Originally posted by: Rumpltzer
Originally posted by: necine
Originally posted by: Zysoclaplem
Alternators are cheap and easy to install yourself.
With a few tools, some time, and some patience, you can do everything your car needs by yourself.
What known problems are there with your Galant?
What's the mileage?
What makes you think it's going to die soon?
I have just about any tool necessary accessible to me. I have 2 uncles that are mechanics, and my father has just about any piece of equipment I need.
My Galant shakes alot and makes grinding noises. It's an automatic and only shifts if I take my foot off the gas. I really don't think it has much life left in it.
You have two uncles who are mechanics, and you spent $300 for an alternator and wires??
I drove a 1987 Chevy S10 until January or last year. It was 7 years old when I bought it and it had 70,000 miles on it. I had never owned a car before that. I immediately bought the Chilton and Haynes manuals for the truck. I later spent like $85 for the factory service manuals, and they were the best investment I've ever made.
I went through a couple of alternators, hoses, belts, wires, brakes, head gaskets, and all the routine stuff on that truck. The transmission let go in the middle of the New Mexican dessert, and I didn't fix that myself. Everything else was me.
If you really want a different car, you might tell us what kind of money you've got saved up and how much you want to spend.
If you're talking a new car, you might ask your parents if they'll co-sign a loan. I'm not sure anyone will give you a loan otherwise.
You might also consider a lease if you really need a car with low payments and plan to have a decent paying job in a few years. I usually don't suggest leases because I think it's a waste of money, but with someone in a low-income position that will be making better money later...
Good luck.