Author Topic: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?  (Read 1944 times)

Emergo

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Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« on: December 24, 2018, 04:46:22 PM »
I was informed by my dad that his car broke down. It's a 2002 Ford Focus. I don't have great knowledge on cars but I'm wondering if I have any luck that this is an easy fix that won't cost much. I already don't have much money left and in case anyone asks my dad is dependant on me. I'm trying to save money for my upcoming wedding. I just have the worst luck sometimes.

Frankies Girl

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2018, 05:03:37 PM »
I know you're desperate, but expecting anyone to diagnose a vehicle with no details, especially sight unseen, and online, is not possible.

You'd have to get the car to a mechanic. If you can't get it to one, you may want to see if you can find a mobile mechanic in your area. I see them recommended often on Nextdoor so you may want to ask on there. Mobile mechanics (that you can get multiple good references for) generally are cheaper than auto places and will come to you and you can sometimes go buy the parts and just pay them for their labor.

Emergo

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2018, 05:16:37 PM »
I know you're desperate, but expecting anyone to diagnose a vehicle with no details, especially sight unseen, and online, is not possible.

You'd have to get the car to a mechanic. If you can't get it to one, you may want to see if you can find a mobile mechanic in your area. I see them recommended often on Nextdoor so you may want to ask on there. Mobile mechanics (that you can get multiple good references for) generally are cheaper than auto places and will come to you and you can sometimes go buy the parts and just pay them for their labor.

Thanks. I downloaded it. The odd thing is there's a neighborhood in my area but not my dad's.

Cranky

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2018, 05:21:22 PM »
A 16 yo Ford Focus is probably well past it’s expected lifespan. Sorry.

Emergo

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #4 on: December 24, 2018, 05:55:19 PM »
A 16 yo Ford Focus is probably well past it’s expected lifespan. Sorry.

I can't afford a new car right now :(

RWD

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2018, 06:05:28 PM »

innkeeper77

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2018, 06:28:18 PM »
We got rid of a focus because it would have cost more to fix than to replace. But we bought it for $500 and traded it in for $500 so it was ok.. (On a used civic!) 16 years old isn't too many years, but focuses are rather disposable.

"Broke down" can mean many things. What happened? Did it stop being able to turn over the engine? Thats a cheap fix, a new battery or starter etc. Did the engine explode and fall out of the car? (I know someone who literally had that happen) - it's toast. Did the transmission break so that it can run the engine but not move? That sounds expensive. It could also be a myriad of other things- bad electrical connection, the engine not getting spark, a bad fuel pump.... We need details. But the people who say it's hopeless are wrong. I WOULD say that you should take the cheapest path to fixing it- doing it right is silly on a cheap car like that, unless its in great condition, low miles, and was garaged most of its life. (We have two 12 year old cars, and expect them to easily last well over four more years- but honda & subaru are different beasts than econobox fords)

Cranky

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2018, 05:36:37 AM »
And I agree that it might be something minor - but it’s not “bad luck” that a car of that age has broken down. It’s pretty inevitable and you have to be prepared - repair, replace, do without. Does your dad actually need a car?

Syonyk

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #8 on: December 25, 2018, 08:33:41 PM »
You've called a doctor.

"Doc, I'm sick.  Give it to me straight.  Am I gonna live?  How long do I have left?  Does the surgery hurt?"

With literally zero additional information.

I'm going to assume, based on this post, that you don't work on cars, and neither does your father.  At which point, you're probably looking at a minimum of $100, probably more, for someone else to come diagnose and fix the problem, even if it's very minor.

Cars cost money to keep running.  And if you're the kind of person who won't provide details to people who fix cars, you tend to get a bit of a "pain in the ass" fee tacked on - though not nearly the same fee as for someone who thinks they know how to fix cars, insists it must be a particular part, insists you replace it, and is wrong.

Good luck.  I'll ballpark it at $500, with a range of $100-$5000 for that car.

Cassie

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Re: Is there any hope left for my dad's car that just broke down?
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2018, 03:48:43 PM »
If your dad can’t support himself he probably doesn’t need a car. Yes you don’t give any details for people to help.  Why are you supporting him?

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!