I really wish I had a mechanic friend
By olisaur
@olisaur (1922)
United States
August 17, 2010 7:29pm CST
It's been about a year since I bought my first car- a used 1999 VW Beetle. As it goes with a lot of used cars, I had to get a couple repairs done within the first couple months of owning it.
I just drove it for my move out [of my parents' house] to souther California, the total drive took about 14 hours. The check engine light came on briefly a couple days after I arrived at my destination, but it's been off since. I had a local mechanic take a look, but they said I need some repair that would cost &1,500. I got a second opinion from a mutual friend that's a mechanic and he said it's nothing I need to be concerned about, my engine light censors are extremely sensitive and the other mechanic I went to is crazy.
I don't know much about cars and I'm constantly paranoid about something going wrong with my car after such a long drive. Should I be this worried?
5 responses
@urbandekay (18278)
•
21 Aug 10
When you say 'check engine light' I am not sure which of the idiot lights you mean. The oil light? Then perhaps it just needs an oil and filter change. The alternator light, check the belt tension.
all the best urban
@bird123 (10658)
• United States
21 Aug 10
On some cars, even the gas cap can make the check engine light come on. Some auto parts stores will use a tester and tell you what's wrong for free. One can also make a trip to your local library which probably has a repair manual you can study. The more one understands what is really going on; the less one worries.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
18 Aug 10
I would take it to another mechanic. Your friend might not be as knowledgeable about VWs. Anytime the check engine light goes on you should not take a chance because a new engine is very expensive!!
I had a 1970 VW Bug that was just great..no computers, just analog parts that I could work on myself. I got a Chilton's manual for it and never had to take it in to the mechanic, it was so simple to repair anything that went wrong! Those were the days....
@zralte (4176)
• India
18 Aug 10
Not knowing much about cars myself, I cannot really tell you what to do or who to trust. I will share my opinion though.
I like VW cars, I think they are very reliable and smooth drives - not that I have one myself (I'm planning to buy Beetle for my next car, but that will be a loooong time from now). My mother-in-law drives VW Golf. I cannot remember a time when she does not have one or the other 'Check' light comes on. I think VW 'check' light are sensitive like your friend said. That is not to say nothing is wrong. The local mechanic could be right in saying it needs repair. But I would not be too worried about it at this point unless you have a spare $1500.
