Under the Hood (Auto)

Need honest reputable auto mechanic in Savannah Georgia near SCAD

KatieJ — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:42:19 GMT

My son is at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah Georgia and his 94 Camry won't start. It's probably the starter. I called my mechanic here in Florida who I trust completely and he said it shouldn't run more than $300 for everything. But the mechanic I spoke to referred from SCAD said it would cost about $500, the starter alone costing $325. I did an online search of my own that proved that figure to be grossly inflated and also found repair estimates online that were between $190 and $250. I joined Angie's list today just to find a mechanic and turned up a big fat 0. Anyone know of an honest reputable auto mechanic in that area or the best way to find one?

Thanks in advance

Keeping the automotive forum going post.

ridefuel — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:05:35 GMT

Just starting a post to keep the auto forum up and running for those who need help. I clicked the auto forum and it told me there are no posts. So anyone that needs help post away. Ill be sure to keep this updated so the forum stays open. If you have a question start a new post so it can be found by others searching. Happy posting.

-RF

Shouldn't I decide what I want to read?

Mister E Bunny — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:29:11 GMT

So on the member discussions page, it says there are currently 28 threads and 107 posts. Mouseover tells me that the last posting for the entire automotive forum was mid September, and was "RE: 27 threads, 105 posts?"

From September. Almost 3 months ago.

I find it hard to believe that all of the community interested in automotive collectively decided to stop posting. And even if they did, where is the forum? When I click it, it tells me there is nothing there to read. Obviously not, if there is a post from September. I have no filters. UNless they have been imposed on my account after I set them to off.

27 threads, 105 posts?

homewood — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:21:32 GMT

Where are all the posts? On the main forum page there are listed 27 threads and a total of 105 posts in the "under the hood" forum. Where are they at? I see one topic, mostly a flame, and 10 replies. Nothing else.

everyday gas boycott

billiam — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:51:10 GMT

If there was something simple you could do to lower the price of gas would you do it? On Mondays don't buy gas at any gas station whose name starts with the letter M. On Tuesdays and Thursdays don't buy gas at any gas station whose name starts with the letter T. And on Saturdays and Sundays, I bet you a dollar a gallon you know what's coming, don't buy gas at any gas station whose name starts with the letter S. There are plenty of places to buy gas because they are making so much money off of us, the hard working American public. The price of gas is a function of supply and demand. They have the supply but we are the DEMAND. And if we stop meekly handing over our hard earned money to them and boycott specific stations or specific days we can return price competition to the gasoline industry. There used to gas price wars but now every nearby gas station meerly matches his neighboring "competitor's" price and we pay sky high prices. Are you still waiting for your elected officials to lower gas prices? If you are, I hope you are not holding your breath. If we are not stopping at the S stations, you know who the are, for our gas that means we are also not buying our Cokes and Smokes, or our Slim Jims and Snicker bars there, too. Nor our Lotto tickets and Lucky Strikes. What will those S stations do when the go an entire weekend with very depressed sales? Maybe they will lower their gas prices the next Saturday and Sunday to get their business back. Let's find out. Can you boycott gas? YES, EVERYDAY!

my experience at budget breaks

consumerbeware — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:42:12 GMT

Went in for normal brake service ended up paying over $300.00 and a week later brakes were squeaking and making noises. No Budget there!

Brought the car back in and the crew told me i needed two new parts as the other ones were too old? (why didnt they tell me this the first time?)

Anyway, as usual, unfortunately,seems like you take your car in once to a car shop and a few weeks later or a month or so something else

mysteriously breaks or goes out? Is is so difficult to do a honest job the first time? Would'nt that make for a better business in the long term?

Brought my car to Firestone in Farragut for a alignment with coupon. They jacked my car up and open the hood without my permission.

Ended up telling me i needed over $900.00 dollars in repair. They would not do the alignment unless i got new tires? So, much for coupons!

Also, had different parts on my car someone replaced at one of the shops cant say which one but i have taken my car to almost every shop along kingston pike from Red Lobster west to Farragut.

