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 on Jul 18, 2008 - 20 answers
Car-repair-filter: Any mechanics got a trick for freeing a stuck brake piston? [more inside]
posted on Jul 9, 2008 - 8 answers 
Are my car's dents worth fixing? [more inside]
posted 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 on Jun 13, 2008 - 21 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 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 on Apr 30, 2008 - 21 answers
Should I fix my flooded car or should I just get a new one? [more inside]
posted on Mar 13, 2008 - 15 answers
CarFilter: Why does my transmission hate me so? [more inside]
posted 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 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 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 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 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 on Nov 5, 2007 - 10 answers
[my old jalopy filter] What is my Corolla's clunking problem? [more inside]
posted on Oct 16, 2007 - 9 answers
How do I jerry-rig my rear window to keep it from falling down? [more inside]
posted 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 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 on Sep 24, 2007 - 10 answers
How much do a body shops typically charge for repairng small dents on cars? [more inside]
posted 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 on Sep 10, 2007 - 8 answers
car question: timing belt replacement on Hyundai 2003 Accent at 60k? [more inside]
posted 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 on Aug 3, 2007 - 5 answers
Anyone have experience with DIY car dent repair? [more inside]
posted 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 on Jul 30, 2007 - 19 answers
I got ripped off on my car repairs. Help me stop this from happening again! [more inside]
posted 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 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 on Jun 2, 2007 - 1 answers
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 on Apr 26, 2007 - 16 answers
I'm having car troubles and curious if this is a problem familiar to anyone: [more inside]
posted on Mar 9, 2007 - 16 answers
I'm looking for recommendations for Volkswagen service and brake service in San Francisco. [more inside]
posted on Feb 23, 2007 - 9 answers
My 1991 Jeep Cherokee automatic seems to be "trembling" while it idles. The shaking decreases once it's moving, but persists- albeit in a much reduced state. On top of that, the engine just sounds like it's working harder than it used to. Help! [more inside]
posted on Feb 21, 2007 - 7 answers
This morning my car (95 Altima) wouldn't start. Seems like an ignition problem. Are there any honest auto repair shops I can take it to here in Miami (the closer to the intersection of Red and 8th the better)?
posted on Jan 12, 2007 - 6 answers
Car. Clutch. Mystery fluid. Leaking. Help! [more inside]
posted on Jan 5, 2007 - 7 answers
Help me repair a hole in the (vinyl? leather?) armrest of my car. [more inside]
posted on Dec 25, 2006 - 7 answers
What is the likelihood that I can replace the front fender on my Honda Accord all by myself? [more inside]
posted on Dec 11, 2006 - 13 answers
Water is leaking into the back seat of my '92 Toyota Camry when it rains. I suspect a clogged drain in driver's front door but I don't know how to confirm this and unclog it. [more inside]
posted on Dec 2, 2006 - 2 answers
Did this mechanic try to "trick" me into a repair that costs more than the car is worth? [more inside]
posted on Nov 2, 2006 - 9 answers
Murphy's law at work. My '87 Sentra (auto, base model, 1.6L) won't start sometimes. 3 mechanics failed to diagnose. (but didn't fail to bill me). What's going on? [more inside]
posted on Nov 1, 2006 - 16 answers
What's rattling under the hood of my car? [more inside]
posted on Oct 20, 2006 - 6 answers
I need help deciding whether to fix my older car or buy a new one. [more inside]
posted on Oct 11, 2006 - 13 answers
Hollywood, FL Car Repair Filter: help us maintain our 2000 Isuzu Rodeo and our 2001 Honda Accord. It's time for a tune-up. [more inside]
posted on Oct 9, 2006 - 5 answers
Short story: I got a tune up including an oil change. That night, the car died, and now they say the engine needs to be replaced?
[more inside]
posted on Sep 21, 2006 - 18 answers
Can you recommend a car repair shop in Richmond, BC, Canada? 1987 Nissan Sentra on the fritz again. [more inside]
posted on Sep 16, 2006 - 5 answers
Why does my 2006 Toyota Corolla LE make so much noise when I start the car in the morning? [more inside]
posted on Aug 30, 2006 - 6 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 on Aug 23, 2006 - 11 answers
The dashboard light on my '96 Toyota Corolla went out. Just like that. Poof! [more inside]
posted on Aug 15, 2006 - 13 answers
My van's transmission is very sad. It's on the verge of being considered a junker car: should I repair it or buy another crappy car? [more inside]
posted on Aug 14, 2006 - 12 answers
I have a 2000 Mazda Protege that isn't working for some reason, and thus has to be brought into a shop. Any suggestions for a shop in/near Arlington, Virginia (basically, close enough that AAA will tow it there). Just looking for a car place I can trust (and ideally one that's reasonably priced, too), because I know diddly about cars....
