Looking for honest Mechanic.

[big mac]

Hi guys------does anypone know of a good mechanic that repairs rather than replace..or is that asking too much today One that you can actually talk to and trust ?

2003 Impala 3.4 lite 18600 KM --oil changed religiously. Twice in the last week lifter noise on start up. Shut off engine--restarted--no noise. Started again this morning--same thing but this time did not stop.

I think it may be a plugged oil line------but I'm not a mechanic. NOW if it had been a 289--that's a different story

[Kilroy]

Paul Huneault - My mechanic for over 10 yrs. I highly recommend his place.

North East Performance & Joyride Lifts - Auto Repair
4B-149 Bentley Ave
(613) 225-8587
joyridelifts@on.aibn.com

[ex-mailman]

Only 18600 KM and it is breaking down?

[Kilroy]

A properly maintained car can go for over 500,000 km if the body doesn't rust out. I once drove a taxi with that mileage so it is not some arbitrary figure pulled from a hat either. But yah it broke down sometimes

[ex-mailman]

But never at 18600 KM.

[Kilroy]

Errr right. My bad. I slipped a digit there

[big mac]

This may be a toughy------the rest of the car is A1-----still getting 38 MP GALLON ---not so great in town though. We want to keep it---4 bags--4 carts and 4 people-----what more do you want ?

Thanks Dan

[Marcos]

Brian, sounds like lifters are leaking oil and not staying primed. I was a auto tech for 20 years a long time ago and this sounds right.
You may be able to get away with an additive but dont think so. The problem with this is replacing just one bad lifter and finding out in a few months that there is more than one acting up. I wish I could help you out more. Dan's guy sounds like a good start.

[Marcos]

Only 18600 KM and it is breaking down?

It happens more often that we think, especially with American made cars. Neighbour has a 2010 GMC with same problem and they replaced under warranty all lifters and camshaft!!!!

[jeffc]

Leitrim service at bank and Leitrim. Ask for Chris, he is also a golfer. Tell him I recommended them.

[cleek]

if you're in the West end check out AAAKavtech on Edgewater in Kanata.

most honest mechanics I have ever dealt with ( family owned )

http://www.aaakavtech.com/page/page/6424704.htm

[big mac]

Thanks guys---will look into it. If the noisy lifter was not present the value of the car in todays maket is approx 3500.00---e tested and safetied--------it may be time to cut our losses. In the 9 years we have owned it the only thing we have had to do was normal maintenance-tires-brakes and oil We just did tires and brakes all around

Hmmmm---depending on the cost to repair--this could be a thinker

[Kiwi]

big mac, when you go new, go Honda... Then I'll have a mechanic for you. Took my Honda Accord to 340,000 Km. Good luck.

[jonf]

Kiwi,

I would be very interested in knowing who your honda mechanic is...looking to get a second opinion on a repair estimate.

My gf's 2002 accord is having exhaust problems. We've had it looked at, and are told it is leaking at the flange by the catalytic converter, and at the flange by the resonator/muffler at the rear. Looking at about $1000 for repairs. Like Big Mac, the car is old enough that were on the fence regarding fixing or replacing, Ideally, we'd like to get a temporary fix/path job that will allow us to drive it through the summer, when we will hopefully be in a better place to go car hunting.

Big Mac - sorry, I don't mean to threadjack..this just seemed the appropriate place to ask given kiwi's post

[Kiwi]

PM sent. If you need more info let me know. Kiwi

[jonf]

Hi Kiwi,

Your inbox is full, so I didn't actually receive your message. Thanks

Jon

[Sakuraba]

Only 18600 KM and it is breaking down?

Although Big Mac hasn't addressed it, I am sure he means 186,000kms

He goes on to say "NOW if it had been a 289--that's a different story " I think he meant "if it had been at 289,000kms..."

Dan, a cabbie? golfer, photographer, hobby helicopter pilot, on-line hardcore racing sim addict... Renaissance man.

[Kilroy]

And Agent99 and I have been married 24 yrs as of today. The bucket list is pretty full

[OutOfTheRough]

And Agent99 and I have been married 24 yrs as of today. The bucket list is pretty full

Congrats Dan !!

[sebber]

Although Big Mac hasn't addressed it, I am sure he means 186,000kms

He goes on to say "NOW if it had been a 289--that's a different story " I think he meant "if it had been at 289,000kms..."

Dan, a cabbie? golfer, photographer, hobby helicopter pilot, on-line hardcore racing sim addict... Renaissance man.

Didn't i see he was a musician somewhere as well?

[Kiwi]

Check again. Did a dump, and resent. Forgive me... I'm a hoarder...

[dmr]

Kiwi,

I would be very interested in knowing who your honda mechanic is...looking to get a second opinion on a repair estimate.

I've used Japan Auto on Breezehill Ave for > 10 years. Frank has been very good to us and our cars.

[Kiwi]

I've used Japan Auto on Breezehill Ave for > 10 years. Frank has been very good to us and our cars.

Same here, we are on our third vehicle and took my original Accord to 340,000 km. Also worked on my daughter's Accord coupe. Been there >15 yrs and was referred by my brother-in-law.

[big mac]

Hi guys-----Congrats Dan. Yes the milage was wrong-----197,242 KM The other number 289 refers to the Ford 289--piece of cake to repair.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info---talked to your mechanics---the car is now gone--god rest it's soul. Diane saw something she liked--drove it and bought it. If the boss is happy then I'm happy

WOW--two vehicles in the driveway with full warranty for another 3 years each plus---what more can you ask for ?

[Kiwi]

Hey, Big Mac, good news, one less thing to run through your mind when you're lining up those 3' putts. When I read your post I was struck by how important you felt the warranty issue was. Don't know what you bought but since I've had Hondas (1994) I've NEVER had any issue worthy of warranty concers. If it is not the quality of the vehicle then I hope my luck holds.

[big mac]

Hey Bruce----------I had really considered the Hondas but being the second car $$ had a little bit of consideration-----------being we are all on fixed income

I had done some research on what we bought--------it depends on what your are using the second vehicle for. Some reviews were good---a couple-- downright slanderous.

With the repair costs today that is why I was so set on warranty. We bought a 2011 Calibre with less than 30,000 Km for just under 11,000. The size will fit the bill for 60 KM trips and less running around town etc.

I'm sure this will open up the "dialoque" here but if we take care of it--we should be fine.

Those Hondas will run forever

[Kiwi]

Big Mac, hear you about the "fixed income" aspect. I'm revisiting the whole buy/lease/used issue again. I've gone lease for the last two but I keep reading articles by supposed "experts" that say the only way to win at car buying is to get one, take care of it, and drive it until the wheels fall off. That's what we did with the Accord and it worked well. I like the used option because someone else has to eat the depreciation. Lease is good with low payments and again someone elses problem IF there are mechanical/recall issues. I have just about a year left on this lease and with my mileage creeping up over 24K/yr the lease is looking less profitable. Helps to have a great mechanic too (trying not to get punted for thread-jacking ((-;})

[habsfan]

u could of mixed diesel fuel with the engine oil and ran the engine for 10 min done an oil change and would of probably cured that noise.

[Marcos]

u could of mixed diesel fuel with the engine oil and ran the engine for 10 min done an oil change and would of probably cured that noise.

That is a old trick to remove a bit of the sludge and gum from an engine. I used to do that a long time ago but in BigMacs case,leaking lifters need to be replaced as they have worn out.

[HartellL]

Rekman's just south of Kemptville is a good bet; they have put parts on the bench for me, fixed and reinstalled for a fraction of the cost the dealer wanted to 'fix by replacement'.