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My auto repair advice to a 2001 Ford Focus owner that has had major repair work done yet the car remains troublesome. See what can happen when you sink a lot of money into car repairs. The car question follows.

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2001 Ford Focus
I need automobile advice. I have a 2001 ford focus with 132k miles. The engine blew out in February. I called an auto repair shop, and was told that the engine could be rebuilt for less than $1,000. I took the car there and left it at the shop for him to look at.

The next day I came back to the shop and was told that the repair maybe $1,600 plus $200 to replace the timing belt. I told him I couldn’t afford it and wanted my 01 Ford Focus back; however he told me that the engine was disassembled and it would take time to put back together.

His auto repair advice was to set up a payment plan with him and he would guarantee the car repairs for 90 days. So I agreed to the engine repair. When I came to pick up the car, the total charge was now $2,200!
 
 

I wrote a page about free check engine light services and the problems associated with them. This brought on a question from a visitor that is going down the same road as many before him. You can see the discussion below.

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So I just read your article about free check engine light scams. I went to AutoZone they gave me the O2 sensor deal however they did recommend a friendly mechanic instead of selling me stuff.

The reason I went wasn't because of the light though it was because my car was stalling out randomly. The mechanic offered me a free diagnosis just because we were from the same area of the country and he related to me.
 
However he thought the problem was the engine temperature sensor and when he fixed it the problem stopped but then the check engine light came right back on. So I took it back and he said well I guess we can fix the o2 sensor and he did that but the light came back on again.

Now during all this I already knew at the time that my catalytic converter was messed up but the person who inspects my car each year told me that I could get away without fixing it for awhile so I didn't fix it because before I met the "friendly mechanic" I got a quote somewhere else and the price was ridiculous.
 
 

As antilock brake systems continue to age more and more drivers will become familiar with the abs warning light. Why should we learn more about this system and why should we fix it when it is broken?

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Antilock brake systems and traction control technology continues to improve on modern vehicles. In fact, it would be hard to find a new car today. That does not have an ABS system as standard equipment.

These brake control systems add yet another electronically controlled system to the already complex automobile. These electronic brake systems can be troublesome, and make the driver question, whether they are worth the time and money to repair.

Many people will drive around with their ABS light on, or even worse put some black electrical tape over the symbol. Their reasoning behind this is the light is on, but the brakes feel fine. To understand why we should repair the light. It's probably best to understand what the system does for us.

The antilock brake systems can be thought of as a hydraulic pumping of the brakes that is electronically controlled. This currently is the most effective way to stop a vehicle under emergency braking conditions.
 
Diy Auto Repair 06/05/2009
 

Diy auto repair has been gaining in popularity throughout the decline of the economy. People are hanging on to their cars longer, and doing what they can to save money by performing their own maintenance and repairs.

Just like everything else the price of a new car has risen sharply over the last few years. Add to this the fact that many people have taken out loans that are now on seven-year payment schedules. All of these things add up to keeping your vehicle longer. This just makes dollars and cents.

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When I first got my drivers license, a car with 100,000 miles was on its way to the junkyard as it was conceived its usable life had passed. Now it is commonplace to see vehicles with over 200,000 miles that are still in service.

In fact, the fleet that I am currently working on has 4 1996 E350 vans with the 7.3 L power stroke diesel. All of these vehicles are close to 300,000 miles if not over. This is with the original engine.

Although the 7.3 L power stroke diesel is very impressive and continues to provide good service at over 300,000 miles they still need lots of maintenance and repair.

We have done our share of water pumps, starter motors and alternators on all of these vehicles. And we have also repaired some major oil leaks including the dreaded rear main seal.