Winter car mods

[careyk]

Well it was 14 degees+ today...nice PT weather......now that my PT is in 99% great shape - brakes and front tires in the spring after hibernation, and my Mitsubishi Endeavor is 100%....I've now decided to do some winter car maintenance. The car has 200000 Candian KM...mostly from the 1 owner prior to me. Its a great little Toyota Corolla that runs like a dream. I had a free oil change coupon at a local Toyota dealer and of course their service dept found some issues...They claim it has a leaky rad? The timing belt is due, the 2 oil seals and the 2 belts need changing. The left axle needs replacing the boot split and the axle is clicking.The exhaust is patched in 2 places and leaking some exhaust. Brakes may need to be done. My geat fair and reasonable trustworthy mechanice will phone me tomorrow with his opinions. I only paid 500$ for the car which is mint inside and pretty fair now on the outside with some amateur body work I did. No visible rust now. 2 new tires were put on the front last year. Also a new taillight and missing hubcap replaced. I even fixed the console lid. The interior was totally steamcleaned by me. I'm willing to put about 1000$ into it give or take....I want to have a well maintained solid safe trustworthy car to use for years to come.

[quicksilverdon]

I hear you, but exhaust, timing + other belts, axle, & brakes for $1,000?
Dunno about that.
The radiator would definitely push it over.

[careyk]

I will probably not do the exhaust....My mechanic is quite reasonable....It will be over 1000$ if I have to do brakes.

[careyk]

Latest update from my mechanic....timing belt...about 250$....front brakes with rotors and pads...about 300$....radiator needs replacement...320$....LT axle...250$.......RT axel boot...150$.....crank and cam seal...2 belts...coolant...etc......etc etc....hoping to get it back today or tomorrow....I'll let you know the final bill...............I won't do the exhaust right now......In the end I should have a really good solid safe car. in the end I'll probably be into the car for around 2000$..as I only paid 500$ for it. Now I'll feel the car is as good as it looks on the outside...and my PT will hopefully stay looking good in the garage.All 3 cars should be in excellent condition and hopefully no more trips to the mechanic

[cruserdad1976]

Im guessing you don't do any of the work yourself??? not that it matters but id bet that pads and rotors for the fount are well under $150 and pretty easy to replace the radiator is a easy replace but probably might save you between $50-$100 the axle and boots are even pretty easy on that car but if you have never done any of this probably easier to have it done. Its a pretty easy car to work on.