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Catalytic Converter

December 16th, 2014 at 02:18 pm

I got the call yesterday -- a new catalytic converter is needed. With parts and labor, it is more than $1000. I certainly hope this will be the last repair for a while. I know I am working with an old car, but it's hard when all the repairs seem to come at once. I sure don't want to buy a new car, and I don't want to give up the car yet, so .... needs must.

Work is nice and slow this last week before Christmas break. I have but a few tasks today, and yesterday I had plenty of time to catch up on the work that piled up during vacation. Meetings are being canceled left and right.

I did some Amazon Christmas shopping yesterday and spent about $88 out of pocket. All that's left to do is to fill some "goody" boxes (instead of stockings) and buy some little gifts to open for the grandsons. Also need to get a little something for the boys' other grandma (we are both at the gift-opening). Oh, and a little something for the girlfriends. I guess I'm not done at all. Sigh.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “Catalytic Converter”

  1. ThriftoRama Says:
    December 16th, 2014 at 03:51 pm 1418745067
    1418745067

    I feel you on the car. We have a 1997 Honda Civic that's been humming along for 250k miles, but all of a sudden in the last three weeks has needed $600 brake work, $450 exhaust work, and now has a leaking head gasket. We just need it to last a couple more years, so we're putting the money in. Plus, I guess it's the least we can do since it's needed virtually nothing but tires and oil changes for almost 20 years!

  2. CB in the City Says:
    December 16th, 2014 at 06:03 pm 1418753000
    1418753000

    That's how I feel. My 2001 RAV4 has been basically repair-free for all the years I've owned it, so I am not too upset that it's needing repairs now.

  3. snafu Says:
    December 16th, 2014 at 06:32 pm 1418754742
    1418754742

    With the years of service delivered by the RAV, you will need a line item in your 2015 budget for repairs. Your manual will list mileage maintenance items whose costs you may be able to guesstimate and plan. I found it helpful to review Phil Edmonston's Lemon Aid books [available at library] for likely repairs. The theory is the vehicle's KBB value needs to exceed the cost of repairs. I see your circumstances slightly different since your RAV isn't used daily to commute. Do your oil change receipts for 2014 identify miles driven for the year?

    It would be helpful to track mileage on the 1st of each month to tally annual mileage and driving patterns 2015. If you carry out your plan to retire at the end of 2015, what do you see as future transportation needs? If the car is in for repair for a 3 day stretch, does your mechanic have a loaner? Would you be happy using a GoTo mini car or car rental? It helps to join CarGo on promo periods when they wave the annual fee. It's important to know the least expensive rental cars in your area. Have you added the rider on your auto insurance that covers rental so that you don't get ripped off on that scam.

  4. LuckyRobin Says:
    December 16th, 2014 at 07:06 pm 1418756771
    1418756771

    It seems like it is the week for expensive car repairs. I am looking forward to getting my van back tomorrow with a leak free moon roof.

  5. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    December 17th, 2014 at 01:07 am 1418778476
    1418778476

    Ouch! I hope that this is the end of your car woes for a good bit.

  6. ThriftoRama Says:
    December 17th, 2014 at 02:42 pm 1418827326
    1418827326

    Moon roof? You're riding in much more style than I am!

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