Let's Play "Which Repairs are Important?"

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2017 16:51:29 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Apr 22, 2017 16:41:49 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

On an Odyssey?  I'm seeing the part costing more than that.   It probably is high though as it's at a dealership.

I looked up the cost on repairpal.com

The average cost for a Honda Odyssey Power Steering Pump Replacement is between $348 and $987. Labor costs are estimated between $140 and $178 while parts are priced between $208 and $809. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

That's quite a range!  LOL 

That's why I don't go to a dealership.
I went to my friendly neighborhood mechanic who does work for cheap. Even cheaper if you pay cash.

Right, but I'm still seeing the pump cost at $100-$350 at the auto parts store near us depending on if you go rebuilt or Genuine Honda, with a few in between. 

[sesfw]

Wait till you are in your 70s. They will try to convince you the car will explode if you don't get the laundry list done right then.

        Noname ......... I know .......... I'm already 75 and this happened close to 10 yrs ago.  I found a local repair place for servicing and repairs

I'm always on the defensive whenever I have to go to a dealer ......... trying to seperate me from my funds

[CCL]

Apr 22, 2017 14:27:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm too conflicted, and I don't believe any of this is urgent, so I think I'm going to call Monday morning and cancel the entire appointment and take it somewhere else.  Maybe even give them the list of things the first place found and ask if they really think these are bad. 

First place was a dealership anyhow, and normally I don't have them do anything, but my mechanic Dad is laid up after knee replacement, and my neighbor is booked out for the next 6 weeks.   Those were my go to people for a lot of this stuff.

Don't tell them what's wrong with it, let them tell you. They might just agree with everything on the list plus add a few more items. 

Sorry your dad is out of commission. My hubby has fixed some of those same things on our cars for very few dollars.

[CCL]

Apr 22, 2017 17:09:08 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Apr 22, 2017 16:51:29 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

That's why I don't go to a dealership.
I went to my friendly neighborhood mechanic who does work for cheap. Even cheaper if you pay cash.

Right, but I'm still seeing the pump cost at $100-$350 at the auto parts store near us depending on if you go rebuilt or Genuine Honda, with a few in between. 

On an older car, I'd go with rebuilt unless the prices are very close.

[weltschmerz]

Apr 22, 2017 17:09:08 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Apr 22, 2017 16:51:29 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

That's why I don't go to a dealership.
I went to my friendly neighborhood mechanic who does work for cheap. Even cheaper if you pay cash.

Right, but I'm still seeing the pump cost at $100-$350 at the auto parts store near us depending on if you go rebuilt or Genuine Honda, with a few in between. 

All I know is that I paid about $150 three years ago and the pump is still fine.
I don't care if it's rebuilt. My car is 17 years old. The pump will probably outlive the car.

[Shooby]

I think u have time to get another opinion. Just keep your fluids filled. Buti wouldn't want leaking fluids. I hada brake line lose it's fluid and lost my brakes. So u dont want to lose your steering.
We had an expensive valve cover gasket repair for our 4 runner.
You just have to weigh the cost of repairs versus trading.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

i also encourage second opinion - but if that quote is realistic, no way would I spend 50% of the BB value for a 12 year old vehicle near to 200k miles.


in my experience, once it starts to go, it keeps going and then you keep spending because "I just spent $1500 to get it good 4 months ago, this is just $300 more".....

[Deleted]

Apr 23, 2017 9:35:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

i also encourage second opinion - but if that quote is realistic, no way would I spend 50% of the BB value for a 12 year old vehicle near to 200k miles.


in my experience, once it starts to go, it keeps going and then you keep spending because "I just spent $1500 to get it good 4 months ago, this is just $300 more".....

Well, even if that happened, I still think that would be cheaper than getting a new car.  Eventually, it would BE a new car!

My Mom drives a 57 Ranchero as her daily driver.  Maybe 30 years from now I'll be carting my grandkids around in an Odyssey with collector plates.

