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Car Woes

May 6th, 2016 at 05:42 pm

Last Friday afternoon while running errands for work, my nose detected a burning smell coming from under the hood of my car. It was strong (making my eyes water) and chemical. It was the first time I had ever smelled it.

I called SB and had him come give it a look before heading home. He checked all my fluids and did say that the coolant was at the "minimum" mark. He went to buy some and added it before I drove home.

I left the car parked all weekend, and dropped it off with my mechanic first thing Monday morning. He said he believed I was smelling the clutch, and that my transmission has a small leak. He said it should be covered under my powertrain warranty, which is 5 years or 60k miles. My car was bought new more than 4 years ago and has 32k on the odometer.

I called the local Ford dealer and made an appointment for Thursday (yesterday). I had to pay the minimum labor charge ($120) for them to take a look. They determined the problem is my clutch is excessively worn. They recommend replacement of the clutch and shift tower, as well as resurfacing of the flywheel. And none of it is covered under the powertrain warranty. Their estimate for repair is $1375.00.

Did I mention that my car has 32k on the odometer? I feel that this sort of repair should not be needed already. Not a happy camper.

I declined to have the dealer do the work. Instead, I called my mechanic and have an appointment on Monday. He has not given an estimate yet. Even if his estimate is also $1375, I would rather pay him than the dealer. But I am fairly certain he will charge a bit less.

This has been an expensive week. I would like to rewind and try again.

5 Responses to “Car Woes”

  1. CB in the City Says:
    1462558021

    I agree, that's an expensive repair so early in the car's life.

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    1462558857

    That does seem really early to have a part likely that have excessive wear! I hope it is significantly less at your mechanic.

  3. starfishy Says:
    1462567334

    wow, that stinks!!! the dealer wouldn't give you any kind of break for a car that young? that seems insane - maybe you could contact ford? i one time had a newer vw and two of the power windows broke and i somehow talked the dealer into asking vw to cover it (i became a very squeaky wheel!). turned out later that it was a defective part and they recalled all of them - mine was just one of the first to go so it wasn't yet a pattern.

  4. PatientSaver Says:
    1462575332

    That's too bad...i have about the same mileage on my car so i think i know how you would feel. That does stink. I think you did the right thing not to give the dealer the business. It just seems a little fishy to me and i could see them recommending way more than you need in repairs to make more $$. Pls let us know what your mechanic says!

  5. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1462595271

    Ouch! That is really early to be having major issues like that. I hope your mechanic can clear things up if needed.

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