Are You Afraid Of Auto Mechanics and/or Repair Shops?

Question

Tell me something. Have you had car trouble and didn't know who you could trust to repair your car? This is really hard to do for me since I don't know jack about car repairs! I Have a 1993 Buick Riviera that over-heats and also has a problem with the head gaskets that need to be repaired. I might have to buy one of these new Kia's with the 5 year 100 k mile warranties. I just don't know where to start since it has several issues. I'm hoping I haven't cracked the engine block or maybe something worse! I love this car but should I spend $1,500 to $2,000 plus to fix whatever the problems are or use the money as a down payment on a new or newer used car?

Answer 1

Not knowing jack about car repairs (and wanting to spend ones hard earned cash on anything but) is the primary reason people are afraid of their mechanic.  The defenses automatically go up and the customer starts seeing the boogey man behind every toolbox.

Fixing the Buick is cheaper than buying the Kia no matter how you slice it, big warranty or otherwise.  The question would be how much real useful life is there in the Buick.  That can't be answered on line and site unseen.  You could split the difference and get a slightly used Toyota which doesn't need the big warranty since they almost never break.

Answer 2

Send the 'ol Riviera on a one-way trip because your troubles are just beginning. Use the cash for a down payment.

Answer 3

the 1500 is the start of repairs on a 15 year old car...don't put one more penny into it...