Can I get ODB2 (ODBII) diagnostic codes out of my 2005 VW GTI without buying a code scanner? [more inside]
posted by maniabug on Oct 21, 2009 - 16 answers

Are auto dealer maintenance departments for suckers? [more inside]
posted by gompa on May 28, 2009 - 15 answers

Is my Audi unrepairable? I have a 2003 Audi A4 1.8T with a CVT (GGT) transmission that's messed up. [more inside]
posted by starscream on Apr 28, 2009 - 7 answers

I can't get the O2 sensor out of my car's engine, and I'm starting to round off the bolt! [more inside]
posted by samw on Mar 12, 2009 - 19 answers

Cars! I don't want to go to the mechanic as a female and say, "I have no idea what's wrong with my car! Please replace half my engine and overcharge me ridiculous amounts!!" I'm hoping to get some ideas on what might be wrong before I go... [more inside]
posted by veronitron on Jan 3, 2008 - 19 answers

Help! My car didn't pass the CA Smog Test and now the dealer wants $600 to bring it up to standard. What can I do?! [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth on Dec 13, 2007 - 30 answers

How much do a body shops typically charge for repairng small dents on cars? [more inside]
posted by BeaverTerror on Sep 21, 2007 - 11 answers

CarFilter: With regard to brakes... 3 out of 4 ain't bad? [more inside]
posted by knave on Sep 23, 2006 - 11 answers

ScoobyFilter: It's time to replace the oxygen sensors in my 2001 Subaru Outback. "Universal" replacements run about half the cost of the OEM version. Am I asking for trouble by taking the cheap way out? [more inside]
posted by Opposite George on Jul 31, 2006 - 8 answers

Has anyone here ever installed a salvaged airbag? How hard is it to do yourself? My car got bumped ludicrously lightly, the airbag deployed, and a new airbag is fantastically expensive while a salvaged one is cheap. But I would have to install it myself because local shops won't do it. The car is a volvo 940 1994. [more inside]
posted by Mayor Peace Love and Unity on Jul 21, 2006 - 19 answers

I have a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 205k miles on it. A few days ago I noticed some loud squeaking coming from the drivers wheel. Name that part (photos inside). [more inside]
posted by cgk on Jun 22, 2005 - 8 answers

I want to fix a couple of things on my car. However, looking under the hood causes to me to collapse with the vapors, forcing me to go purse shopping for an hour to mitigate the effects. Does anyone have an online walkthrough-to-fixin-up-your-car for guys like me? (Details inside.) [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Jan 6, 2005 - 28 answers

I had a windshield installed by a company that comes to your home to do the job. The fellow who showed up to do it asked me if he could move the car from the street (plenty room) to my driveway, which I agreed to.
Next day, my neighbor suggested that they do this in case the fellow gets injured, and since it happened on my driveway, I'd have to pay his medical bills. Anyone knows anything about this possible set up?
posted by semmi on Nov 2, 2004 - 5 answers

The catalytic converter on my 97 Ford Escort blew out today, and I suspect it ruptured part of the exhaust works in front of the muffler. I can find out how much parts cost on my own, but I'm not going to be doing the service myself, so could someone knowledgeable in the realm of automotive repair hazard a ballpark guesstimate as to how much this might cost me to fix? I just need a general idea so I can figure out how much blood to sell to pay for the repairs.
posted by headspace on May 24, 2004 - 4 answers