getting a car repaired...

[guapo337]

My family has a 1991 Isuzu Trooper sitting in our driveway. As far as we know, the clutch is dead and there are some small exhaust problems. We'd like to get it fixed, as it's a very reliable car (this is it's first clutch, and it has 190k miles on it), and it would be a cheap and easy way to get a third car. We need to get some estimates on how much it will cost to fix the car, but we can't just drive it in. My father has given me the job of finding estimates, etc. So how exactly do I go about doing this? Call? They won't be able to give a very good estimate on the phone, will they? Eventually, it will have to be towed, yes?

 

[Ornery]

If you ask specifically, how much to replace the clutch? How much more if it needs a throw out bearing? How much for a exhaust system from converters back? How much if it needs the converter? If it needs manifolds? There's no reason why they can't give you an exact price for those specific repairs. Other things may crop up, but you could go to the place with the lowest initial quotes. Get several. Once you find a trustworthy mechanic, you won't have to go through this again in the future.

 

[guapo337]

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you ask specifically, how much to replace the clutch? How much more if it needs a throw out bearing? How much for a exhaust system from converters back? How much if it needs the converter? If it needs manifolds? There's no reason why they can't give you an exact price for those specific repairs. Other things may crop up, but you could go to the place with the lowest initial quotes. Get several. Once you find a trustworthy mechanic, you won't have to go through this again in the future.

Alright cool. So I basically need to find out what the problems are exactly...?

 

[Ornery]

If you're not sure whether it's the tranny or not, you may be limited to shops that can also handle tranny repairs. Yeah, I'd say you have to know what's wrong up front, to avoid towing it all over for estimates.

 

[guapo337]

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you're not sure whether it's the tranny or not, you may be limited to shops that can also handle tranny repairs. Yeah, I'd say you have to know what's wrong up front, to avoid towing it all over for estimates.

I know for a fact we need a new clutch, and there is something wrong with the clutch. But I dont know about the other repairs.. something with exhaust, I believe.

 

[aircooled]

Is it drivable at all? If so, take it to a reputable local shop and let them keep it for a short while. Let them know what you know about it and have them check it out also. If their quote is more $$$ than you want to put into it. Pay them for their time and bring it back home. You will at least have an accurate list of what needs done.


Edit: Personally, I'd spend some money on a good technical manual for your vehicle, and a good set of wrenches. Since it's a 3rd car anyway, it can be out of commission for awhile as you learn mechanics.

 

[Ornery]

Aren't you done screwing around with this yet?