by ~~ Sarina ~~
Member since:
August 12, 2006

RANT ~ AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS ~

November 20, 2007 07:39 PM EST
views: 42 | comments: 22

It couldn't have come at a worse time.  The need to get the repairs to my car is finally at hand.  Today when I found my car slipping and sliding in the snow I realized I realized that I could no longer put the repairs off.

The cost for replacing the ball joints, front-end alignment, and 2 agressive snow tires will be $570.  This is the lesser estimate.  One estimate was $850, but with 4 new all-season radials.

Because I am driving on some pretty crappy roads, I decided to get the snow tires.  The backroads I travel are hilly and some of them are unpaved. I need the aggressive snow tires to make travelling these roads a bit safer.

Hubby didn't flinch much when I told him the cost.  I flinched, twitched, stuttered and stammered when I got the estimate.  But, I didn't even take the time to discuss this with the Hubby.  I made the appointment to have the repairs done this Saturday.  We will drop the car off on Friday night.

I have to work on Saturday, but will be using my Hubby's car.  We will pick my car up after I get out of work.  Yes, it is costly.  Yes, it is quite a chunk of money to be forking out so close to the holidays.  But, I would rather be safe than sorry.

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Comments: 22

Midnite Writer -- Kim Nov 20, 2007, 7:42pm EST
Don't feel too bad, I paid $1500 to get my 12 year old car road trip ready this year - yikes! I think they totally ripped me off. At least I told them to stop at some point. I didn't know they made snow tires anymore. Must be for rear wheel drive. I remember when those were a must. Anyway, I feel your pain (and twitching!) HANG IN THERE!
Bob B. Nov 20, 2007, 7:42pm EST
You made a very wise decision Sarina.
Shaunee C. Nov 20, 2007, 7:55pm EST
it is better to be safe then sorry that's for sure.
Rory M. Nov 20, 2007, 8:58pm EST
Cars are money suckers. One might as well open one's purse or wallet and dump the contents on the hood, its going there anyway.

Drive safe.
Michelle W. Nov 20, 2007, 9:04pm EST
I would rather fork out the money than to take a chance with my life. I know how snow can be and ya gotta love the hills!
Carol Lloyd Nov 20, 2007, 9:40pm EST
I am feeiling lucky not having a car lol aint poverty great lol
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Nov 20, 2007, 10:08pm EST
Always better to be safe than sorry is right!
Barb M Nov 20, 2007, 10:25pm EST
You are blessed to have the money to repair your car - look at it that way - some are not so lucky. Safe is better than material posessions any old day!!!!
Car repairs can be costly!
Sorry your car needs them.
Steph-in-NE ..... Nov 20, 2007, 11:37pm EST
gee i would of put that money into a newer car,, we had to this year,, we spent over 1000 last year then got this new one in April and man I have spent a dime except for the oil changes..
Dan (Cowboy Up) V. Nov 20, 2007, 11:44pm EST
I just had my car's ball joints replaced and brakes, and an alignment and an alternator. Then I turned around bought another car and put that one up for sale. Go figure! C):-)
Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Nov 21, 2007, 12:15am EST
I guess its better to be safe and spend the money. I'm sorry that it happened so close to the holidays.
Beverly T. Nov 21, 2007, 2:07am EST
I hear ya. My daughter just put up some of her college money to fix an axle and ball joints. It was getting risky to drive. I'd rather she be alive and take one less class this winter.

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Lisa Frost Nov 21, 2007, 6:47pm EST
I understand the pain of car repairs. We are still trying to save enough to either fix or replace my car. (my son drives it) The battery is dead, and his starter is bad. Now it has been sitting for 4 weeks too. I dont' want to know how much that is going to coast
Barbara B. Nov 21, 2007, 11:11pm EST
I am glad to know you're getting this car repaired
and having snow tires put on Sarina. I won't need
to be worried about you being on the highways, I
will worry somewhat because of the people that do
not know how to drive when the snow comes. Mom
~~ Sarina ~~ Nov 22, 2007, 9:43am EST
I drove the car yesterday on a backroad that was quite muddy. I put on the brakes to slow down before I came to the hilly part of the road and my I went into a skid. The car was pulling severely to the right and it became difficult to control. Luckily it came to a halt. I downshifted and coasted to the paved part of the road. Scarey. I can't wait to get this blasted thing fixed.
~~ Sarina ~~ Nov 22, 2007, 9:44am EST
As I am still paying on this car, I have to get it fixed!
M & M. Nov 23, 2007, 5:00pm EST
Cars are such an expense. We just needed 4 tires on a car, and 3 on our truck at the same time. The other repairs are waitning.
Donald M. Nov 24, 2007, 5:43pm EST
I am seriously thinking about looking for a covered wagon to hook Paint, my horse up to and just say giddy up go. The fuel is cheap and the exhaust recyable. LOL . I have spent over 3 thousand dollars on two 25 year old auto,s and still they arent dependable to get me to town and back.
William M. Nov 24, 2007, 10:21pm EST
Safe is better than sorry any day.
Mitch F. Mar 4, 2008, 10:56pm EST
Dependable transportation matters a lot. You are doing the smart thing - preventative
fixin' before bigger and more expensive fixin' happens. Smart move Sarina.
Poppy P. Mar 23, 2009, 11:29pm EDT
Im feeling the pain myself

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