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? [more inside]
posted by churl on Jul 24, 2009 - 21 answers

What are reasonable expectations between car repair shops / mechanics and their customers? Specific scenario inside.. [more inside]
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? [more inside]
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? [more inside]
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... [more inside]
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. [more inside]
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. [more inside]
posted by lunasol on Dec 2, 2008 - 18 answers

Should I replace the transmission or replace the car? [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Nov 8, 2008 - 11 answers

What happened to my car? What did I do when I drove through that puddle? [1999 Ford Taurus] [more inside]
posted by rossination on Nov 5, 2008 - 8 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! [more inside]
posted by TayBridge on Oct 4, 2008 - 6 answers

Did I get ripped off by my mechanic? [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon on Sep 4, 2008 - 17 answers

Does anyone know a good, reliable auto mechanic in the Somerville, MA area? [more inside]
posted by Lisa S on Aug 28, 2008 - 8 answers

What is wrong with my car? [more inside]
posted by amro on Aug 14, 2008 - 31 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? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Jun 13, 2008 - 22 answers

Help with my friend's car trouble... [more inside]
posted by drpynchon on Mar 30, 2008 - 12 answers

CarFilter: Why does my transmission hate me so? [more inside]
posted by winston on Mar 13, 2008 - 17 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? [more inside]
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? [more inside]
posted by bitteroldman on Dec 12, 2007 - 12 answers

[my old jalopy filter] What is my Corolla's clunking problem? [more inside]
posted by mr. remy on Oct 16, 2007 - 9 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. [more inside]
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? [more inside]
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? [more inside]
posted by callmejay on Jul 16, 2007 - 7 answers

How do I remove stubborn rear subframe bushes on my 2003 MK3 Ford Mondeo? [more inside]
posted by aqueousdan on Jul 14, 2007 - 3 answers

Are there any reasons why a Porsche engine could not be put into a '74 Volkwagen Beetle? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus on Jul 12, 2007 - 17 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. [more inside]
posted by lalochezia on Jun 12, 2007 - 7 answers

Know a good Chicago auto mechanic? [more inside]
posted by raf on Nov 2, 2006 - 8 answers

Did this mechanic try to "trick" me into a repair that costs more than the car is worth? [more inside]
posted by hootch on Nov 2, 2006 - 9 answers

How much should brake service for a '91 Ford Explorer cost? [more inside]
posted by mphuie on Oct 22, 2006 - 9 answers

2001 Kia Sephia with intermittent starting problems. [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty on Aug 28, 2006 - 13 answers

Auto Mechanic Filter: What is preventing my car from starting? Happens about every 10th time I attempt to start. No click, no churn, but the lights (including those on the dashboard) work fine as does the radio. I get it going by rocking the front end of the car up and down, and back and forth for a few seconds. Head back in, turn the key and it starts normally. [more inside]
posted by terrier319 on Jul 10, 2006 - 19 answers

Car Question. My speedometer just broke. How worried should I be? [more inside]
posted by oddman on Dec 10, 2005 - 23 answers

I have a 1991 Honda Civic DX hatchback with ~125k miles on it. It runs like a champ, except when it doesn't start.... [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Sep 28, 2005 - 16 answers

How can I figure out what's leaking from my car? (And other maladies...) Does anyone know of a site -- like WebMD, but for cars -- where I can type in symptoms and narrow down what might be wrong with a car? I know that I can go to a mechanic, but sometimes the first question is whether it's even safe to drive the car to the mechanic. [more inside]
posted by xo on Mar 31, 2005 - 10 answers

How can I keep my car battery from dying in the rain? [more inside]
posted by rooftop secrets on Feb 22, 2005 - 16 answers

AutoFilter: In a moment of terrible mental absence this morning, I drove about half a block in second gear with the hand brake engaged. While the right rear wheel smoked and the brake glowed visibly red, there seem to be no other consequences an hour after the fact. Does this merit a call to the mechanic to check it out if other malfunctions haven't arisen?
posted by Verdant on Dec 16, 2004 - 19 answers