Author Topic: Needed. Reputable Mechanic In Van. (Read 1623 times)

slammedbus · « **on:** December 24, 2007, 12:34:00 PM »

My cousin has a 1990 Honda Civic. It is stalling and dying on her. The shop she is at is throwing darts and replacing everything but the steering wheel to correct the problem. Need someone that can actually diagnose problems instead of replacing random parts. She lives in Van and has already put over $1200 into fixing the problem. Anyone?

Alp · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2007, 02:03:26 PM »

Allan at Edmonds Motors. If a \"DVKK brother\" can't rip your sister off who can!! No He does a good job and is straight up and fair about his work.

silas · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2007, 12:11:21 AM »

hey jason....first...i'd be very interested to know where this \"shop\" is that has been working on her car. throwing parts at a car in hopes that they will repair the problem is no way to get the problem fixed. alot of times it is the simple things that are over-looked and over-analyzed that can fix the problem. of course this is not always the case, but a $1200 bill for a car that is not fixed is not cool. i think a heads up might be in order so others can be aware of the shenanigans that are taking place.

secondly, as i stated in another thread, i unfortunatley dont have any extra time to help your cousin out, but i recommend she call my old boss frankie @ autobahn import auto services. 1721 main st, vancouver bc. 604-873-3858. he can give her some advice and input and hopefully help her get it all sorted out.

good luck!!

slammedbus · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2007, 02:42:48 PM »

right on guys. Thanks. I passed along the information.

Looks like there was a bit more to the story. The car was sitting for 4 months so they changed all the fluids and replaced an exhaust pipe as well as the repairs..... but still.......$1200?? Been a few years since I did service writing but that is steep for an 18 year old car.... :unsure:

steveo_32 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2007, 04:15:23 PM »

chances are it is the main relay or ignitor. #1 most common problems, as long as in the four months water has not contaminated the fuel system.
my 2 cents.

slammedbus · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2007, 04:25:58 PM »

They are now GUESSING the distributor which houses all that inside as a unit. Little hard to spend that kind of dough on a Guess though.

bochintz · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2007, 07:27:31 PM »

I will second the recommendation for frankie@autobahn
he has helped me out a few times

1200 dollars for guesses
damn

silas · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2007, 10:04:46 PM »

Quote

Looks like there was a bit more to the story. The car was sitting for 4 months so they changed all the fluids and replaced an exhaust pipe as well as the repairs..... but still.......$1200?? Been a few years since I did service writing but that is steep for an 18 year old car.... :unsure:

without seeing a complete parts & labour break-down on what has been done, it's impossible to say if the $1200 tab is legit.

but with a $70-$100 per hour shop rate plus parts....it adds up quick (18 year old or 18 day old car....it's still parts & labour).

i'd suggest she go somewhere else for a second opinion before spending any more money on \"guess-work\".

VW 144th · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2007, 10:25:57 PM »

I dont know if this will help her or not but i have fixed a 2 civics with that same problem .....the ignition switch was buggered in both. Bypass the key on position and see if the car dies when the ign switch is by passed. I bypassed it at the distributor.
Possibly...mabey ? Test and see.
J

steveo_32 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2007, 10:35:05 PM »

well, if you need any parts i have a stash of em, engine's tranny's dizzys and ecu (rare that they go)