I have 2007 Ford Explorer with 90k miles. I took it in to a dealer 1 month ago because it was squeaking and they replaced the serpentine belt and tensioners for $350. It was squeaking again yesterday so I took it in and they said they have to replace the harmonic damper for $800. Now they call and say they found a leak in the radiator so that will be another $700 to replace.
I don't know what to do...I feel like they will just tell me I need something else in a month. At what point should I stop putting money in a car?
The Devil2016-05-26T16:11:17Z
So far, everything they fixed was a failure since it cost way too much and required a few returns. Find a cheaper reputable mechanic who doesn't just swap out parts, but actually fids the problem and repairs that. Check your coolant level every day ( cold engine) and if you need to add coolant, you might need radiator repair. Aftermarket radiators cost 1/2 what OEM ones do, and since they have to pull out the radiator to get at the harmonic balancer, they want you to buy a new radiator too, to add another $200-$300 to the bill. If your HB was bad, they should have seen that the first time they took the belts off it. Your car should not be put out to pasture so soon, though it IS a Ford. If you have $30,000 in the cookie jar, trade it in on a new Toyota or Honda SUV that will last you more than 10,000 miles a year trouble free.
There is no benefit for taking a 9 year old car to the dealership service department where they are always looking to extract as much money as possible. Go to a good mechanic at an independent repair shop where they can fix the squeak the proper way for a lot less.
You shouldn't be going to the dealer with a car that far out of warranty. Find a reputable independent garage, and that car should last till 200K miles.
Depends on how much you like car payments. Personally, I hate them and will go to considerable lengths to avoid them, but your mileage may vary. And there is no Magic Formula which can predict the best possible financial outcome.