My SO and I have a 1999 Lexus ES 300 with low miles (ca. 80K). We use it mostly on the weekend for errands. The car is in more or less good driving condition, but parking on the streets and Boston winters are taking their toll cosmetically. Dealership recommended $5100 in repairs on its recent checkup--nearly the value of the car--and we're wondering which repairs are worthwhile, which are overpriced and should be done elsewhere, and which can be skipped. [more inside]
posted by Calamity Jen on Mar 5, 2013 - 20 answers

Should I be responsible for auto mechanic snapping my wheel studs? [more inside]
posted by el_yucateco on Aug 29, 2012 - 13 answers

My brake pedal sinks when I turn on my car. And my brake lights flicker. What could be the problem? [more inside]
posted by morning_television on Jun 12, 2012 - 15 answers

The brakes in my fairly low-milage SUV have begun to squeak when stopping at slow speeds or when the car has just been turned on. What could be the problem and how can someone who knows nothing about cars get reputable service and not be ripped off? Bonus if anyone knows of a good place for this in Santa Barbara or Ventura county! [more inside]
posted by cgomez on Jun 26, 2010 - 8 answers

Where can I get my brakes fixed on a Sunday in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by thesmallmachine on May 3, 2009 - 2 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

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

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

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

CarRepairFilter: Help me figure out what's going on with my usually well-behaved car, and what, if anything, it might have to do with a letter I got from Acura back in January... [more inside]
posted by Vervain on Aug 23, 2006 - 11 answers

The front wheels are making a grinding noise when I move the steering wheel to the left ('98 Accord.) Happens even when the brakes aren't being pressed. Can anyone provide a Bill Frist-style remote diagnosis, and will I regret it if I don't bring it in to the shop for two more days?
posted by Saucy Intruder on Apr 11, 2006 - 25 answers

Can anyone give me some advice before I file a small claims court lawsuit against an Auto Service Center. [more inside]
posted by gummo on May 2, 2005 - 9 answers

ScaryCarNoiseFilter: I have a 99 Civic, 50K miles. I'm a new 2nd owner. Today it started making an odd noise as I was coming off the Interstate: a rattle from the front passenger wheel-area which increased in volume as I braked. And it increases in intensity when I brake while going around curves.

It is an intermittent sound; mostly when turning while braking, and or braking @ higher speeds (75+). Also, there is no steering vibration associated with the sound. Any suggestions? A friend suggested CV Boot or CV Joints.
Is that spendy to fix? (it seemed like a good buy at the time!)
posted by atlatl on Nov 19, 2004 - 15 answers