Jimmy
I'm not really good with cars. I can't quite figure out why there are so many complicated parts to a machine that seems to do very little, or rather, is used minimalistically by the majority of drivers. I pride myself on being able to check my oil properly, inflate my tires, and even get to the point of taking my tires off but don't ask me to change or rotate them because I'd probably fuck it up.
Anyhoo, I took Jimmy (car) to the mechanic yesterday. Really nice guy, not a female-advantage-taker like many other male mechanics. Ended up spending more than an oil change but fair enough because it needed maintenance anyway. But I'm a little worried because my CV joint has been clicking for some time now when I turn (ok, about a year and a half :x). Rick (mechanic) said I should get that fixed as soon as I can, but it will cost around $400 or $500, with labor and tax.
Here's the thing. I can't justify paying that much money for a car that's 16 years old, and especially if I'm going to need to sell it soon. Not to mention the clutch is probably on it's last leg of life, so if that goes the car is practically done. I don't mind paying a hundred or so for new tires or filters, whathaveyou, but um, half a grand is too much of an investment and non-existent in my bank account. I mean shit, that's rent right there. And I can make due without driving in the city, no matter how convenient it may seem at times.
But my biggest concern is my cross-state trips. I'll need the car to last me at least 2 more round trips between DC and Philly, and since the issue relates to the axle, that freaks me out. I don't want that to go while I'm doing 80mph down the highway. I talked to a friend of mine who is really good with cars, and he's gonna take a look at it this weekend but does not seem too concerned because he's known people who've ridden their CV joints into the ground. Of course, that doesn't really make me feel better, different makes and models do different things. But him taking a look at it will save me some money, and he may even be able to fix it for me free of charge.
So until then I'll just have to make due with public transit.
Anyhoo, I took Jimmy (car) to the mechanic yesterday. Really nice guy, not a female-advantage-taker like many other male mechanics. Ended up spending more than an oil change but fair enough because it needed maintenance anyway. But I'm a little worried because my CV joint has been clicking for some time now when I turn (ok, about a year and a half :x). Rick (mechanic) said I should get that fixed as soon as I can, but it will cost around $400 or $500, with labor and tax.
Here's the thing. I can't justify paying that much money for a car that's 16 years old, and especially if I'm going to need to sell it soon. Not to mention the clutch is probably on it's last leg of life, so if that goes the car is practically done. I don't mind paying a hundred or so for new tires or filters, whathaveyou, but um, half a grand is too much of an investment and non-existent in my bank account. I mean shit, that's rent right there. And I can make due without driving in the city, no matter how convenient it may seem at times.
But my biggest concern is my cross-state trips. I'll need the car to last me at least 2 more round trips between DC and Philly, and since the issue relates to the axle, that freaks me out. I don't want that to go while I'm doing 80mph down the highway. I talked to a friend of mine who is really good with cars, and he's gonna take a look at it this weekend but does not seem too concerned because he's known people who've ridden their CV joints into the ground. Of course, that doesn't really make me feel better, different makes and models do different things. But him taking a look at it will save me some money, and he may even be able to fix it for me free of charge.
So until then I'll just have to make due with public transit.