Ugh.

[darcydodo]

So, I'm missing German, because the car repair place called as I was getting ready to leave, and by the time I was done talking to them, I decided I'd missed too much German already. But... over $2000. That's what the car's going to cost. Labor ain't cheap, but neither are the parts, some of which it apparently REALLY needs. So the parents (who obligingly said they'd pay if it wasn't too much) are going to discuss this evening whether or not it's worth the $2000. It's either that, or they're going to decide maybe I should just get a new car. But I don't want a new car. I want my lovely Volvo that I've had ever since I was learning how to drive. You know what would be really sad, though? If my parents do pay, and it's all happy, and I take it to get its smog check, and it doesn't pass. But hopefully all the various things they're cleaning up or replacing as well (like the spark plugs and the throttle) will make it less smog-some. Then again, too, it doesn't need to go to an "official smog check" place this time 'round. And the others are notoriously lazy.

ETA: Update — my parents said I should ask the guy if he thinks it's worth repairing the car, instead of buying a new one. If he says yes, they'll pay for it. I love my parents. I hope he says yes.

Comments

[fengshui.livejournal.com]

What's wrong with it? And what sort of repair place is it? For that kind of money, it's worth getting a second opinion from another shop, even if you have to get it towed to the second shop.

Also, you can often save big bucks on parts by ordering online.

[darcydodo]

What isn't wrong with it, may be more accurate. ;)

OK, so apparently the really dangerous and big problem is that the rack and pinion, which is the connection between the front wheels, is leaking, and a new one costs $550 all on its own. The guy said that for volvos, there's no point getting a used one, because apparently the problem will start again almost immediately if you do. I wasn't sure if it's because the only reason you'd get rid of one is that it was leaking, or some other reason, but whatever. Anyway, because of that, need a new power steering pump too, and a used one (which he said he'd try and find) is $250. He needs to replace the brake master cylinder and the bushings around the steering pump and the spark plugs, and he needs to clean the throttle body, and various other things. Also, the battery (only 4V) is apparently really weak and will soon be dead, in an I'm-never-coming-to-life-again sort of way, rather than a you-need-to-recharge-me sort of way.

I'm inclined to trust him because each of the things he said actually specifically addresses one of the problems I'd reported with the car. The place is a volvo specialist near my house.

But my parents are pretty savvy, anyway, or at least my mom is, so we'll see what they think.

(Oh, my poor car. I'll miss the dragon on the steering wheel if I have to scrap it.)

[fengshui.livejournal.com]

Suck. The "you have to get a new one as a used on won't work" seems suspicious, but he is going to try and find a used power steering pump, which make him seem more reliable. Anyways, your mom is pretty saavy, so I'm sure she'll make the right decision.

As a note, if you are going to get it fixed, tell the mechanic that it needs a smog check and they can make sure it will pass the smog check at the same time as they do the big repairs.