SUV backed over my tiny Miata, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by evilelf on Oct 8, 2009 - 28 answers

What's the best way to fix my driver's side mirror? [more inside]
posted by pemberkins on Sep 29, 2009 - 8 answers

How can I learn NYC's street repair status? [more inside]
posted by mhz on Sep 13, 2009 - 3 answers

The AC of my Mercedes Benz 2002 stopped working so we took it to a well known Used Car Dealership for a check up. They charge me $150.00 just for the check up and gave me an estimate of about $3,000 to fix it (basically they said all the system had to be replace it). I didn’t want to spend that kind of money so we took it one of those ‘basic repair shop’ chains and they fixed it by changing a $25.00 sensor. I want my $150.00 back, I live in Florida and don't know if I am entitled to a refund? If I am, what is the best way to ask for it? I’m pissed at them but I want to behave civilized and effective.
posted by 3dd on Aug 24, 2009 - 24 answers

I just changed my car's old dead battery with a new, just purchased one following the directions here. Even though I clamped the connectors down hard enough that I can't move either of them, the car seems to be completely dead --- it doesn't appear to be getting any power whatsoever. Any ideas what could be wrong? [more inside]
posted by jacobm on Aug 19, 2009 - 23 answers

Car trouble: How loudly should I yell at my dealer's service department? [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars on Jul 8, 2009 - 13 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

What the heck is wrong with my car? And no, you are not my mechanic. [more inside]
posted by WickedPissah on May 31, 2009 - 13 answers

Can anyone recommend a good source for Honda automotive parts (online or near Boston)? [more inside]
posted by Krrrlson on Apr 9, 2009 - 4 answers

I have sulfuric acid, de-ionized water, and basic lab equipment. Can I revive my crappy car battery? [more inside]
posted by scose on Feb 23, 2009 - 18 answers

Front windshield washer fluid dispenser doesn't dispense. This feels like an easy fix....is it? [more inside]
posted by Diskeater on Feb 12, 2009 - 10 answers

Why does my uncle's 1998 V6 Toyota 4-Runner misfire at highway speeds? Last month we drove from Los Angeles to Tucson and back, and at what seemed to be random points while we were driving the engine would buck repeatedly. Once it started, it would continue at all speeds, with the engine running particularly rough at low/idle RPM. We took it in to 3 different Toyota dealerships along the way, and to it's home dealership once we got back. They were all happy to service the vehicle, but none were able to fix it and two insisted they couldn't find any problems with the vehicle. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Jan 12, 2009 - 10 answers

My blinker on my 2000 Dodge Neon has been working only intermittently. Could this be a fuse issue, or would it not be working at all? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix on Dec 31, 2008 - 10 answers

What would you charge to diagnose a check engine light and replace the thermostat in a 2003 Toyota Highlander? [more inside]
posted by fogster on Dec 30, 2008 - 13 answers

The windshield wipers died on our Buick Park Avenue (model year 2000). Dealership states it is not a blown fuse but a bad motor. How much should this cost to repair? [more inside]
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs on Dec 26, 2008 - 7 answers

How long can I wait to replace a purge valve in my '98 Toyota Corolla? How much is a reasonable price for getting this done? [more inside]
posted by lblair on Dec 15, 2008 - 3 answers

I pulled out an AC/heat vent on my 2005 Kia Spectra 5 and now I can't get it to go back in. Help me either figure out how to get it back in, or at least ID the parts I'm looking at to help focus my Googling. [more inside]
posted by frankdrebin on Nov 12, 2008 - 4 answers

CarRepairFilter: Can I fix a broken trunk indicator light myself or does this have to go to a mechanic? [more inside]
posted by jeffderek on Sep 22, 2008 - 4 answers

Arlington, VA filter: My wife had a parking lot mishap when a lamp post jumped out in front of her car; now we need to find a good collision repair place. [more inside]
posted by UrbanEconomist on Sep 5, 2008 - 4 answers

The a/c in my car died about 2 years ago. I'm moving to the desert [SE corner of CA], so now this is a problem. I have no car knowledge, and no money. How can I fix my a/c? [more inside]
posted by shinyshiny on Sep 4, 2008 - 11 answers

Have you ever had your car's axle stuck in the transmission? What did you do about it? [more inside]
posted by girlmightlive on Aug 18, 2008 - 11 answers

I drive a 1992 Toyota Camry with just over 203,000 miles on it. As far as I know, the car is in good mechanical condition except that the rear struts are in fairly desperate need of replacement. How do you calculate the payback period for repairing an old but paid-off car, and how might you use this information to help decide whether to repair the car or buy a newer used car? [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup on Jul 18, 2008 - 20 answers

Car-repair-filter: Any mechanics got a trick for freeing a stuck brake piston? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jul 9, 2008 - 8 answers

