2001 Chrysler Sebring Is This Worth Fixing!

TJOLOLO

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

Last week: the right front control arm snapped. Right upper ball joint also busted.

Last night: towed the car to my usual (chain, sadly) garage for a look. They say I need 2x upper ball joints, 2x outer tie rod ends, front brakes, wheel alignment and 1x lower ball joint.

May 2008: had the whole front end repaired including new front brakes.

September 2008: had the front ball joints and tie rods replaced, new tires put on, and some other front end repairs. (Note: when the garage looked into my car's history, they claim that they did the rear ball joints, not the front. Either they're lying or else they did the wrong work the last time, either way not amused).

December 2008: had to replace coolant housing, thermostat, oil pump, etc.

TODAY: they want me to pay them $1700 to fix everything they claim I need. Or, I can pay $500 to get the car back on the road. This will be a repair of only the ball joints and tie rod ends.

What I want to know is, should I give them ANY money at all or should I have the car towed to another garage? Is it really safe to only do the minimum work?

Finally, is this worth repairing at all at this point?

Please help! :)

Chris

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok I would go to another shop and get a new estimate and you said the ball joint broke so what happen to the strut on that side which would call for replacing both as they wear together. I come up with about 1500 to 1800 depending on what all is wrong. I am looking at struts tie rod ends inner and outers both sides and both upper and lower ball joint and a lower control arm and sway bar links.
Now weather it is worth it or not really depends on how much you like the car with 240000 miles on it I will be supprised if the engine and or trans is not far behind to be honest with you. So you need to weigh it all out and see what will be best for your pocket book. If I can help at all just ask I will try.