ??

that's crazy~

I pay 15 bucks~

I've been going to the same mechanic for over 5 years~

just find a reputable one..

also it's good to get to know your mechanic as well~ gives you good advice.. doesn't screw you over etc..~~

 

[BatmanNate]

You can usually get an alternator from the wrecking yard for $25 or so. It's incredibly easy to put in with most vehicles as well. Like 2 bolts, a plug, and a belt. Oil is easy and cheap to do yourself also if you have a good place to do it.

 

[NutBucket]

$320 for CV joint? Damn, what a rip. At that price it sounds like the dealer is replacing them, not rebuilding them. That takes maybe 30 minutes tops for each side and can be done with a few sockets and a ball-joint puller. Find yourself a more reasonable mechanic.

 

[evilroot]

This is why my father taught me how to work on cars when I was a kid . . . . . . so I would be able to do work like that on my own.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
$320 for CV joint? Damn, what a rip. At that price it sounds like the dealer is replacing them, not rebuilding them. That takes maybe 30 minutes tops for each side and can be done with a few sockets and a ball-joint puller. Find yourself a more reasonable mechanic.

That's $320 for the pair. Not too outlandish. The parts are probably $200 or so themselves.

amish

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

One of the many reasons why I buy a new car every 4-5 years.

 

[Atrail]

The oil change is $20, inspection is $40 in Texas.
The mechanic is great, he does everything just like the dealer and is below dealer costs.
This a 1997 Honda Civic BTW. 120K

I don't believe in new cars. Not that I could afford one anyway...
The only repairs I have done to the car are the timing belt, brakes, and a vavle adjustment. Great car overall.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

This a 1997 Honda Civic BTW. 120K

Run it to 250K then sell it for $3000.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Atrail
The oil change is $20, inspection is $40 in Texas.
The mechanic is great, he does everything just like the dealer and is below dealer costs.
This a 1997 Honda Civic BTW. 120K

inspection .. as in the stickers and such ..

or him just checking fluids ? tire pressure ... etc... ? ?

 

[Atrail]

Inspection required by law to drive my car in Tarrant County...

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Electric Amish

Originally posted by: NutBucket
$320 for CV joint? Damn, what a rip. At that price it sounds like the dealer is replacing them, not rebuilding them. That takes maybe 30 minutes tops for each side and can be done with a few sockets and a ball-joint puller. Find yourself a more reasonable mechanic.

That's $320 for the pair. Not too outlandish. The parts are probably $200 or so themselves.

amish

That's true, but $120 labor? Standard dealer labor charge is $80 an hour. I guess its not too hard to believe the book calls for 1.5 hours of labor.

 

[woodie1]

Maybe you will be lucky and these repairs will tide you over for the next year.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: isekii
never go to dealer for your oil change ??

60 bucks ??

that's crazy~

I pay 15 bucks~

I've been going to the same mechanic for over 5 years~

just find a reputable one..

also it's good to get to know your mechanic as well~ gives you good advice.. doesn't screw you over etc..~~

dealers rip you off, duh

i pay 15 for an oil change, and like 9 for an inspection, tho here theres a 10 dollar fee added to inspections if you have tinted windows...*sigh*

luckily i know a real good mechanic, fair guy, not a bullshitter
oh, and salvage yards are always a consideration....last time i had an alternator problem i took it to a *gasp* starter/generator shop, rebuilt the thing for 70 bucks, double that for a new one, screw dealers....take a step back and realize what parts cost new, its ridiculous if you can find a decent used part, hell, most headlights are 100 bucks in a cheap old car...thats new, some are 200+, its nuts for a plastic molded case with a hole in it for alight bulb, gah, screw dealers

 

[db]

It's a shame what people have to pay who don't work on their own cars...
There's always some wank willing to take advantage

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
$320 for CV joint? Damn, what a rip. At that price it sounds like the dealer is replacing them, not rebuilding them. That takes maybe 30 minutes tops for each side and can be done with a few sockets and a ball-joint puller. Find yourself a more reasonable mechanic.

You don't 'rebuild' CV joints....when they're worn out, that's it, time to replace. The only repairs that can be done are replacing torn boots, cleaning out the dirt and old grease, and repacking.

If it's $320 to replace 2 torn boots, you're getting hosed. If the joints are actually bad, then it's OK. Those joints don't usually go bad, however, unless the boots have been torn for a long time, and all the grease has gone away. Why did he say they needed to be replaced?

JC

 

[Atrail]

I think he said on was cracked and the other really worn.
He didn't press it on me like it needed to be fixed immediately, just kinda matter of fact...
I have another Honda shop I can call and get a qoute from.
It won't be getting fixed till well after Christmas.
They are not making any noise, so it cant be too bad.