Fixing of multiple problems

Tiny
LILYPAD
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
Hi there,

How to budget and stagger the fixing of multiple problems (fluid leak, broken engine mounts, and broken suspension)

I need to figure out how serious these 3 problems are and how quickly I need to get them fixed. Which ones can I wait on, which ones can I not wait on? They all see to be wear and tear problems, but they will be expensive and they all happened at once. At this point, is it better to buy a new/used certified car than to keep this car?

Problems:
(1) Fluid leak from power steering reservoir and return hose,
(2) 3 broken engine mounts -- front, right, and rear, and
(3) Broken suspension - front lower control arm bushing


A dealer quoted me the entire fix will cost about $2K.
$233 for fluid leak,
$1109 for engine mounts ($1109 = $410 for front + $262 for right + $437 for rear mount)
$555 for suspension

The driver (my mom) is very bad with cars. So I was thinking of fixing this car and having her drive it to death. However, I care first and foremost about her safety. So I want to do what's right within my budget (hence the need to stagger some of the fixes).

Thank you so much for all your help!
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 3:54 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
The suspension is my first concern. Next would be the motor mounts. Last, the leak. However, I have no idea how badly it is leaking. If the leak isn't bad, just make sure to keep the fluid full. The other two issues should be taken care of ASAP.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
By the way, I'm not sure where you are located, but the prices he quoted you seem really high. Maybe a 2nd opinion would be a good idea.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 9th, 2014 AT 9:46 PM
Tiny
LILYPAD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the quick response!

Here's some color:
The diagnosis and the quote was from a Honda dealer. We took to another mechanic (to go to a place with more reasonable place) and he said nothing is wrong with the car. A bit conflicted re: whom to believe. So will be getting a 3rd opinion.

Thanks again!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 10th, 2014 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, July 12th, 2014 AT 6:13 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links