Car Troubles

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

On top of everything else I've been through lately...

I purchased an old, used car a few months ago. I didn't have much money, but I used all of my savings to buy what I believed would be a decent, reliable vehicle for at least a few years.

Fast forward to now, and it already needs major repairs. The mechanic I took it to this morning said it would cost $1,000. Not only can I not afford that in any fashion, but I'm incensed that a car I purchased in good faith just a few months ago is already needing such a major, expensive repair.

I can't afford to fix it. I can't afford another car. I have no idea what I'm going to do.

I know God's got a way through this somehow, I just need Him to help me.

jacks · Oct 12, 2020

Car troubles can be very upsetting, since we depend on them so much. Maybe you could take it to another mechanic, perhaps there is a cheaper way to fix the problem. I know my sisters roof leaked and everyone wanted to replace the whole thing. Thousands of dollars. Finally she found a handy man who just patched it up. It's been two years and still doesn't leak. Praying you find a solution.

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

jacks said:
Car troubles can be very upsetting, since we depend on them so much. Maybe you could take it to another mechanic, perhaps there is a cheaper way to fix the problem. I know my sisters roof leaked and everyone wanted to replace the whole thing. Thousands of dollars. Finally she found a handy man who just patched it up. It's been two years and still doesn't leak. Praying you find a solution.

Thank you for the reply! I am going to try and get a second opinion before making any other major decisions. It was just a kick to the gut today, to hear that from the mechanic, and sort of took the wind out of me. I had to walk to and from work without the car, and it was raining and windy and cold, and I was tired and stressed out, and it was just a very...draining day

ChristianGirl_96 · Oct 12, 2020

Praying. Also you may need to visit a car shop for repairs. Get quotes and a second perspective then decide what to do next.

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

ChristianGirl_96 said:
Praying. Also you may need to visit a car shop for repairs. Get quotes and a second perspective then decide what to do next.

Thank you for your prayers <3

Darkhorse · Oct 12, 2020

Do you know specifically what is wrong? What are the symptoms?

d taylor · Oct 12, 2020

For a car $1000.00 is about middle of the road in expense. I drive old truck (1994) and a old car my moms (2003). And can spend up to $1000,00 to 1500.00 a year. but that is cheaper than a monthly payment on a new or newer vehicle

Can break up the payments 200.00 a month or something like that.

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

Darkhorse said:
Do you know specifically what is wrong? What are the symptoms?

Well, hello Dark! I remember speaking to you before about cars, eh?

When I bought the car (about 1,000 miles ago), there was a faint vibration in the front end at high speeds (65mph or so). This was not noticeable during the test drive that I did with the seller; we never got above 45mph while testing it out.

I didn't think much of it, thought maybe the tires just needed to be balanced. I didn't have the money to have it looked at (since I'd just spent most of my savings buying the car!) and I was planning to move, so I really needed to save my pennies. Over time, the vibration got more noticeable, and I noticed that the front passenger tire looked...crooked. I thought it was likely my eyes just playing tricks on me.

Fast forward to today, and the mechanic said someone must have been in an accident with the car before I bought it, and the wheel IS bent outwards slightly. He said it will need a new wheel, mounts (?) and struts, and if he mentioned any other parts, I'm not sure.

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

d taylor said:
For a car $1000.00 is about middle of the road in expense. I drive old truck (1994) and a old car my moms (2003). And can spend up to $1000,00 to 1500.00 a year. but that is cheaper than a monthly payment on a new or newer vehicle

Can break up the payments 200.00 a month or something like that.

Sadly, I have yet to meet a mechanic who'll allow me to pay monthly on repairs.

$1000 a year is one thing; $1000 for one single repair is too much for me.

Darkhorse · Oct 12, 2020

NerdGirl123 said:
Well, hello Dark! I remember speaking to you before about cars, eh?

When I bought the car (about 1,000 miles ago), there was a faint vibration in the front end at high speeds (65mph or so). This was not noticeable during the test drive that I did with the seller; we never got above 45mph while testing it out.

I didn't think much of it, thought maybe the tires just needed to be balanced. I didn't have the money to have it looked at (since I'd just spent most of my savings buying the car!) and I was planning to move, so I really needed to save my pennies. Over time, the vibration got more noticeable, and I noticed that the front passenger tire looked...crooked. I thought it was likely my eyes just playing tricks on me.

Fast forward to today, and the mechanic said someone must have been in an accident with the car before I bought it, and the wheel IS bent outwards slightly. He said it will need a new wheel, mounts (?) and struts, and if he mentioned any other parts, I'm not sure.

While the bent wheel is certainly plausible, I would get another opinion from another mechanic.

Asking friends for a good mechanic recommendation has worked well for me.

Maybe a couple of friends be willing to help you out with the cost until you get onto your feet.

d taylor · Oct 12, 2020

Do you have any vo-tech schools in your area some times they may take on a project for their school.

vo-tech car repair programs - Google Search

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

Darkhorse said:
While the bent wheel is certainly plausible, I would get another opinion from another mechanic.

Asking friends for a good mechanic recommendation as worked well for me.

Maybe a couple of friends be willing to help you out with the cost until you get onto your feet.

I don't have any friends

Sad, but true.

I am on my own!

NerdGirl · Oct 12, 2020

d taylor said:
Do you have any vo-tech schools in your area some times they may take on a project for their school.

vo-tech car repair programs - Google Search

None that are close to me, unfortunately. And I'd have no transportation back and forth, or to get to work or around town (except walking, of course).

A_Thinker · Oct 12, 2020

NerdGirl123 said:
Sadly, I have yet to meet a mechanic who'll allow me to pay monthly on repairs.

$1000 a year is one thing; $1000 for one single repair is too much for me.

Do you have a credit card ?

d taylor · Oct 12, 2020

I do not know if any of these can help.

9 Organizations that Help with Car Repairs - Free Financial Help

Sophrosyne · Oct 12, 2020

Depending on the car you may be able to get a used wheel from a salvage that will do. Unless the struts are causing problems you may be able to get by without replacing them right away. The only issue would be bent or damaged suspension parts. I drove for months on a bad tire and had issues with a bad (bent) disc brake. Through it all God somehow made a way to (barely) get me by till I could afford to replace the rotors and calipers and then get new tires. If you are a member of a church ask around there some churches have car ministries that may be able to at least advise you better as to your problem.

Kenny'sID · Oct 12, 2020

Definitely get a second 3rd or more opinions.

If you haven't already, check the Google ratings and reviews on the repair shop before you take it in. Be sure there are several ratings so you steer clear of shops that cheat and rate themselves.

Do not take it to popular shops like Pep Boys or walmart, pretty sure they will treat you badly on price.

If you would like to give us the general area you are wanting to have the work done, maybe we can help find an honest mechanic.

I'm thinking what you need should be less money, but cannot say for certain.

Stephanie7 · Oct 12, 2020

Heavenly Father, we call upon You to make a way to take this car trouble and work it out to the good so this one doesn't lose much of her money and can either get this car to be drivable or find her another way to recover her losses from this car, In Jesus Name, Amen

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