Repair the car, no question!!!!

I went through this last year. We have 2 cars and I traded in our 10 year old car with about ~100K miles to get a new one with all the newer safety features. I had a Mazda CX-5 and over the years, had to put ~$8K into maintaining it, including a $4500 bill during COVID. That really left a bad taste in my mouth b/c I would have rather sold it then, but a new car was not feasible. The repair did breathe new life into the car though, making the driving experience less unpleasant. I just paid for the repair and waited, with a plan to see how the market was late.

You need to shop around and especially don't take the word of a dealer. I have a 20 year old car that I will spend apx 1000 to repair because if I don't it is worth next-to nothing.

Anonymous wrote:Not being a “car person” you are at the mercy of your mechanic to make the right repairs. How do you know that the rattling noise is related to suspension and is not just a rusty heat shield, which is annoying but not a safety concern. Get a second opinion

This is true, I do trust the mechanics as I've been going to them for 10 years and they've never yet led me wrong (and their estimates for the heating/cooling problem tracked with what I eventually paid at the dealership which is where I got the repair done, as these guys weren't able to take it on for some reason I can't now remember!) --OP

Anonymous wrote:Are you planning to have a car for the teen? If so, repair, keep it, and get something new for you when you need a third car.

OP here, we are a 1-car family and plan to remain so, thus the teen will be practicing on / driving whatever car I have at the time!

Are you planning to have a car for the teen? If so, repair, keep it, and get something new for you when you need a third car.

Not being a “car person” you are at the mercy of your mechanic to make the right repairs. How do you know that the rattling noise is related to suspension and is not just a rusty heat shield, which is annoying but not a safety concern. Get a second opinion