[Chicago Filter] My car needs new brakes, like, a year ago. (Seriously.) I need to find a good (reasonably priced, will get the job done) mechanic in Chicago because the Toyota dealership wants payment in first born children.
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posted by phunniemee
on Mar 12, 2013 -
14 answers
I'm looking for a good mechanic around Mount Pleasant or East Vancouver. I have a 1999 toyota corolla and honestly, it's getting to the point where I know something important is going to go.
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posted by concreteforest
on Jan 11, 2013 -
3 answers
I broke a part of my car's tire valve (the TPMS sensor, maybe?), dropped my car off at the tire shop and realized I have no idea how much this will set me back. Does anyone have an idea what these repairs might run me?
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posted by JannaK
on Dec 19, 2012 -
11 answers
My mechanic says the leak from my car looks like it is because a wash plug between the gear box and engine block needs replacing. He says it's not a simple job because he'll have to remove the gearbox. He is quoting me "at least" $600. (Bearing in mind that in this city mechanic labour alone is around $80-100 an hour) does that sound reasonable?
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posted by lollusc
on Dec 19, 2012 -
17 answers
Please help me determine what happened to my car recently - was it the battery, the alternator, or something else?
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posted by schmoo
on Nov 12, 2012 -
12 answers
Should my mother's mechanic have caught a failing fuel pump when he repaired a closely related relay?
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posted by aaronbeekay
on Mar 21, 2012 -
10 answers
I just had to replace my car's entire powertrain. What could've happened? How do I prevent it from happening AGAIN?
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posted by julthumbscrew
on Nov 7, 2011 -
13 answers
If oil was vodka, my '05 Pontiac Vibe would be F. Scott Fitzgerald. Should we have the engine rebuilt or replaced? Automotive snowflakiness inside!
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posted by julthumbscrew
on Aug 22, 2011 -
8 answers
Can (should) I ask my mechanic not to do a job we agreed they would do, after they've ordered the part?
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posted by ramenopres
on Jun 20, 2011 -
10 answers
What is the likelihood that my car overheating yesterday is completely unrelated to the quick lube-type service I got the day before yesterday?
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posted by katybird
on May 15, 2011 -
22 answers
Check engine light came on this morning. Auto repair guy is giving me a very large estimate and an offer to just buy the car off my hands. I know next-to-nothing about cars, so can't tell if he's robbing me or not. People who know cars, help me figure this out?
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posted by paultopia
on Apr 16, 2011 -
28 answers
Should I repair my damaged car for significantly more than its original cost, or buy a new cheap used vehicle?
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posted by ajarbaday
on Nov 30, 2010 -
13 answers
Fix-my-car-filter! I have a '92 Honda Accord LE that's showing starting problems; it acts like the battery is dead... but it can't be, can it?
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posted by WidgetAlley
on Jun 13, 2010 -
28 answers
What factors do you consider when thinking about getting rid of your old car and buying a new one?
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posted by reenum
on May 13, 2010 -
17 answers
My car 'skips' when I'm stopped at red lights. Please help me try to diagnose what's ailing my sad, old car. YANAM/YANMM.
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posted by Lutoslawski
on Feb 8, 2010 -
19 answers
Would you like to play internet mechanic? My car is having problems, one involving the brakes and two mystery problems. Bonus points if you can recommend a mechanic or Hyundai dealer in Chicago.
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posted by nooneyouknow
on Dec 4, 2009 -
14 answers
Mechanic filter: Car alarm going nuts, how do I find out how to disable the alarm system temporarily so that I can drive the car to the mechanic?
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posted by BasileusPY
on Dec 1, 2009 -
7 answers
What could be some reasons why my gas mileage is very suddenly and dramatically craptastic?
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posted by desuetude
on Nov 22, 2009 -
19 answers
My 2001 Toyota Corolla has spontaneously developed a problem: the front and rear fog lights
never turn off, even when the key is out of the ignition. A good mechanic was recommended to me, but he won't be able to see me for several weeks. He warned me to expect to spend $200 minimum. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to try to solve this myself?
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posted by churl
on Jul 24, 2009 -
21 answers
What are reasonable expectations between car repair shops / mechanics and their customers? Specific scenario inside..
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posted by kanuck
on Jul 6, 2009 -
13 answers
Engine is turning over slowly and I think it might be the battery. Affordable way to check this myself or just take it into the garage?
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posted by scarello
on May 29, 2009 -
31 answers
I love renting a house in urban Atlanta! I hate renting a house in urban Atlanta! Can anyone help me find a place to fix my car... myself?
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posted by TheNewWazoo
on Apr 21, 2009 -
4 answers
I'm looking for a new car mechanic in Melbourne, Australia and/or tips for finding a reliable one in general...
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posted by Silentgoldfish
on Mar 26, 2009 -
4 answers
DC-area MeFites: would you recommend your auto mechanic? I need to get my Neon worked on and would like to not be ripped off.
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posted by orrnyereg
on Dec 11, 2008 -
10 answers
The mechanic said my heater core needs to be replaced and it will cost $700. What does this mean? Lengthy explanation inside.
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posted by lunasol
on Dec 2, 2008 -
18 answers
After months and months of looking, I've finally found my dream car. The problem is, it's a few hundred miles away from me... and my trusted mechanic. Help me make this happen!
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posted by TayBridge
on Oct 4, 2008 -
6 answers
Does anyone know a good, reliable auto mechanic in the Somerville, MA area?
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posted by Lisa S
on Aug 28, 2008 -
8 answers
I'm an ignorant person when it comes to cars, so this is a pretty dumb question. I own a 2007 PT Cruiser which has no anti-lock brakes. It skids like crazy, and got me into a minor accident. Is there any way I can get add anti-lock breaks to it?
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posted by mccarty.tim
on Jun 13, 2008 -
22 answers
Car Trouble Filter: Check engine light goes on. Mechanic says it the catalytic converter, cost = $1,500. Then the check engine light goes off, on its own. What should I do?
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posted by jujube
on Mar 11, 2008 -
18 answers
CarMaintenanceFilter: Do I really need new spark plugs and a fuel-injector cleaning when I just got them done?
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posted by bitteroldman
on Dec 12, 2007 -
12 answers
Are there any schools that have something like a week-long auto repair course? Preferably BMW-focused, and preferably in the DC Metro area, but even without those two, would still be useful.
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posted by mboszko
on Sep 24, 2007 -
10 answers
For about a week, I've noticed a "hot" smell coming from my engine. I don't know how to describe it except that it smells like an iron that has been left on. What is it?
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posted by kidsleepy
on Aug 21, 2007 -
13 answers
Anyone know a good BMW mechanic in the Fort Lee, NJ (Near the George Washington Bridge) area? I have a 1988 325ix and need someone trustworthy and competent to take care of it. Service at the BMW dealer is outrageously expensive.
I've tried various BMW message boards and come up empty. Something in a 30 minute radius would be nice, but I'll take what you got!
posted by SampleSize
on Jul 26, 2007 -
3 answers
Where in Northern VA should I take my '03 VW Passat to get the thermostat replaced?
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posted by callmejay
on Jul 16, 2007 -
7 answers
Buying-a-used-Car in SoCal-filter : I'm looking for good used car dealerships in the Pomona / Inland Empire / greater LA area. Also, for good independent mechanics to examine a prospective used car. Also: Examples of dealers/mechanics to avoid and general advice.
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posted by lalochezia
on Jun 12, 2007 -
7 answers
Did this mechanic try to "trick" me into a repair that costs more than the car is worth?
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posted by hootch
on Nov 2, 2006 -
9 answers