Author Topic: Garage recommendations sought (Read 4205 times)

Craig · « **on:** November 01, 2004, 12:17:21 pm »

We recently took over a 93 LeBaron from a family member as a second car. We'll probably keep it a year or two.

Last night, the damn thing overheated on the highway. I coasted it home, but have no idea what the exact problem is. Last time this happened to me with my Mystique, it was the water pump.

Near us, we have a Chysler dealership, a local garage I have a history with (and while he is good, he's not inexpensive), a Master Mechanics chain shop, and the usual Crappy Tire, Midas and Speedy. All within 5 minutes drive.

In my shoes, with an older car, where would you take it, and why?

brian · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:26:11 pm »

First, with the engine COLD, take off the radiator cap and make sure the coolant is almost up to the neck, if not refill with pre-mixed rad fluid or eyeball a 50/50 mix.

Sorry, I can't say which I'd go to since I usually do my own work, but I know that if I need something done (that I CAN'T do) I am highly inclined to go to shops that I trust and have good experiences with. Price becomes a secondary consideration. That's just me though....

The Fuzz · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:53:33 pm »

I can guar-an-tee you I wouldn't be taking to Crappy Tire. Got the screws put to me twice by them many moons ago and I haven't been back since.
Haven't found a garage to trust in this area yet...

I'm with Brian, I pay a little extra and go to the dealer, who (I think) I can trust.

Craig · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:54:18 pm »

I see where you are going, but the mechanic I had a history with also missed a blocked cat diagnosis on me, causing undie expense. I wonder now if he is that good, after all. I think I want to try someone else.

I will try what you suggested.

Brigitte · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:06:31 pm »

I'd take it to Barrie's house...

CPHansen: did you just say it caused you "undie" expense??? You must have been REALLY upset.

Brigitte

Drivesideways · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:14:26 pm »

Not to pick on typos...but that's funny, B.

I'm pretty sure that's happened to me when I've seen the bill.

Sorry, Cp. I'm no help on the garage thing. All I have is flak for you. Nice, eh?

Edited to purge my own typos - how's that for irony?

(Message edited by drivesideways on November 01, 2004)

Craig · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:33:04 pm »

lol If you owned a Mystique, you'd cry too.

articsteve · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2004, 03:16:26 pm »

Checking the cooling level is a great tip. Usually it's the simple stuff that is over looked.

Next would be a thermostat.

I would stay away from all chains. I'd give your usual mechanic another try.

multipath · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2004, 03:55:53 pm »

Or if you're not happy with your usual mechaninc, ask friends and family who their independant mechanic is and give them a try.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2004, 04:24:57 pm »

CPhansen, where are you located? In your situation I'd probably ask around for a trusted and respected private mechanic in your area. I know of an excellent one in Brantford, ON, but otherwise, I take my cars to the dealership when still under warranty (not to mention free servicing!).

Craig · « **Reply #10 on:** November 01, 2004, 04:28:16 pm »

No family or friends in the area, I'm afraid.

No one wants to recommend any of Midas, Speedy, Master Mechanic or Canadian Tire, eh? I suppose that should tell me what I need to know. Guess I'll be heading to the local dealer soon.

Craig · « **Reply #11 on:** November 01, 2004, 04:46:08 pm »

Jeff, I'm at the top end of Mississauga. The car is a '93 LeBaron convertible. Hence my reluctance to spend big bucks on it. Not a troublesome car, historically. It has a trouble-free past for my mother-in-law.

barrie1 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2004, 09:08:55 pm »

You're a bit far from my house as well. I would look at it for you but the distance is a bit far. Definitely check your fluid level and look for any leaks hoses and any where at all around the water pump. Hopefully it is just something like the thermostat which is reasonably priced and simple to fix. I would ask your friends and neighbours who a good local garage operator is in your area. Most independent shops are cheaper then the dealer and are capable of doing good work.

Craig · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2004, 10:25:59 pm »

Update: The water pump leaks. Resevoir was empty, and when I poured a jug of water in, she leaked like a sieve when driving. Not out of the rad or the hoses, either, but out of the side of the engine where the pump resides. I can't see exactly, but it has to be the water pump, right?

What's more, on the Chrysler 3.0L V6, the pump runs off the timing belt. The whole thing has to be taken apart, new timing belt (might as well), new pump, and about 5.5 to 6 hours labour. I've received quotes of $650 from Crappy, $600 from Master Mechanic and $800 from the Chrysler dealership (all before taxes). CT took a while before the service techs agreed on the course of action for the engine. The dealership had to discuss amongst themselves for a while as well. MM knew the situation right away when I told them the engine. All agreed that a new timing belt was in order, since the whole thing was apart anyways.

From what I've read on the web, just to get at the situation, the engine has to be lifted from it's mounts and supported from underneath.

I've read that people have done this repair themselves with some tools and a Haynes manual, but that it takes them all day, and I'm not convinced I'm up to the job. I'd like to do some of my own repairs (brakes, oil changes, etc.), but this one sounds over my head. Can anyone confirm?

barrie1 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2004, 01:31:45 pm »

It is not a job for beginners as you will need some special tools to do the job, a engine hoist for one and a full set of mechanical tools as well. Look for a good garage in your area that owns the property if you can as they are generally the places that do the best work for the best price.

Craig · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2004, 03:19:43 pm »

"Look for a good garage in your area that owns the property..."

Interesting observation. Clearly, none of the places I went to fall into that category, as MM is a tenant near a mall, and so is my old mechanic, in an upscale strip mall nearby. Are you saying that the portion of the rent that garages pass along is substantial?

Craig · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2004, 07:08:44 pm »

Taking your advice, I called a couple of garages a little further afield (who are in their own location), and managed to save $100 on the work. Thanks for the consultation.

Where do I send the cheque? ;)

barrie1 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2004, 08:04:50 pm »

Glad it worked out for you as I know that these Garages have to do better work then the folks who rent because they can't leave. The good word of mouth advertisement is the best there is and they try harder and usually have less overhead then the renters. You'l also find that these guys are the busiest shops as well with the best prices. Put the check into your other pocket and enjoy the car.

Craig · « **Reply #18 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:21:21 am »

"Enjoying" a K-car is a bit of a stretch, even if it does have a 3.0 Litre.

Interestingly, I found the timing belt and water pump had been replaced at 91,000 km on Oct 23, 2003. The pump failed at 98,000 km on Oct. 31, 2004. Called Agincourt Chrysler, where the service was performed. They said they could do nothing - that the part was under warranty for 1 year, regardless of km, and no extensions or goodwill are extended in these cases.

Damn, sounds like I'm dealing with Ford again.

barrie1 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 10, 2004, 01:29:59 pm »

Sorry to hear you didn't get any satisfaction from the Dealer but found a good Mechanic to keep the car running indefinitely. You know which Chrysler Dealer not to spend any money with now for sure.