Repair Car or Not Advice Needed (1 Viewer)

[James Daulton]

Water pump and timing belt replaced and the car is running like a top again.  Thanks to all those who suggested getting it fixed.  Semi-crisis averted until the wife, son, or daughter does something else stupid with their cars or life in general.   

 

[eoMMan]

Water pump and timing belt replaced and the car is running like a top again.  Thanks to all those who suggested getting it fixed.  Semi-crisis averted until the wife, son, or daughter does something else stupid with their cars or life in general.   

I think that was a mistake. It won't be long until it needs additional repairs.

Keep an eye for a good deal on newer, used car as a replacement.

 

[James Daulton]

I think that was a mistake. It won't be long until it needs additional repairs.

Keep an eye for a good deal on newer, used car as a replacement.

Way to rain on my parade bro.  

 

[SacramentoBob]

Another win for the FFA.  You have to buy us all cars now as a thank you.

 

[James Daulton]

Another win for the FFA.  You have to buy us all cars now as a thank you.

Hmmm...I started this thread to avoid buying another car...

 

[Foosball God]

Water pump and timing belt replaced and the car is running like a top again.  Thanks to all those who suggested getting it fixed.  Semi-crisis averted until the wife, son, or daughter does something else stupid with their cars or life in general.   

Glad it is working out.

 

[cstu]

I think that was a mistake. It won't be long until it needs additional repairs.

Keep an eye for a good deal on newer, used car as a replacement.

It was $750 - if he gets another year out of it he's coming out ahead. 

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

repair.  

edit:  if it was your car?  I'd say maybe scrap it.    It's a kid at college.    with he ####box I pushed around in college, a not-ancient Toyota with 200k would have been like hitting the lotto.    having a dodgy car builds character and lets him appreciate the nicer #### he buys in his own later.   

 

[Dickies]

I think that was a mistake. It won't be long until it needs additional repairs.

Keep an eye for a good deal on newer, used car as a replacement.

All cars need repairs eventually and regular maintenance.  If he is on top of the maintenance and just needs a repair here and there it will be cheaper than a car payment.  That's how I look at it.

 

[top dog]

Wait... You REALLY fixed it over scrapping it??  Just kidding.  Glad it worked out.

 

[James Daulton]

Wait... You REALLY fixed it over scrapping it??  Just kidding.  Glad it worked out.

Now you have me rethinking my decision.  

 

[top dog]

Now you have me rethinking my decision.  

If it makes you feel better, I had voted you fix it.  Unless it didn't work out.  Then I would have pivoted my advice.

 

[squidrope]

       Dealership just informed that my 2005 bmw x5 w 250k miles needs $5k work to pass inspection.  The car is going to be my daughters in the spring when she gets her drivers license, so I want to keep it.  Did some digging and found non "genuine bmw" parts made by the same company that makes the "genuine bmw" parts.  Total cost for the parts is $515.08  I should have the parts replaced this weekend.  Will update with hours spent.  I'm estimating about 10-15 hours. 

   None of this stuff is rocket science.  Youtube probably has video of most car repairs.  Pick up a few tools and save $$$ 

 

[cstu]

repair.  

edit:  if it was your car?  I'd say maybe scrap it.    It's a kid at college.    with he ####box I pushed around in college, a not-ancient Toyota with 200k would have been like hitting the lotto.    having a dodgy car builds character and lets him appreciate the nicer #### he buys in his own later.   

Agree 100%. 

 

[cstu]

eoMMan does have a point though - it may be better to sell the car right now when everything is running well. 

I quickly perused the eBay listings and you should be able to get $4k for it.

 

[Joe Summer]

Dealership just informed that my 2005 bmw x5 w 250k miles needs $5k work to pass inspection.

Sell it in a state that doesn't require inspections.

 

[squidrope]

       Dealership just informed that my 2005 bmw x5 w 250k miles needs $5k work to pass inspection.  The car is going to be my daughters in the spring when she gets her drivers license, so I want to keep it.  Did some digging and found non "genuine bmw" parts made by the same company that makes the "genuine bmw" parts.  Total cost for the parts is $515.08  I should have the parts replaced this weekend.  Will update with hours spent.  I'm estimating about 10-15 hours. 

   None of this stuff is rocket science.  Youtube probably has video of most car repairs.  Pick up a few tools and save $$$ 

12 hours working on car plus maybe 2 hours sourcing parts.  14 hours saved me $4,500-

May favorite fix was replacing the washer fluid pump.  Dealership wanted $185-  Replaced it in 5 minutes.  Part cost $19.99

 

[VA703]

looks like the right place to post this

04 Subaru impreza 170k miles. Car runs great other than some white smoke and a minor leak.

Smoke recently got bad so I took it in to check.

Shop said power steering pump leak and leak in the rack pinion. Quoted $1500 to fix

Youtube'd DIY videos and the pump looks easy but the pinion requires too many tools.

I have no issues with steering so im thinking the pinion really isn't all that bad. Any mechanics on board that can comment on the rack pinion part? thinking the shop is trying to sell me something I don't need

 

[DocHolliday]

Water pump and timing belt replaced and the car is running like a top again.  Thanks to all those who suggested getting it fixed.  Semi-crisis averted until the wife, son, or daughter does something else stupid with their cars or life in general.   

Glad it worked out for you. 