posted on Aug 14, 2006 - 11 answers
GearheadFilter: How foolish would I be to try and replace a window regulator and motor by myself? [more inside]
posted on Aug 4, 2006 - 9 answers
How do I go about executing minimal, but adequate repairs to a damaged car paint job? [more inside]
posted on Jul 23, 2006 - 10 answers
Shadetree filter: Does my car need this repair? [more inside]
posted on Jul 18, 2006 - 8 answers
Tell me what I should be doing to fix-up my inherited 1994 Mustang Cobra. [more inside]
posted on Jul 10, 2006 - 4 answers
Sometimes when I try to start my car, it doesn't seem to "catch". This only happens sometimes, and when I took it to the shop, they couldn't find anything wrong. [more inside]
posted on Jul 3, 2006 - 17 answers
Help me replace the driver's side headlight on my 1996 Toyota Corolla! [more inside]
posted on Apr 28, 2006 - 10 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 on Apr 11, 2006 - 25 answers
My car needs to be repaired. It is a 2000 Chevy Malibu with 95,000 miles on it and needs new spark plugs, new spark plug wires and the carbon deposits cleaned out of the intake manifold. The repair shop is charging $450 for this. Am I being ripped off?
posted on Apr 8, 2006 - 17 answers
Can I replace the passenger side mirror on my 1999 Honda Civic? [more inside]
posted on Mar 16, 2006 - 12 answers
I'm ready to trade in my 13-yr-old Civic, but it has a bunch of little problems. Hard starts, occasional (though rare) stalls, buzzy speakers, rust, a couple small dents, and some moron recently ran into my side mirror and broke it. Is it worth fixing any of these things in order to get a better trade-in value?
posted on Feb 16, 2006 - 14 answers
Is there a website that provides a National average for various car repairs. As an example what can I expect to pay to replace an alternator? What can I expect to pay to replace a fuel pump, ect? Thank you in advance!
posted on Dec 31, 2005 - 8 answers
Hey! Know a good subaru repair shop in Palo Alto? What about the Mission side of SF? [more inside]
posted on Dec 9, 2005 - 9 answers
TheFateOfTheCurseMobile! I purchased a used automobile about 18 months ago. Over the past year, the car has been involved in 3 minor collisions (but major headaches), none of which were my fault. I'm trying to weigh my options between getting it fixed (again!) or trading it in for a car with some (hopefully) better karma. Any advice? [more inside]
posted on Sep 19, 2005 - 5 answers
When should I stop spending money on my car and buy a new(er) vehicle? [more inside]
posted on Sep 2, 2005 - 8 answers
CarRepairFilter: I have two problems with my 1992 Honda Accord, with about 175k miles. Runs great, but two minor issues: power windows and an idling issue.
[more inside]
posted on Aug 22, 2005 - 14 answers
It seems whenever I drive my 1996 Ford Contour over 40 mph or use my air conditioning, the car begins to smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. What do I need to do to fix this on my own?
posted on May 5, 2005 - 7 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 on Mar 31, 2005 - 10 answers
I need an automotive guru. I'm losing my mind. See if these symptoms add up to anything to you.
I've got a wobble in the front end. Here's what I know so far...(it's a bit of a saga)
If you figure it out, I'll buy you a beer. [more inside]
posted on Mar 18, 2005 - 11 answers
My friend has a 1995 Saturn (as do I). For some reason, the plastic paneling in part of the interior, around the doors, is falling away from the frame. [more inside]
posted on Mar 9, 2005 - 3 answers
A fender-bender has, uh, bent my bumper. Torn the rear one off half the frame, specifically. The car is old enough that no one makes the right size bumper/brackets anymore. Plus the frame need a bunch of work before it can accept a bracket again. Insurance declared a total, but has left open the option to repair. Several folks have suggested unbolting the other end and running w/o a bumper. Is this safe?? Not to mention legal? What would you do? [more inside]
posted on Mar 2, 2005 - 20 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 on Dec 16, 2004 - 19 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 on Nov 19, 2004 - 15 answers
My 1994 Honda Accord's cooling fan won't turn off after I turn the car off. However, if I remove the cooling fan fuse, the fan will shut off. The fuse does not appear to be blown. When I put the fuse back in, it sparks like a mad mo'fo' and the cooling fan turns back on. Any ideas what the problem is and how much it'de run me for a repair or is there a quick fix for it?
posted on Jul 10, 2004 - 9 answers
Does anyone know how to fix a floppy car sun visor?
posted on Dec 21, 2003 - 6 answers
Found out last night that my car (96 Saturn with 108k miles) has a leaking head gasket, which will set me back about $1200. Before I spring for the repair, I want to be confident that the car will stick around long enough to be worth it. How long can you reasonably expect to keep a car on the road? Is this a sign that she's crossed the line into being an unreliable money sink?
posted on Dec 16, 2003 - 11 answers
