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More car troubles...
Sep. 25th, 2009 10:02 pmIt seems the minivan has entered it's death spiral. A few days after I got it back from the repair shop with the new alternator, I hear the unpleasant and unmistakeable sound of rotating parts grinding against no longer slippery bearings. Drat. So I drop it at my usual mechanic to take a look at it.
Nope, the alternator is fine. The water pump on the other hand.. Nu-uh. And the timing belt is looking pretty worn out, and the tensioner pully for the timing belt AND the serpentine belt are also making funny noises and ought to be replaced. Estimate is $900 or more for that.
Also, the front brakes need serious work, tires are getting a little iffy for the upcoming winter. Engine mounts hae some serious rust in them, and there is some underbody rust that has penetrated into interior parts of the unibody structure.
Damn.
So I had my mechanic button the car back up and I'm now in search of a replacement vehicle. *sighs*
Anyone in the Boston area who has, or knows of, a halfway decent quality car I can get for under a grand that will still run and pass inspection? Preference is for a hatchback econobox car of some kind. I got a longish commute so good gas milage is important. Honda civic or the like. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it runs.
I'm also checking with my bank to find out what kind of auto loan I could get. Toyota dealers are still advertising clearance specials on 2009 models. So I'm off to one of them tomorrow. Instead of my other plans for the weekend.
Nope, the alternator is fine. The water pump on the other hand.. Nu-uh. And the timing belt is looking pretty worn out, and the tensioner pully for the timing belt AND the serpentine belt are also making funny noises and ought to be replaced. Estimate is $900 or more for that.
Also, the front brakes need serious work, tires are getting a little iffy for the upcoming winter. Engine mounts hae some serious rust in them, and there is some underbody rust that has penetrated into interior parts of the unibody structure.
Damn.
So I had my mechanic button the car back up and I'm now in search of a replacement vehicle. *sighs*
Anyone in the Boston area who has, or knows of, a halfway decent quality car I can get for under a grand that will still run and pass inspection? Preference is for a hatchback econobox car of some kind. I got a longish commute so good gas milage is important. Honda civic or the like. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it runs.
I'm also checking with my bank to find out what kind of auto loan I could get. Toyota dealers are still advertising clearance specials on 2009 models. So I'm off to one of them tomorrow. Instead of my other plans for the weekend.
