Maybe it's just me. I've had really bad luck with my car. I have a 1997 SE, V6 purchased at the end of 96. It just passed the 60K mark, and I've taken it in to have it looked for regular maintenance. They came back with a bunch of problems. I've had bad experiences with mechanics before, both independent and dealers so I thought I would check here to see if these problems seem plausible and/or are common.
1) "you must have hit something in the road. there is a hole in the muffler, which is causing a leak." He says to replace the muffler, since it is a welded unit, I would have to replace all the other things from thereon back (including the cat conv?). Price: $338 (He also said I need to get it fixed asap because when I stop, exhaust is coming into the car.. but I haven't smelled anything.)
2) Both front and rear rotors are rusted (pitted). Rear brakes also has "sticky calipers". Front brakes also needs new pads. Last new front brake pads were about 12K miles ago so they might be low, but a bit quick? Price for rear: $515. Price for front (not including pads): $245.
I'm thinking of taking it to another place for a second opinion. Maybe someplace like Midas. I don't really have $1000 in my back pocket to throw at the car right now.. Any advice or comments would be appreciated. Thank you.
tnt