Really, I just want 2 more years.  I see them listed with well over 200K on Craigslist all the time, so it's not totally unrealistic to squeeze that out.  By that time I should have enough saved up to get something new enough that it won't just be trading the devil I know for the one I don't.

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 22, 2017 21:26:42 GMT -5 sesfw said:

Wait till you are in your 70s. They will try to convince you the car will explode if you don't get the laundry list done right then.

        Noname ......... I know .......... I'm already 75 and this happened close to 10 yrs ago.  I found a local repair place for servicing and repairs

I'm always on the defensive whenever I have to go to a dealer ......... trying to seperate me from my funds

Dang, I should have checked your DOB. You are older than me.   And I to have a local shop for repairs!!

[Jaguar]

Apr 23, 2017 9:53:30 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Apr 23, 2017 9:35:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

i also encourage second opinion - but if that quote is realistic, no way would I spend 50% of the BB value for a 12 year old vehicle near to 200k miles.


in my experience, once it starts to go, it keeps going and then you keep spending because "I just spent $1500 to get it good 4 months ago, this is just $300 more".....

Well, even if that happened, I still think that would be cheaper than getting a new car.  Eventually, it would BE a new car!

My Mom drives a 57 Ranchero as her daily driver.  Maybe 30 years from now I'll be carting my grandkids around in an Odyssey with collector plates.

Really, I just want 2 more years.  I see them listed with well over 200K on Craigslist all the time, so it's not totally unrealistic to squeeze that out.  By that time I should have enough saved up to get something new enough that it won't just be trading the devil I know for the one I don't.

I'm hoping you get 2 to 3 more years with this vehicle, with as little problems as possible. Crossing my fingers this won't derail you.

[OldCoyote]

I have a 1997 Honda Odyssey,, on mine if appears the the shocks and struts are the same thing.

As for the engine leak, with the engine hot, hose it down with engine cleaner, wait a little bit, wash it off,

taking care not to spray too much water on the ignition disturbor or coil.

After you do that watch on the floor where the oil drops are, that will help locate the leak,

Also check to see what type of drop it is, it might be your  transmission instead, or power steering that is your leak.

That is if you want to try checking some of the things yourself.

Wait a minute, about 3 months ago we had a massive leak on that Honda,

it was the O-ring behind the mount (not knowing a better term) that holds the oil filter.

It was $7.00 from Honda!

[weltschmerz]

Apr 23, 2017 17:05:30 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

I have a 1997 Honda Odyssey,, on mine if appears the the shocks and struts are the same thing.

As for the engine leak, with the engine hot, hose it down with engine cleaner, wait a little bit, wash it off,

taking care not to spray too much water on the ignition disturbor or coil.

After you do that watch on the floor where the oil drops are, that will help locate the leak,

Also check to see what type of drop it is, it might be your  transmission instead, or power steering that is your leak.

That is if you want to try checking some of the things yourself.

Wait a minute, about 3 months ago we had a massive leak on that Honda,

it was the O-ring behind the mount (not knowing a better term) that holds the oil filter.

It was $7.00 from Honda!

If it's the power steering fluid that's leaking, she'll find it harder and harder to turn the steering wheel.

[OldCoyote]

That car, if you change the oil, don't run it out of oil, don't overheat it, the car can go 400,000 miles according to our radio car guy!

He says that today's car are so dependable, that these car shops make up a lot of the repairs you do need just so they can stay on business!

I am in one of the repair field's I see what my competitors do, I see what the AC guy's, general contractor's do.

 Some of it is unconscionable! Sometime it is robbery!

[OldCoyote]

Apr 23, 2017 17:12:43 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Apr 23, 2017 17:05:30 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

I have a 1997 Honda Odyssey,, on mine if appears the the shocks and struts are the same thing.

