I got the call from the shop as I was walking to the train yesterday, so I couldn't capture all the details -- but the gist of it is, the cost to repair the brakes and replace the muffler/exhaust system -- and all the little things like lights, hoses, wiper blades, etc. -- was $2,500. I opted to go only for the brakes and the necessary items to keep the car safe. I think that will bring the cost down to around $1,000. While that is daunting, I have done pretty well on repairs over the life of the car. In 2011, it averaged $86 a month; in 2012 it was $183 a month, in 2013 it was $100 a month, and this year ... it's been $0 so far. We're talking about a 12-year-old car. And the above figures include routine maintenance.
I didn't go with the new exhaust system because the car is only worth $5,000 and I only want to keep it for one more year. The mechanic did not think it was unsafe to drive with the exhaust system in the shape it's in. And it's not noisy, at least not to me.
I'm glad I have a nice emergency fund. I remember when a quote like that used to tear up my gut. Now it's, "Oh well, that's what the EF is for!"
I just heard from a colleague who sits on the same board that I do. Her position at work has been eliminated due to reorganization. She has been with this organization for almost 12 years and it's quite a shock. She's single, so no second income to fall back on. I feel so bad for her. I can't even imagine how she must feel. I don't know anything about her financial situation, but I hope she has a cushion.
It seems like no one is safe these days!
The Word on the Car
July 9th, 2014 at 02:57 pm
July 9th, 2014 at 03:33 pm 1404920027
I wish I had records for monthly average & lifetime repairs on our cars. That seems like a good idea.
July 9th, 2014 at 04:13 pm 1404922423
July 9th, 2014 at 04:37 pm 1404923840
July 10th, 2014 at 06:19 am 1404973185