Inspection Follow Up Inquiry

1995 HONDA ACCORD
215,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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BETWEENIANDK
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Last month I had a full inspection run on my car at the Honda dealership, and a quote for the following needed repairs was provided:

Distributor Housing and lower hose: $650.00
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor: $200.00
Power Steering Reservoir and Hose: $125.00
Passenger side front lower ball joint boots: $125.00
Right Front
Power Steering Rack Boot including alignment: $200.00

I am not able to afford to do all of those things at once, so I would like to get some suggestions on what things are the most important to do, and how long I might be able to continue to drive my car safely without them done. For instance, If I can wait on the ball joint boots for three months, but I need to have the distributor housing & lower hose changed now, I'd like to know.

The mechanic I consulted with shared with me that I should have the most expensive repairs done first, but wasn't sure about how long I should wait. I consulted with another who suggested that for safety reasons I should have the ball joint boots done first, but offered no suggestions on when to do anything else.

I would like to get the most pressing thing done this month, or in February...and then have the other repairs completed every other month until they are all done. Any advice about whether or not this is advisable would be of great help. Thanks.
Jan 7, 2011 at 2:48 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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First thing to do is go get a second quote, do not show them this repair quote and see what they say, these prices are way over priced as far as i am concerned, why do they want to replace the distributor housing?

mark (mhpautos)
Jan 7, 2011 at 5:58 AM
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BETWEENIANDK
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I do not remember the full explanation for why everything needed to be replaced. Those items were the ones identified as needing repair post inspection. The timing belt was also in need of repair, and I had that work completed.

I have had mixed results in going to independent dealers over the years, so I do prefer to stick with the dealer, as my car was driving better immediately after the initial work was completed. I would also prefer to spend money going forward on repairs, rather than additional inspections & quotes that may or may not be similarly priced. The initial inspection cost $100, which is about the price of a couple of the listed repairs.

I am most concerned about which items should be repaired first (and if the every other month repair timeframe is reasonable). I want to be as safe as possible in having this work done, as I drive my family around in the car and am increasingly concerned about their safety. I am not knowledgeable enough about car repair to know what work is the most important, so any insight you could provide about that would be a big help. Thanks.
Jan 11, 2011 at 8:01 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Do the hoses and rack boot and alignment and the temp sensor, i am very concerned about the costing, the rack boot and alignment should only be around the $60-80 mark, just inquire about these prices.

mark (mhpautos)
Jan 30, 2011 at 3:17 PM
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BETWEENIANDK
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Am I right in understanding that it is advisable have the work done in this order:

1 - Distributor Housing and lower hose (to be completed in February)
2 - Power Steering Reservoir and Hose (April)
3 - Power Steering Rack Boot including alignment (June)
4 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (August)

Since you didn't reference the front lower ball joint boots might that mean that it is not a good idea to have that work done? Is it safe to space out the completion of the repairs as I have suggested?

Let me know. Thanks.
Feb 1, 2011 at 10:29 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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I actually missed printed my response, get the ball joint boots done first, but ensure that the actually ball joints are serviceable, rack boot and alignment then the coolant sensor next, the reservoir and the housing are a low priority as long as the power steering is not leaking badly.

Mark (mhpautos)
Feb 1, 2011 at 12:53 PM
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BETWEENIANDK
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Do you think it should be safe to complete the work every other month on this schedule:

1 | Passenger Side Front Lower Ball Joint Boots (February)
2 | Right Front Power Steering Rack Boot w/Alignment (April)
3 | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (June)
4 | Power Steering Reservoir & Hose (August)
5 | Distributor Housing & Lower Hose (October)
Feb 1, 2011 at 2:08 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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That should be ok, but just keep an eye on the un finished items just to make sure no problems crop up.

mark (mhpautos)
Feb 1, 2011 at 5:59 PM
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