Ounce of prevention costs $690....

It all started because I am paranoid about the brakes on my car. Three years ago I had to replace all the brakes AND rotors for $635. Last Saturday, after pricing some places, I took the car in to have all four pads replaced.

They called and said the pads were fine, but that I needed new outer tie rods and a coolant flush, so instead of looking at $300, it would be $425. I went back in and told them I would need my car back. Then I called a friend of mine (actually I was friends with his wife first, but anyway) who works at a dealership. He told me I didn't need a coolant flush, which I figured as much. I had just had a head gasket replaced in November, and what they were showing me was the same thing that he showed me last fall. The guys at the shop told me they must not have cleaned it off. I'm thinking to myself, "well, it's not a show car, so why would they?"

When I told my friend, he said they could do it for less. I said I could drop it off Wednesday and pick it up Thursday before heading out of town. Welllllllll, they called and said that I could use new CV joints and if I were to do that, the labor on the outer tie rods would be included, so I would save some there. I decided to go ahead, why not? They had to order the parts and would have it back to me on Thursday.

Thursday, the parts came in, the mechanic went to put them in, and found that there was a huge crack in the steering knuckle (as if I know what any of this crap is, but it all sounds impressive). In fact they all were shocked that I had been driving around with it cracked that bad. That part alone (retail) costs well over $400. The one time that I wasn't able to make it to the phone, my friend called. He went ahead and made an executive decision (which I am totally fine with). He decided to go with the steering knuckle and some of the other things could wait, he went with what would make it safe. That cost $689.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but why is that ounce so expensive to start with? I should look on the bright side and be happy I had the money to cover it, that I had driven safely on what I had wrong with it, and that I have friends looking out for me.

I'm just glad they found an end to it. I was afraid if they kept looking I would end up with a new car! I'm also thankful that I don't have THAT to contend with for a while longer!