Car Repair Fraud

marion160 — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:59:34 GMT

I want to share my experience with a car dealership service department guilty of fraudulent practice in the Washington, DC area. A copy of information filed with the BBB follows:

Sheehy Ford Of Springfield Inc.
Salesperson Nissan Service Manager
Dates Contacted 04/29/08

Product/Service Car Repair Estimate
Payment Made None
Brand Nissan
Model Sentra

Issue
*Primary Issue - Service Issues
*Explanation - I had my car towed to Sheehy Nissan for car repair due to a noisy belt and difficulty starting. The quote given was 130+ to put in Power Steering Fluid, 150+ to flush the radiator, 370+ to replace an auto-tensioner and a belt, and 270+ to replace a battery cable. Part quotes were excessive, i.e. $70 for a $12 part and a complaint was accepted by Nissan Motors against the dealership for overpricing Nissan parts. An auto-tensioner does not exist on my engine 1.8L. After discovering the quote appeared to be fraudulent, I did not allow Sheehy to do the work and took the car to an independent mechanic. The power steering fluid level was not low, the antifreeze was not dirty, and the battery cable was replaced by me with a $12 part and 15 minutes work. This corrected the difficulty starting the car. The independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and it only needed adjustment for the belt noise. As a preventive measure, I did authorize the independent mechanic to replace both belts for $52 in parts and $80 labor. My car was fully repaired within an hour. Sheehy Nissan Service provided a fraudulent quote in an attempt to charge me approximately $1000 for unneeded repairs. (I had to pay $200+ to Sheehy just to pick up my car without any repairs even though that should have been free of charge for my 45K mile checkup.)

taxis

bjf — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:38:18 GMT

Think twice about using Regency Taxi. Not only unreliable but the drivers mislead the dispatchers who mislead customers about arrival times, etc. bjf

Wish I could clone my mechanic

Knightstream — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:59:24 GMT

I have used my mechanic for 5 years now. The first experience I had with him was a last-ditch effort to fix my non-shifting car. I went to 5 other mechanics who hoisted my car to show me that my transfer casing was leaking and that I would need a new one (at a cost of over a grand). When I left it with my mechanic, I did so even TELLING him that I was resigned to the fact I would need a new transfer casing and that he should just "do it" and get the pain over with. He called me a half hour later and told me my car was ready. ("a HALF HOUR", I thought??... "He must have not fixed the right thing...")

When I got there, my car was still up in the air. he showed me what the problem REALLY was, which was some gasket or hose or something on the front of the transfer casing. He showed me that I didn't need a new transfer casing; but what I DID need was to replace the hose and clamp. (remember, this was 5 years ago and I don't know anything about cars - let alone the name of the thing he actually fixed.)

I asked him how much it would run me, and he replied, "15 bucks."

In disbelief, I asked him if that was REALLY all that was wrong. He replied, "No. Your left headlamp was also burned out. I took care of it. Don't worry, no charge."

Since then, I have had numerous opportunities to take my cars back to him, and in NONE of those cases did he even TOUCH the car before SHOWING me what was actually wrong, and in most cases, hooking it up to that diagnostic thingy right before my eyes and going through the book with me to show me what the code meant - then explaining what it was supposed to do when it works right. From air conditioning problems to oil changes, a head gasket replacement to replacing my headlamps, he makes sure I am on the same page every step of the way and makes sure that I am comfortable with the work he would be doing - and makes absoLUTELY sure I don't leave with an unsafe vehicle - even if it would take me a few days to pay in full.

Then I heard of Angie's list and knew I HAD to get the word out about the most professional and honest mechanic it's been my pleasure to entrust my vehicles. As a website developer, I even offered to do a basic website for him free of charge to thank him for the years he's been my service provider.

I only wish I could clone him so you all could see what an honest and reliable mechanic team he has.

I won't leave his website or phone number on here, because that would be a tacky plug (even though he deserves it).

I'll only say his name is Dave and he owns a shop in River Falls, WI.

BEWARE OF THIS MOBILE MECHANIC !!!!!!!

