Re: I'm in some trouble

[Jim Buck <vwpride@mixi.net>]

Rich Deede----TOOL FAN wrote:
> 
> Hey everyone,  I just got my car back from my mechanic and I am now
> officially bummed out over what he told me.  I was expecting myabe $500
> dollars to get my car running close to perfect but what he told completely
> killed me.  He said for starters it is going to cost between $1000-1500
> dollars to get my car in proper order. 


> He said I need new tie rods, 

Why?  Are they Bent?  Worn out ends?

lower control arms

Was the car in a wreck?  It takes a hell of a lot of impact to trash
just 1 control arm.  Are they bent or cracked?  What's the matter with
them?  They have no moving parts.

> and cv boot.  

OK, I can buy that.  The car is older and that happens.  You can
visually verify a ripped CV boot yourself.

>He also said that whoever owned the car before me, ripped some hoses out and just never replaced them. 

What hoses?  What does that affect?  What did they go to?

>He also said that my alternator that I just had put in wasn't installed properly, 

So?  Does it work properly?  Are the belts aligned?  What does he mean
exactly?  Have him show you, then do it yourself.

>and I have a leak in my muffler, 

Is it really loud?  If you're on a tight budget, get one off a wrecked
car.  

>and I'll need a new timimg belt very soon. 

You need that timing belt changed NOW.

The mechanic said he can't understand how the dealer that I bought it
form was allowed to sell this car that would absolutely not pass PA
state inspection.  I don't know if I should sell it or try and repair
everything.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here's my suggestions:

1. Buy the Bentley manual for your car.  $40
2. Verify what parts you actually need.  timing belt AND tensioner,
hoses, cv boot, tie rods, etc.
3. Order them from Adirondack, Potterman, ND, etc. to get the best
price.  (trust me, they will be WAY under dealer price)
4. Determine what repairs you can make yourself and DO them, like
replace hoses, etc.
5. Have your muffler welded on at a mom & pop muffler shop $20.
6. Have the timing belt (and tensioner) replaced.  If your "bosch
certified" mechanic doesn't bring up replacing the tensioner (the reason
most timing belts fail), it's a good time to find another mechanic.    


I could see you doing all this for around $500 if you're resourceful.  I
know you want to get in that car and GO!  But if you possibly can, take
the time to learn, find deals, and before you know it, your 'rocco will
be roccin.

-- 
Jim Buck,
ES #99
1997 Solo II Points Champion,
E-Stock Champion,
Fort Wayne Region, SCCA 
1987 Scirocco 16 valve
1982 Rabbit Convertible
1996 Jetta GLS
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