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What should I fix first to make my car “safe for the street”
So I had a mechanic check out my car and he says it not safe for the road, I really don’t wanna sell this car, so what should I fix first and could you post a link to where I’d buy it?
Get the brakes sorted out first. You don't want to come to a stop the hard way. I'd question why the rears "don't work", and have the entire braking system looked over. Wheel bearings next, although if they're that bad then they should be replaced along with the brake repairs. You need to figure out the reason things aren't working before you can start buying parts.
edit: those control arm bushings should also be replaced before it goes back on the road.
Every one of those items is critical for a safe vehicle, either fix them all or sell the car as is.
It sounds like you're going to be paying a shop for repairs, you're probably looking at a several thousand dollar bill.
If this is a financial issue then you have only a few options.
-Learn to perform your own mechanical repairs to save money by not paying $100/hr shop rate. Yes this takes practice but watching videos and reading the shop manual helps.
-Generate more income to cover costly repairs, this may or may not be feasible so I'm hesitant to even suggest it.
-Sell the car and buy something that's not a luxury sports car. Luxury = expensive maintenance, sports car = expensive maintenance combat me the two and it's VERY costly to maintain unless you do your own work. Buy a Honda civic/accord or a Toyota Corolla/Camry. They are MUCH cheaper to maintain.
Get a second opinion, they might be pulling your chain. If the mechanic is telling the truth then it all needs to be fixed - brakes first, then tires, bearings, 'cradles' (spring perch?), power steering, control arms.
G35 COUPEbase Murdered Out Black with Black and Grey Leather Interior. Just got it. The build begins
It's a very rare occasion when you find a mechanic that will give you a completely honest estimate or diagnosis. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of mechanics who do not rob anyone, but there are a lot more that are always concerned with the up sale. second opinions are always the best route better a friend you trust who can tell you if the problems do exist.
doing the work yourself is a blast get a Haynes or Chilton book for your year and model, it's all there with pictures. back that up with a couple of youtube videos and your good. you'll find you get get a lot more done for a lot less. if I had the money to give someone to do the work I've done so far I wouldn't. every hour of labor I don't buy goes to parts I never would have had otherwise. hope that makes sense
good luck
Don't bother with the Haynes/Chilton for these cars, Nicoclub hosts the factory service manuals for free on their site. No account, no fee, I strongly recommend everyone download all the sections for your exact year/chassis.