Cripple — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:20:20 GMT

IF YOU COME ACROSS A GUY NAMED DAVE...HIS PHONE NUMBER IS 916-821-9985....DO NOT HIRE....I paid him 150.00 to fix a major oil leak....he not only didn't do that but he jacked my timing belts up,broke the upper timing case cover,gouged the lower pulley,and stripped out one of my motor mount bolts.....and we haven't even got inside the motor where he was yet....BEWARE....he is 6 ft. about 250-280 lbs. 40 years old,HAS A SCARE ON HIS LEFT CHEEK,LIGHT STRAWBERRY HAIR...ALMOST LIGHT BROWNISH and drives a primer lower mid 90's honda....again I say BEWARE !!!!!!!!!!!!wHEN I CALLED HIM ON THE FACT THAT MY ENGINE HAD MORE PROBLEMS after he worked on it....He " works" the sacramento and surrounding areas

Road Service what a joke

aaajoke — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:53:36 GMT

I have been with a road service company for over 15 years. I had a flat tire on a boat trailer I was hauling. I called my road service company @ night & was told they couldn't help me because I didn't have rv coverage!!! I didn't even know there was such a thing... I was 100 or so miles from home, I just needed air put in my spare tire!! No help after 15 years.....can you figure out the company????? It is in the first part of our alphabet. Several other people I have talked to recently has had a similar problem with this particular world known travel & road service.....Please pass this on, maybe as a group they will learn to treat us as humans.... By the time I got off the highway & found a gas station that would allow me to tie my boat up until the next day,after 11 p.m., the tire was shredded, not to mention damage to the boat & trailer. I had to drive all the way home, over 2 hours, catch a nap, drive all the way back with a new spare, & try to get to work by noon....That is gratitude for all my years of having them, no I didn't use them in years, but I still paid every year!!! Not anymore, We are trying to get the word out... We were treated better by total strangers, whom we didn't give money to for 15 years, than we were by our road service co., oh ya... did I mention I was a PLUS customer??? Yes, I paid extra for the plus to be covered better... what a joke!!! Please pass it on!!

Need an HONEST mechanic in the Bethel Park PA area

Kurt — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:28:15 GMT

Hi I need an honest and reliable mechanic to work on my car. I have a 1995 Cadillac Sedan Deville that needs the thermostat control fixed, new tires and brakes, a front end alignment and misc. other things do to it. But I have been given many different prices from $500.00 to over $1500.00. I am back to work after being on disability and am trying to get my finances straight so I do not have alot of money. If you are willing to quote me am HONEST price and can do the work a little at the time or do all the work and accept payments then please contact me.

THANKS!!

Kurt

412-722-5328

Do you know where YOU are hot?

Ronny88 — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:50:11 GMT

My friend put me up here and I'm only a '6'!! What the heck??

OK, I know it's a little crazy, but I found this site hilarious:

http://www.hotflation.com

Chevy Cavalier Transmissions

Chastity1053 — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:50:02 GMT

Opinions needed. Is $140 too much to spend on a transmission flush on a 2003 Chevy Cavalier with about 54,000 miles on it? I'm not finding much on the Internet and don't want to get taken. This is the dealer's quote. Thanks!

Hybrid car repair

SearchingSusan — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:58:24 GMT

Does anyone know of a competent hybrid car mechanic? I have just purchased a Toyota Prius and am looking for someone who could do repairs for me, as it is out of warranty. I live in the Decatur area.

general hybrid car advice?

Ronny88 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:47:42 GMT

Hey there,

I am looking to buy my first hybrid car, but have really no idea about where to go for the best infromation. Frankly, the more general the information, the better - as I really have no clue what I'm doing! The only resource on hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars that I've found that is as general as I would like is http://fuelfriendlycars.com but I would like some other hybrid car resources as well. Any suggestions? Thanks -

Ronny

Looking to buy a used minivan any advice?

acrylicrecoating — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:21:29 GMT

I have been looking around for a mini van and would like people's opinion on what they do and don't like about theirs. I have done the usual web surfing to check out the recalls etc...

