small on the grand scale of things

**Darlene** · 10-18-2004, 08:42 PM

but it's really hitting the fan at our house. Sure could use some good thoughts that the vehicle fairy shines nicely on us. My car is in the shop for a leak in the gas line, Jacks truck is shaking like a...as of today and also as of today my dd's car that gets her to & from college has a major coolant problem and is undrivable. If it's in the gasket which is probable at this point, labor is over $400 off the bat. Hopefully I can get the guys in the shop to work on my car & finish it tomorrow so I can bring the other 2 in. Marks car is a standard that only he & Jack can drive so Jack will be taking it to work tomorrow. Argh I hate spending big bucks on something I really don't get to really enjoy.

Besides, where the heck is the money going to come from to pay for all this fun??

Thanks for letting me vent. Before I even knew that I had so many probs with cars I was joking with the guy at the car place when I dropped mine off today "How about a group discount?" Well, I could really use one now.

**kimmee** · 10-18-2004, 08:45 PM

Darlene - did you know it is actually enjoyable to work on cars - as long as it is not something major - I hate to see you spend $400 on labor - just come down and see me and we'll fix those cars and go play with the $400!! I don't know what your husband health is like but even suspension work is fairly straightforward...

**Ellise** · 10-18-2004, 08:53 PM

Darlene

sending you good car fairies.

**Goodwin17** · 10-18-2004, 08:54 PM

Darlene. I know that car troubles can be stressful. Especially when everyone in the family is having them!!

**SewCrafty** · 10-18-2004, 08:56 PM

Oh Darlene!

Hate those kind of expenses! Just had to put new brakes and rotors on my car again before I went to Chelle's to the tune of $375 and he only charged us $60 in labor!

Expensive parts, I can tell you.

Big

my friend.

**kimmee** · 10-18-2004, 09:02 PM

Man I just cringe when I hear what yo uguys pay - one of the greatest classes I ever taught was basic car maintenence fo r the girls in my unwed Pregnancy group - its really not that hard - it is extremely rewarding and boy is it frugal!!!

**Darlene** · 10-18-2004, 09:19 PM

Originally posted by kimmee
Man I just cringe when I hear what yo uguys pay - one of the greatest classes I ever taught was basic car maintenence fo r the girls in my unwed Pregnancy group - its really not that hard - it is extremely rewarding and boy is it frugal!!!

Hubby would work on the car if he wasn't working & could cram his fingers into the tight spaces they may give you to actually work on the car. Seems like to even change a headlight or fuse you have to take out a panel or other such thing. Sometimes you can't even see the spark plugs to change them lol. So many electrical things too. Wish cars were as easy to work on as they used to be.

**kimmee** · 10-18-2004, 09:36 PM

yeah the newer cars kindof stink in that regard and if it has anything to do with the computer - but i just hate to here of anyone getting robbed for breaks and gaskets and whatnot - they sure think they have us now don't they - I am sorry you are having car problems - I didn't mean to lighten that!!

**Sara Noel** · 10-18-2004, 09:40 PM

Sorry to hear about your car troubles. Not just one car either.

It's not really "small" to me. Car repairs can get costly and I've definitely been there. The atmosphere of cars breaking down isn't too cheery and paying for repairs stinks even more. (not to mention the whole transportation thing)

I know it's been quite a time financially lately with this and that. Let's hope you're golden for a long time after this.

**halo475** · 10-18-2004, 09:42 PM

So sorry Darlene-Hoping for that group discount!!

**forestdale** · 10-18-2004, 09:51 PM

Awwww Darlene.

I hope you can get some sort of discount. When you go back, tell him you were serious about the group discount thingie.

**simplemom** · 10-18-2004, 09:51 PM

Oh Darlene, I'm sorry you're having all these car problems all at the same time. It sure can get very expensive quickly...

I hope that somehow the money will be there to pay it all. Manybe you could get a group discount afterall?....Thinking about you.

**bamamomto4** · 10-18-2004, 10:05 PM

I'm sorry you're having car troubles

**Guest1** · 10-18-2004, 10:40 PM

here's hoping this car magician helps!!

Darlene, if good vibes

could fix a vehicle, I'd say your troubles are over....I really hope this all gets worked out for you soon!!

**guest2** · 10-18-2004, 10:57 PM

Darlene

Make sure you ask about a "fleet rate".

Some places will actaully give them to you if you are having quite a bit of work done. The shuddering could be caused by your u-joints going and that is not a cheap fix or one you want to do yourself.