2001 Kia Rio Rough price estimate?

Hmmm Maybe I'm just being told I need these.

I know for sure I need new shocks and struts. My whole suspension has been pretty rough for over a year.

I'll give you a brief history.

Bought the car with 6,781 miles on it in Nov. 2001. Did all the usual service stuff.

Jan. 2005, had the front brake cylinders, pads, all that redone.

Mid 2005, had the clutch replaced.

Ran beautifully for a few more years til about 2008.

Late 2008 Had the Timing belt replaced, with all the other expensive work that goes along with it. $600+

Jan 2009, had all brakes replaced. $600+

July 2009, had clutch replaced again. $600+

A week after replacing the clutch, I was out for a drive, let off the gas and heard a high pitched noise, like something spinning very fast, but whacking against some interfering object. I put the clutch in and the noise went away. I let off the clutch and the noise came back. Maybe a couple days before that, I could hear an exhaust leak starting to form.

Some car buffs at work said I probably just needed to have the new clutch readjusted. I took it in for that, and the guys readjusted it for free. I drove the car down the street and the noise came back. Took it right back to the garage, the owner took her out for a ten minute drive.

He pulled it into the garage and had it jacked up right away. Then told me about the shocks and struts, the exhaust leak (which I knew about) then added that I need a rebuilt transmission and my rear axle was going bad. He rattled off some figures which added up to almost $3000.

I didn't have any of that work done. It's been 6 months and the car isn't running any better, but isn't running much worse either. The noise from the transmission hasn't changed and of course the exhaust leak has gotten louder. But she continues to get me where I need to go.

I'm wondering, would having these jobs done one at a time be more cost effective than biting the bullet and financing a new car.

I really love the car, it's perfect for L.A. Driving and it's just ugly enough so that no burglar would ever think to break into it. She's small, zippy, parks anywhere and has a great sound system. AND I'm really not looking forward to monthly payments.

If you recommend getting the work done, which do you think I should get to first?

Any insight will be great! Thanks a ton.
Steve

Thanks a lot for the advice. I think I might just go ahead and repair.

When that shop owner took the car for a spin to pinpoint the transmission noise, I didn't have them touch anything after that. He told me I needed to put in a new or rebuilt transmission, and also told me about the rear axle. I told him I'd have to scrounge up the money and would bring the car back. And I just didn't bother to, but did start saving up money for a new car. I'll try to find a more reputable shop and take her in there. You aren't by chance in the San Fernando Valley are you?

Thanks again,
Steve