I have always loved Saabs...Did I make a mistake..?

jones — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:36:18 GMT

After my parents both passed away (leaving me alittle money), I bought a car that I have admired for a long time. Not a new one, but a 1998 Saab convertable with a little over a 100K and a good maintainence record. I put the top down without having the windows fully down and now I have a bent window track. I took it to my fiance's mechanic who obviously doen't share my admiration for the Saab (I can just tell by the way he pointed out all of the disadvantage of owning a Saab and the shortcomings of my purchase and advised me "not to put too much more money into this one". He has had the car all day today, and hasn't even touched the passenger side window (which was actually my biggest consern). He worked on the driver side (I didn't think it was bent) and tomorrow he will start on the side I was conserned about, and may have to buy parts that may cost "more than it's worth".

The car is in beautiful condition (body, roof, tires , interior, sound system) and I feel offended that he has been so negative about the car. My fiance is probably not happy to begin with because I surprised him with the car when I returned from my hometown last week and the mechanic is just fueling the fire. This guy isn't helping my case with his negative opinion, I'd like to just pull it out of his shop as is and go to the mechanic I found on Angies List today. Should I let this guy keep hammering away at this just to finish the job (and never go back again )? Or fire him? I am feeling angry at both my fiance and the mechanic but I don't want to react emotionally. Help!!!

Car's been sitting 2 years

craw624 — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 21:31:42 GMT

I've got a 1969 Mustang that hasn't been started in two years. I'm planning on working on it in the next week or so, but I'm concerned about doing damage to it by starting it. Someone told me that I should put oil in the carburator, and somebody told me I should rent a device to put into the distributor to circulate the oil, and somebody else told me I should take out each spark plug and put a little bit of oil in each cylinder. Somebody else told me not to worry about it.

I'd like to get more advice to see what I should do before trying to start it for the first time. Thanks.

PT Cruiser brakes

magmomsal — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:52:58 GMT

i have a 2002 Cruiser, used, that has been terrific. BUT, the brakes sound HORRIBLE. They squeek and grind something fierce. I've had them looked at and worked on by three different people and places to no relief. Any suggestions?

What motorcycle do you ride?

Helper Monkey 5000 — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:48:13 GMT

I love motorcycles. My second and current bike is a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550SC, it's supposed to be my cheap commuter bike. What do you ride? And why?

Pleasant Hill, CA - Toyota Maintenance

read — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 22:05:45 GMT

Took Toyota Camry in for 90,000 mile servicing at dealership with a $1600 estimate. Any recommendation for a more reasonably priced service in the Pleasant Hill or Vacaville, CA area? Thanks.

Auto air conditioning

Westwind — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:23:13 GMT

I'm looking for someone who specializes in air conditioning for cars in the Washington DC/Baltimore area. Although it's not a listed List category I hope someone has a great tip. Thanks.

I found a website for women only ladyautotrader.com

amber — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:50:32 GMT

I joined angies list today and i love it. how great this is!!!

I just wanted to tell a story about a vehicle i was trying to buy, long story short the dealer thought i was a complete idiot i guess and i found out the car i wanted had a salvage title after the dealer told me it had never been wrecked. This was a new dealer mind you, anyhow, I did some searching on the web and found the same car i was going to buy had a picture of it saying it had been driven in water!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well i confronted the dealer, he denied it even after i found out the car was ran through an auction and an announcement was made the car had been flooded!

Guess who bought the car? The dealer who told me it was not flooded to his knowledge!!

Anyhow, i was upset to say the least and i happened to run across a web site that is women owned for women only who are sick of the crap to be frank of buying a car or truck. It is ladyautotrader.com and i have to say i bought me a car with them last thursday!!!!!! They ran a free car fax for me, they only have certified female friendly dealers and if i had a problem with the car they stand behind me. I told them what kind of car i wanted, the color and year and they found it for me. They even haggled the price for me and i got a really great deal.

I just thought you girls would like to know about them.

Amber Collins

Volvo repair

Dianne — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:20:29 GMT

I am looking for a reputable Volvo repair shop in Houston. Please respond with a name and address, phone number of repair shop

Thanks!