 

[ragincajun]

looks like the right place to post this

04 Subaru impreza 170k miles. Car runs great other than some white smoke and a minor leak.

Smoke recently got bad so I took it in to check.

Shop said power steering pump leak and leak in the rack pinion. Quoted $1500 to fix

Youtube'd DIY videos and the pump looks easy but the pinion requires too many tools.

I have no issues with steering so im thinking the pinion really isn't all that bad. Any mechanics on board that can comment on the rack pinion part? thinking the shop is trying to sell me something I don't need

I have never swapped out a RP but some do develop leaks.  What kind of tools is it asking for?  Some parts stores loan tools for free.

 

[VA703]

I have never swapped out a RP but some do develop leaks.  What kind of tools is it asking for?  Some parts stores loan tools for free.

its under the engine so need a lift etc. at least the pump looks like something I can do in a hour. the RP looks like it may take 4+ hours. if the RP was failing im guessing id notice steering issues right.

 

[ragincajun]

I would think so but I am not a steering expert.  Is it making any noises?

My best advice is find a good Subaru forum and ask there.  I do the same with my CRV.

 

[ragincajun]

This looks like an active one.

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/

 

[ragincajun]

I will be adjusting the valves in my engine this weekend, along with an oil change, plugs, air filter.

Changed the struts 3 weeks ago.

2005 CRV with 138k miles

 

[VA703]

I would think so but I am not a steering expert.  Is it making any noises?

My best advice is find a good Subaru forum and ask there.  I do the same with my CRV.

no noises or anything. car feels like the day I got it. hoping to go 250k +

 

[squidrope]

looks like the right place to post this

04 Subaru impreza 170k miles. Car runs great other than some white smoke and a minor leak.

Smoke recently got bad so I took it in to check.

Shop said power steering pump leak and leak in the rack pinion. Quoted $1500 to fix

Youtube'd DIY videos and the pump looks easy but the pinion requires too many tools.

I have no issues with steering so im thinking the pinion really isn't all that bad. Any mechanics on board that can comment on the rack pinion part? thinking the shop is trying to sell me something I don't need

I'd inspect the pump and look for signs of leaking.  If you see a leak replace the pump yourself.  Then watch PS fluid level to see if PS rack is leaking as well. 

Curious about the white smoke you're seeing.  Where is it coming from, and when do you see it (ex-when car first starts, or after driving a bit)?

White smoke from the exhaust is usually water vapor.  It's normal to see that when the car first starts.  But if it's smoking all the time you probably have a blown head gasket.   Check your coolant level.   Get that fixed ASAP or you'll have a blown/overheated motor.

 

[cstu]

looks like the right place to post this

04 Subaru impreza 170k miles. Car runs great other than some white smoke and a minor leak.

Smoke recently got bad so I took it in to check.

Shop said power steering pump leak and leak in the rack pinion. Quoted $1500 to fix

Youtube'd DIY videos and the pump looks easy but the pinion requires too many tools.

I have no issues with steering so im thinking the pinion really isn't all that bad. Any mechanics on board that can comment on the rack pinion part? thinking the shop is trying to sell me something I don't need

The smoke sounds like the power steering pump.

If your rack and pinion is leaking it means it's failing but you don't necessarily have to do it now if it's driving fine.  At some point you'll have to do it though.

 

[NutterButter]

I have had a lot of teeth problems so finding a good dentist ranks highest with me, but finding a good mechanic is a very close second.  

 

[Kanil]

Son away at college drives a 2005 Highlander with 260k miles on it.

Email from son:  Driving home and noticed the check oil light and VSC light were both on. I was a little over halfway back to campus when I noticed this, so probably about 10ish minutes and 7ish miles of driving. I had no other issues or concerns until I pulled back into the driveway of the house, at which point the car started smoking a little. We checked under the hood and thought that oil was leaking.

Now the local mechanic tells him the Water Pump sheered off and it will cost $750 to install a new one.  The huge kicker is that there's potential engine damage from water pump parts and he won't know if or the extent until the new pump goes on so I'd be in for $750 and looking at a lot more potentially.

Now, normally I'd say no dice and just scrap the car; however, we've had the car for a long time and everything else on the car works great and is in great condition.  Would getting a rebuilt engine be a possibility?  I know that'd cost a couple of grand, but so will any other car he buys.  And at least we know and like this one.

Thoughts?

Make your dad fix it in trade for that new computer.  Surely he's a man and can fix a car.

 

[belljr]

Here's hoping your rack and pinion doesn't go while you're driving

 

[VA703]

I'd inspect the pump and look for signs of leaking.  If you see a leak replace the pump yourself.  Then watch PS fluid level to see if PS rack is leaking as well. 

Curious about the white smoke you're seeing.  Where is it coming from, and when do you see it (ex-when car first starts, or after driving a bit)?

White smoke from the exhaust is usually water vapor.  It's normal to see that when the car first starts.  But if it's smoking all the time you probably have a blown head gasket.   Check your coolant level.   Get that fixed ASAP or you'll have a blown/overheated motor.

this is why I took it to the shop to make sure it wasn't the gasket

the coolant is topped off. the white smoke is coming from somewhere under the coolant reservoir I can see theres residue from something leaking. usually smokes after 30-45 minutes of driving. since I got the car back it hasn't smoked so im guessing there was just a buildup of residue that's why it was smoking hard

 

[squidrope]

Might want to see if reservoir or res lines are where the leak is.