[Guest (MBNZ)]

It came down to 3500 bucks (so I now have a 7300 dollar car)<br> oil change 30 bucks<br> alignment 80 bucks<br> coolant system 900 bucks<br> sun roof repair 599<br> glow plug replacement and check 260 (mostly labor)<br> 54 point inspection and front suspension replacement 1440<br> <br> <br> Within all this stuff I had belts replaced, new radiator, fresh coolant, lots of hardware, steering arm, idler arm, shocks, tie rods, on the record it has Drag link and 'transverse C' whatever that is, tires balanced, rotated (best up front), and a whole bunch of other stuff.<br> <br> LOTS done, feels like a new car. Sunroof works , accelerates much better, no more squeaky squeals under the hood, but it still has coolant drips in the front left hand side (facing the front of the car, like in the pic I have there). But I am pleased, if the drip consists, I'm going to take it back and demand it's fixed free of charge because all coolant system leaks were supposed to be fixed.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Nate, I'm torn. On one hand, I'm glad the car feels like new. On the other...well, you just bought another 190. <br> <br> Of what I've seen, you got a good price on oil change, sun roof, and alignment. I bet they charged you $400 for the shocks alone (just parts). I just bought a pair on line (OEM Bilsteins)for ... $99 a piece. It will take me probably an hour to replace. I replaced a radiator with an aftermarket Nissen for $200 (plus 1.5 hours my time) and spent $10 on coolant. <br> For the price they charged for the front end (its a fair price, for a dealer-a certified shop would charge $1,200)I HOPE they changed idler arm, and steering arm. But, like Manny from Germanstar said below, in 20 years he did not see an idler ARM that needed changing. So, they probably changed bushings only (total in parts probably around $250 on line). Tie rods probably needed to be changed, but I hope they got the lower ball joints and control arm bushings as well, or you will have to get it done within a year. Why it needed balanced tires ($15 per tire at pep boys-same machine)I have no idea, and if you paid more than $20 to rotate tires-hell, I'll drive to Ohio and change it the next time-I still would make a profit.<br> DEFINITELY complain about the drip now, and make VERY clear that you expect it fix NOW immediately, and for free. Don't wait, or they'll tell you it' a different problem.<br> Glow plugs are $8-$10 a piece. It should not take more than 1 hour for a mechanic to replace them<br> <br> Honestly, if it was me I would sell the car for $4000, took the $3500, and bought a brand new Hyundai with factory warranty. It will drive trouble free longer than you will own the 190. <br> However, it seems you got 190 Bug (I'm tittering on the edge and fighting it, but, you know, I could covert the whole AC for under $700 and then there is that leak to be fixed for a mere $300 on top of 40 hours of my time and $1500 I already invested in a $4000, 17-year-old car....) ;-)<br> <br> So, enjoy the car ( I KNOW it feels great) and drop me a line when you'll need a new heater blower motor ($260 from a dealer, $99 on line, and it takes only 2-4 hours to replace...)<br> <br> Good Luck ))

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

glad you had your 190 back in shape.... but piotr was right - it was kinda stiff with regards to the money you spent... but hey don't kill yourself lol...j/k ... now you we need to talk about modifying the outside apperance...

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

hahaha yeah is it possible for a rear fin? I'd like a spoiler... just what does it take?

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Oh heck, go for the airdam-looks awesome!!

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Well, there's no more coolant drips in the driveway.

I didn't want to give Crown an ear full until I knew that it was leaking consistantly. Since it stopped I won't complain. I figure it was just overfill or drippings that were left in the bellypan. Which, by the way they had to put new bolts on. My belly pan had 2 of the 8 bolts left on it... No clue how that one happened. Probably the idiot who messed up the oil filter looking for it under the car.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Well, there's no more coolant drips in the driveway.

Yup, I just forgot one of the screws (I put it in the door pocket for now...) <br> ;-P

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Re: Well, there's no more coolant drips in the driveway.

That's where I put my accelerator pedal cover thing. It kept comming off and when it did it made accelerating a problem. No more problem.