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

DeadVanFilter: I know you are not my mechanic but... 97 Ford Aerostar, parked in my driveway for three Chicago years. The google-fu tells me the basics (new gas/oil etc), but I am just wondering if anyone in the hive has experience with such things. [more inside]
posted by timsteil on Nov 18, 2008 - 10 answers

Should I replace the transmission or replace the car? [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Nov 8, 2008 - 10 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

Bay Area Mefites, do you know of a Berkeley (or nearby) car mechanic who could inspect a used car for me tomorrow (Saturday)? [more inside]
posted by unclezeb on Sep 12, 2008 - 8 answers

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

How to find a good mechanic north of Seattle [more inside]
posted by markblasco on Aug 29, 2008 - 4 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

Nearly a year ago I blew out my right from tire on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma. It is also a PreRunner and TRD. My tires are Dayton Timberline AT (all terrain) size 265/75R16. I could only afford on at the time but knew I would be needing three more soon. I checked my tire size in order to get multiple estimates from all the local companies and I realized they had put on a 265/70R16 on accident. I have driven nearly 20,000 miles on the oddly matched tires and had them rotated 6 months ago. Should I be worried about and damage to my truck? I've called the company and they apologized and offered to give me 4 new tires, one for free and all at the 75 size. They also said they would match the competitors price which was 50 dollars cheaper because I was a loyal customer.He then assured me that no damaged could have been done from their error. They were unable to acquire the 4 new tires I originally had and are now looking for something of equivalently quality. Should I go to a mechanic or trust the tire place who already charged me for one tire and delivered a smaller cheaper one .
posted by isopropyl on Aug 23, 2008 - 10 answers

What is wrong with my car? [more inside]
posted by amro on Aug 14, 2008 - 31 answers

Oil Filter: I'm resurecting a bike that's sat for 5 years. Do I really need to replace the engine oil? Surely modern oils are pretty stable and won't have degraded significantly in 5 years? [more inside]
posted by BadMiker on Aug 11, 2008 - 6 answers

Can anyone recommend a mechanic in Vancouver, BC, preferably in the westside? [more inside]
posted by PercussivePaul on Jul 28, 2008 - 2 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

Can you recommend a Volkswagen mechanic in Portland or Eugene, Oregon? [more inside]
posted by maniactown on May 14, 2008 - 10 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

My front headlight on my 99 Jeep Cherokee has just blown and I'm driving to WV tomorrow after dark. What are my chances of finding a walk-in auto repair place in Catonsville Maryland (suburban Baltimore)? [more inside]
posted by media_itoku on Mar 12, 2008 - 9 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

Need mechanic recommendations near Burlington, MA. [more inside]
posted by disaster77 on Mar 10, 2008 - 6 answers

Any recommendations for a reliable/trustworthy mechanic in Toronto? Specifically for a late 90s Mazda. [more inside]
posted by impactorange on Feb 20, 2008 - 4 answers

Help me figure out what is wrong with my motorcycle! I think it's simple, but I'm confused...[long and technical, yay!] [more inside]
posted by TomMelee on Feb 17, 2008 - 11 answers

I think my power steering fluid is leaking. What's this going to cost me? I've got a 2K Nissan Xterra. I think I overfilled it a few weeks ago and notice oil dripping a few days ago.
posted by atchafalaya on Feb 2, 2008 - 8 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

Please recommend your favorite transit-friendly Portland (OR) area auto mechanic for my aging chevy pickup. [more inside]
posted by janell on Nov 3, 2007 - 1 answer

How do I prove that an odometer has not been tampered with? [more inside]
posted by TauLepton on Oct 17, 2007 - 14 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

Help me diagnose my car's weird lurching problem. This is mostly for curiosity's sake, as I do plan on taking it to the mechanic tomorrow or Saturday. But I sort of want to know what I'm in for. [more inside]
posted by rossination on Aug 23, 2007 - 22 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

What should I do? Recently, I was on a bike tour and had work done on my bike. The guy did not do a good job. [more inside]
posted by backwords on Aug 15, 2007 - 17 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

I've always liked cars, but I'd really like to learn how to repair them and get some hands-on experience, if possible. How can I do this? [more inside]
posted by Oobidaius on May 15, 2007 - 26 answers

NJFilter: Coworker living in Jersey City wants to find a reputable auto mechanic. Any JC/Hoboken resident recommendations?
posted by bastionofsanity on Mar 8, 2007 - 1 answer

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

My 1970 Dodge Dart swinger has begun making some odd noises and my current, very-good mechanic, can't figure it out. But he says it's nothing. For the first time, I don't think he's right. So I need to cheat on him with a new mechanic. A Dodge Dart specialist. Does anyone have any supremely talented classic mopar men in the Los Angeles area they can recommend?
posted by rileyray3000 on Aug 2, 2006 - 10 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

How do you find a mechanic that takes side jobs? [more inside]
posted by hokie409 on Jul 9, 2006 - 10 answers

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

Mechanics: I've got a 1964 chevy bel air which is my daily driver that needs some work. I'd like to do it myself, but I'm sorta a car newbie. What online communities and resources will be useful to me? Do you have any specific anecdotes, tips and tricks for working on old cars? [more inside]
posted by fishfucker on Dec 7, 2005 - 25 answers

Any good online references for finding an auto repair shop? Reports, reviews, horror stories? [more inside]
posted by intermod on Oct 24, 2005 - 9 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

My 1989 Jeep Cherokee's serpentine belt is squealing horrifically. Nothing I have done will make it stop for longer than a few minutes. [more inside]
posted by davey_darling on May 22, 2005 - 9 answers