As for the engine leak, with the engine hot, hose it down with engine cleaner, wait a little bit, wash it off,

taking care not to spray too much water on the ignition disturbor or coil.

After you do that watch on the floor where the oil drops are, that will help locate the leak,

Also check to see what type of drop it is, it might be your  transmission instead, or power steering that is your leak.

That is if you want to try checking some of the things yourself.

Wait a minute, about 3 months ago we had a massive leak on that Honda,

it was the O-ring behind the mount (not knowing a better term) that holds the oil filter.

It was $7.00 from Honda!

If it's the power steering fluid that's leaking, she'll find it harder and harder to turn the steering wheel.

It will be a different color.

[OldCoyote]

Just run it over here this afternoon we will check it out!

[weltschmerz]

Apr 23, 2017 17:18:06 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

Apr 23, 2017 17:12:43 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

If it's the power steering fluid that's leaking, she'll find it harder and harder to turn the steering wheel.

It will be a different color.

No, I don't think the steering wheel will be a different colour.

[OldCoyote]

Apr 23, 2017 17:23:10 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Apr 23, 2017 17:18:06 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

It will be a different color.

No, I don't think the steering wheel will be a different colour.

Sorry, I will clarify, the power steering fluid will be a different color or colour.

[Deleted]

I really don't think the PS or transmission fluid are leaking much if at all.  I know I've never had to add to the PS fluid and I would think if they were topping it off at oil changes they'd charge me.  a

Last night I changed out the cardboard that's been on the floor of the garage for quite a while and put down a fresh sheet.  After 12 hours there was just a few drops of oil all in one spot and nothing else leaking anywhere that I saw.  I got a lead on some mechanic that set up a shop just a couple miles down the road from me.  You'd never know because it's just a farm shed in the country.  Boondocks Auto Repair.  LOL  Neighbor says he does a good job, charges $40/hour for labor and if something takes 15 minutes that's all he charges.  Might check that place out.

[Deleted]

Apr 23, 2017 17:19:46 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

Just run it over here this afternoon we will check it out!

Watch out, I might just show up!

[Jaguar]

Apr 23, 2017 18:15:38 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I really don't think the PS or transmission fluid are leaking much if at all.  I know I've never had to add to the PS fluid and I would think if they were topping it off at oil changes they'd charge me.  a

Last night I changed out the cardboard that's been on the floor of the garage for quite a while and put down a fresh sheet.  After 12 hours there was just a few drops of oil all in one spot and nothing else leaking anywhere that I saw.  I got a lead on some mechanic that set up a shop just a couple miles down the road from me.  You'd never know because it's just a farm shed in the country.  Boondocks Auto Repair.  LOL  Neighbor says he does a good job, charges $40/hour for labor and if something takes 15 minutes that's all he charges.  Might check that place out.

Go down the road and see what he says about your car, it's worth a trip.

[phil5185]

In my experience, struts and sway bars are the new shock absorbers & idler arms.
Back in the 1950s and 60s, service stations mounted a 'worn' shock and a new shock on a barrel. You pulled both handles to compare the difference. They recommended new shocks every 10,000 miles. Failure to do so would result in losing control and crashing into a ditch and getting killed.

Most of us eventually learned that the original shocks actually lasted the life of the car, I've put 200,000 miles on shocks w/ no issues. Same with struts and sway bars - service writers start advising new new at 100k to 150k - but I've never replaced any.

IMO, the key words are 'worn" and "worn out".  Every component on the car is 'worn' at 5K or 10k miles. But no where near "worn out", for most things it takes over 200k miles for parts to wear outside of their performance tolerance (except for the 'wear' items - brakes, tires).

A lot of unnecessary repairs are performed with fear-mongering ('you'll lose control and crash'). The hard part is discerning the difference between the fear-mongering and an actual problem.

Passenger front sway bar link has play (replace)

One time a repair shop showed me the 'play' in my sway bar. Later, I looked it up in a shop manual, any play up to 1/4 inch was considered normal.  (the car was a '69 Dodge so that occurred between 1969 & 1979).

