Is it really a money pit when your car just seems to need a lot of crazy parts fixed? I mean, it's not like it's a new car anymore...it's almost 7 years old. I didn't think that was all that old though. And it's not like it has a lot of miles on it...I haven't even broken 80,000km. That's low.
Took it in for it's mandatory annual provincial inspection today. At the least I expected to be told it needed a couple of new lights (because every time I take it in for anything, something seems to be burned out) and at the very most I was guessing my brakes might finally need doing (the one miraculous thing that I've never had to replace) or potentially there was a problem with my cooling system (my coolant light started flashing this week).
Turns out that there sure is an issue with my cooling system...leak in the thermostat... $350 repair! Thankfully that doesn't make it unsafe just yet...they can't even assess how bad the leak is, but judging by the fact that the light was flashing for a week and the car never overheated it's a pretty tiny leak. Normally I would just go ahead and fix it now, rather than tempting fate...however, I have other fish to fry. The car actually failed inspection because the ball joints are both worn and loose....yippee....$350 for that too....plus I was right about 2 bulbs needing replacing, plus windshield wipers,the cost of the inspection itself, the wheel alignment that has to be done after replacing ball joints and don't forget our lovely HST. Hello $536 bill...not including the thermostat which I have to watch and probably fix within the next month anyway. Argh.
I know every car has these things, but it just seems to me that everything is going one after the other now. I did a mental tally and in the last two years I've spent approximately $4000 on repairs, etc. (almost $2000 of which was the freaking clutch)....and there are still lots of obvious things that could need doing at any time....like the brakes for instance, or the starter that has been hiccuping for over a year now.
Is it time to suck it up and trade-in? I dunno.
(oh, and I don't wanna hear a bunch of comments about VWs needing lots of electrical work or whatever...since none of my issues have anything to do with that.)
The Bi0nics
Somewhat like The Incredibles, but less bendy...
Vague Facts About Me
- Jaime
- Tall chick with scaredy-cat is re-learning what it's like to be a single gal. She focuses on keeping busy, keeping healthy, and keeping sane. Listens to whatever she likes on her iPod. Shares her yogurt with the cat. Tries to do some activity every day. Watches too much TV for her own good.
5 comments:
It's sad to say but your car is getting older and gradually things wear out. Do you get the inspection done at VW, cause if so you might want to take it somewhere else and see if you get the exact same results?? Why don't you check into a trade in on a new vehicle and see what you'd be looking at... you'd probably get more for yours in a private sale!! Something to think about... xoxo
Thought of all of that...thanks though.
Wow, I can't believe you've had your car that long. Sucks when cars let you down though, mine has been good to me but I think its time for a change. What are you thinking of getting if you do trade it in?
That's the thing...there's nothing out there that I'm overly interested in. I really like my car...and I like that it's paid for.
I'm calmer now.
:)
Okay, that sucks! I know what you mean though...right now I really love Toyota Highlanders (I am an SUV girl)...but my escape is working fine, and the repair bills haven't been TOO bad ANNNNNNNND it's paid off....I keep saying that I will need a bigger vehicle when we have kids...but even if I got pregnant right away that would leave some time right?????
It sounds like you already talked yourself out of trading it in...why not give her a good cleaning and get her all gleaming and shiny again??? I always fall in love with my escape ALL over again when she is nice and shiny!
Post a Comment