Car Repair Update

[kybearfuzz]

While stuck in a meeting this morning, the garage called to give the estimate for the car repairs. This isn't just for the muffler issue, but also changing of the timing belt and some other odds and ends that I've been meaning to get fixed. I figured while it's there, these things need to get done.

The estimate was considerable ($1400!). Yikes! There goes the rest of the tax return. I drive a 1997 Honda Civic. I like the car and odds are I will buy another one in the near future. Several coworkers had to hear me lament over the estimate and one noted that I should just get a new car instead.

He made a good argument, I admit. There are, however, several reasons why I don't want to get one right now. Money isn't really the issue as I've been socking away the monthly car payment I've not had to make since the car was paid off. However, I never like being in the position where I HAVE to get a new car. I've been in that situation twice in the past and I'm never satisfied with the end result, mostly because I always feel rushed and desperate about the purchase.

When I buy my next car, probably within the next 12 months or so, I want to take my time, do the research, be prepared. If my buddy's way was the way I was going I'd be scrambling to visit multiple car lots this weekend and that's no way to buy a car. Sadly, my car wont be ready until Monday afternoon, so I have to reschedule my work travel for next week... :(

Comments

[madkevinp.livejournal.com]

i work for a honda dealer and they will try to sell you anything and everything...i will admit that you probably do need a timing belt on yours though...i would just do a few things at a time though..tell them you dont have the funds to do everything at once and to them what is the most important...I would also go to another dealer and see what they say about the repairs...dont tell them you had it checked out at another dealer though...just my 2 cents...

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Ah, my garage isn't a Honda dealership. The way I view the cost is that these are repairs and maintenance that I should have made a while back.

[madkevinp.livejournal.com]

IC, as long as you trust them all is well...