06-12-2007, 10:55 PM
OK guys, I should have added some more info:
1) Found a local mechanic based on the recommendation of a coworker; I was there earlier today and he wants $25 for it, I think, but would not do it "while you wait"-- I'd have to leave it there with him, which is a problem. I might want to have other work done on it though, in which case I could leave it with him while (for example) I'm out of town.
2) As for the other work I mentioned-- it could use some body work; also, it currently has the engine light on... I asked him if this is because it's overdue for the oil change, he seemed to think not. The last time it had the engine light lit, it turned out to be nothing (the mechanic who had just done a fair bit of work on it prior to my getting the car told us so, and we had completely trusted him), and the light just went out on its own. The other thing I've noticed is that I sometimes lose power steering-- this happens only very rarely, and almost always seems to happen when it has rained heavily outside (which around here, does happen but not that frequently). If it matters, it's a 96 Ford Contour.
As for public transportation ... I guess I'm spoiled, because in Boston it's fantastic, and it actually hurts you to have a car ... parking, traffic, rude drivers, etc.
1) Found a local mechanic based on the recommendation of a coworker; I was there earlier today and he wants $25 for it, I think, but would not do it "while you wait"-- I'd have to leave it there with him, which is a problem. I might want to have other work done on it though, in which case I could leave it with him while (for example) I'm out of town.
2) As for the other work I mentioned-- it could use some body work; also, it currently has the engine light on... I asked him if this is because it's overdue for the oil change, he seemed to think not. The last time it had the engine light lit, it turned out to be nothing (the mechanic who had just done a fair bit of work on it prior to my getting the car told us so, and we had completely trusted him), and the light just went out on its own. The other thing I've noticed is that I sometimes lose power steering-- this happens only very rarely, and almost always seems to happen when it has rained heavily outside (which around here, does happen but not that frequently). If it matters, it's a 96 Ford Contour.
As for public transportation ... I guess I'm spoiled, because in Boston it's fantastic, and it actually hurts you to have a car ... parking, traffic, rude drivers, etc.