[Deleted]

I cancelled the appointment this morning and my stress level dropped about 10 notches. 

I just have so much stuff on the verge of going right now (maybe).  My appliances, furnace, AC and hot water heater are all 18 years old.  My riding mower is on it's 19th summer, and my van is pushing 200K.   I'm getting a little twitchy. 

[raeoflyte]

If my parents hadn't bought a new car and given us their 2008 Sonata, I would still be driving our 97 Ford Ranger.  The last few years or so we would spend about $1100 on it every 18 months, and the kbb value on it was that amount.  But that still kept it running fine and was so much cheaper than buying a new car.  I've driven beaters that do start to breakdown every 6 months, but I wouldn't assume this is the beginning of that happening.  

I'd probably schedule with your neighbor for 6 weeks from now to get it checked out.  

[Deleted]

If it was leaving me stranded a lot, that wouldn't be cool at all, and I'd probably replace, but this thing has been super reliable. The worst that happened was the blown plug which threw it into it's "crisis mode" in the computer and we limped the last few miles into town, but, got the kids to school, dropped it off at the shop and it was ready for me when I was done with work. 

Now I probably just jinxed myself and it will be dead in the parking lot when I try to leave work today.

[Lizard Queen]

I used to get my oil changed at one place that always had to find something extra to sell you. One time, my coolant was a mess, and I needed a flush. Next time, my coolant was absolutely fine (I made sure to ask), but I needed new wipers. I never did do anything about that coolant....

[Deleted]

Not to say I don't long for a new car.  I just don't want to pay for one.  My 6 year old and I went car shopping yesterday (we only go on Sunday's when it's illegal for them to be open, so we don't get hassled ) and decided on what we want. 

This 2015 Rav4 in Hot Lava.   Assuming it depreciates another 5 or 6K, I'll be able to afford it in two years. 

[janee]

I would get a second opinion from someone else. Keep the fluids up and just monitor. You say it's driving fine.

I think a $1,500-$2000 repair bill to get you two more years (and possibly more for DS) is a cheap car payment.

$1500 divided by 24 months is $62.50.  $2000 divided by 24 months is $83.33. 

In my mind with a new battery, tires, brakes, etc. you can get more miles out of it.

There is nothing else you can buy for less per month and you will end up with something your son can potentially drive.  It buys you time.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Apr 24, 2017 8:08:54 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I used to get my oil changed at one place that always had to find something extra to sell you. One time, my coolant was a mess, and I needed a flush. Next time, my coolant was absolutely fine (I made sure to ask), but I needed new wipers. I never did do anything about that coolant....

That was Jensen tire for me.   I went in just to get my tire patched and they "helpfully" check out the rest of your car for you.   He gives me a list of all this stuff my car needed and of course they could do it for me while I waited!

Look on his face was great when I told him to give me the list and I looked it over.  I said "Great, my dad's a mechanic I'll have him take a look at it when I get home after you fix my tire".

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 24, 2017 9:05:16 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Apr 24, 2017 8:08:54 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I used to get my oil changed at one place that always had to find something extra to sell you. One time, my coolant was a mess, and I needed a flush. Next time, my coolant was absolutely fine (I made sure to ask), but I needed new wipers. I never did do anything about that coolant....

That was Jensen tire for me.   I went in just to get my tire patched and they "helpfully" check out the rest of your car for you.   He gives me a list of all this stuff my car needed and of course they could do it for me while I waited!

Look on his face was great when I told him to give me the list and I looked it over.  I said "Great, my dad's a mechanic I'll have him take a look at it when I get home after you fix my tire".

I used the "let my husband look at it" I've been divorced for 35 years but I say it with a straight face. 

[sesfw]

I still remember the kid that wanted to change the transmission fluid at 50K miles on my standard trannie vehicle