Are my car's dents worth fixing? [more inside]
posted by aliasless on Jun 23, 2008 - 12 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

A few months ago my car was hit (hit & run) while parked on the street (ahh, city living). I filed the police report, and went to my insurance company. They assesed the damage and gave me a check (made out to me) to get my car repaired. I still haven't gotten it repaired. It's an older car (2000) and I won't sell it ever (plan to drive it till it dies- which should be about 10 more years because I rarely drive). Would it be fraud for me to say heck with repairing it and keep the check? Will I regret not having it repaired? [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas on May 27, 2008 - 21 answers

So, on Monday I went to move my car, after 4 days of being parked in the same place, only to discover that my front windshield is all cracked up and I have a lot of questions. [more inside]
posted by nooneyouknow on Apr 30, 2008 - 21 answers

Should I fix my flooded car or should I just get a new one? [more inside]
posted by kosmonaut on Mar 13, 2008 - 15 answers

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

Why is my Honda Civic dinging when I come down to go to work in the morning? And can I make it stop? Some backstory... [more inside]
posted by HeroZero on Mar 11, 2008 - 6 answers

What might cause the running lights of a 1992/3 Subaru Legacy to all be out. I can't seem to locate a blown fuse. [more inside]
posted by SECONDHANDSMOTE on Feb 23, 2008 - 4 answers

Where in Chicago can I get the brakes on a '99 VW Jetta and '98 Ford Escort replaced reliably and cheaply? [more inside]
posted by santojulieta on Jan 17, 2008 - 3 answers

Is it true that it is good for a car to fill it up with higher grade gas once in a while? I usually fill up at Shell, and there is 87, 89 and 91 kinds of gas, with 87 being the cheapeast and 91 being the most expensive. I usually get 87. However, I heard that if you own a car and want it to last longer, it is beneficial to fill it up with the most expensive gas, to "clean the engine". Is that true? If so, what is the explanation behind it? I drive a 2002 Kia Rio, if that makes any difference.
posted by esolo on Dec 22, 2007 - 22 answers

I am looking to sell my 2003 Toyota Echo. It's in great condition except the rear bumper. I am wondering if I should have the bumper repaired before selling it. [more inside]
posted by mto on Nov 5, 2007 - 10 answers

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

How do I jerry-rig my rear window to keep it from falling down? [more inside]
posted by Kraki on Oct 12, 2007 - 11 answers

The e-brake idiot light on my winter rat stays on when the brake is disengaged. [more inside]
posted by Mblue on Sep 29, 2007 - 7 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

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

Roughly, how much should it cost to rebuild a manual 5-speed transmission and replace the clutch in a 1999 Saturn SC2? The car has 104,000 miles on it, and is in Los Angeles, CA if that matters at all.
posted by willnot on Sep 10, 2007 - 8 answers

car question: timing belt replacement on Hyundai 2003 Accent at 60k? [more inside]
posted by advil on Sep 5, 2007 - 13 answers

I need to find a reliable auto repair shop in Tempe/Phoenix AZ for some brake work. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape on Aug 3, 2007 - 5 answers

Anyone have experience with DIY car dent repair? [more inside]
posted by dan g. on Jul 30, 2007 - 10 answers

I have a 2003 Jetta with around 75,000 miles. It is hot here, and I have been running the air conditioning nearly every day for the past month or two, and I have noticed some strange occurrences. First, if I am parked with the A/C running, even for a short amount of time, the car seems to vibrate rather forcefully. In addition, when I pull away from the parking spot, there is always a fairly large pool of water where my car was. Also, when I am driving fast, say 60-75 mph, and I change the speed of the A/C from high to low, there is a noticeable jerk in my acceleration. It is most unusual... [more inside]
posted by foxinthesnow on Jul 30, 2007 - 19 answers

I got ripped off on my car repairs. Help me stop this from happening again! [more inside]
posted by PinkButterfly on Jul 30, 2007 - 18 answers

Chipped windshield: should I have it replaced? Or just have the chip filled in? I want my windshield to look as good as new... does that mean I need to get a new one? [more inside]
posted by stilly on Jun 4, 2007 - 14 answers

When buying exhaust flex pipes like these, to fit over an H-pipe with a diameter of 2.5", would you buy the flex pipes with the 2.5" outlet diameter or do you need something bigger? [more inside]
posted by Venadium on Jun 2, 2007 - 1 answer

It looks like I've been sort of ripped off by an auto glass repair guy. Is there anything I can/should do? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van on Apr 26, 2007 - 16 answers

I'm having car troubles and curious if this is a problem familiar to anyone: [more inside]
posted by KevinSkomsvold on Mar 9, 2007 - 16 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for Volkswagen service and brake service in San Francisco. [more inside]
posted by kirkaracha on Feb 23, 2007 - 9 answers