A Real downer to our vacation

[pkitty]

I think you did the right thing by fixing the beast but are you doing the right thing by driving it so far away from home. I hope it gets you there and back without breaking down. Hate to see that happen. Nothing worse than being stranded on a US highway a thousand miles from home.

 

[tink&cinderella]

I don't know what could possibly go wrong now - seems we've replaced almost everything. We also have CAA and are crossing our fingers. I hate spending repair money - it's not like to you can say look at my new tie rods aren't they nice and new - unlike what I could do with all that money had I to spend it on clothing - or Disney Souvenirs

Hubby is taking out today to visit the in laws and easter dinner = 45 minute drive one way - so hopefully if anything else comes up we should be alerted to it. I am not able to join them as my stomach is upset - I wondered what else could go wrong between today and tue/wed. night - I guess my stomach upset is it. LOL

Thanks for your thoughts.

Tink&Cinderella

 

[kellyla]

Just an idea for everyone needs some repairs done to their cars.Call your local high school to inquire if there is an automotive program offered.These schools are usually looking for people to bring their cars in and have them repaired by the kids in the class.For example my oldest sons auto teacher is a licensed mechanic,and has taught the kids under his supervision to do alot of repairs.My son can very reliably do a brake job on a car(and has since he has been about 14 year old,he just did my sisters car and it cost $84 for front brake pads and rotors)The teacher will tell you if it is something that can be repaired there and all you have to do is buy the parts(sometimes the teacher can get them cheaper from his parts people)and you can save alot in labour.Just something to think about.Some of these kids like my son will be the ones fixing your cars in the future.

 

[digskat]

"We decided to take our 1999 Windstar in for service this past Wednesday "-
We did this in Nov before we left for our trip. Our mechanic is a wonderful guy and did a through check of our vechicle. However we did end up having trouble with the alternator in Loudon Tennessee. My dad pulled off the road for breakie and thought we'd better get the van checked out. Someone up above must have been watching because there was a automobile parts store at the smae exit the kind gentleman by the name of "Macky" figured out what was wrong and even hooked us up with his friend "Toad" to fix our vechicle the whole cost was $275 us + $30 in service. I have to admit that I was a little leary of venturing to far into the smokie mountains, (i think my hubbie even said that he heard the theme song from the movie Deliverance running through his head)but we would not have met some real down home friends. They were wonderful had we not stopped we could have been stranded far from home with two little ones and not have made it to WDW. Hope you're drive is a safe one and all the best on your vacation, don't worry about the van thing at least you know it's safe . Have a Great time. By the way our van is a Windstar '95.

 

[digskat]

. I am not able to join them as my stomach is upset - I wondered what else could go wrong between today and tue/wed. night - I guess my stomach upset is it. LOL

Thanks for your thoughts.

Tink&Cinderella[/QUOTE]
By chance are you the worrywart in your family? I am - my hubbie doesn't worry so I do it for the both of us. Get some well deserved rest before you leave. TTFN Kat

 

[CharlesTD]

digskat you sound like my wife I don't let anything bother me and she worries herself sick. She says since I don't worry about anything she has to worry enough for both of us. Everyone going to WDW soon enjoy your trips and have a safe drive down.

 

[maryliz]

Count me in as another "worries enough for both of us".

Tink&Cinderella ... have a Magical vacation! We have a '99 Windstar and it has been driven to WDW 6 times and we've never had a problem. It's also made many road trips all over Ontario. Just did the brakes, tie rods, belt, and something else that was almost $300 -- can't remember what THAT was ... but we cannot afford a new van payment right now. We got this one for 0% financing to purchase back in '99 for 4 years. I'm hoping to get another 2 years from it, since we'll be out of full-time daycare by then.

CharlesTD -- that sounded like a pretty good deal on your Montana. I've only ever heard wonderful things about them.

We have the Windstar, one sister has the Venture, and another one the Grand Caravan. I like the comfort of my van best, and my sister that doesnt have a van agrees with me -- and she's driven all of our vans on long trips. But I definitely don't like the Freestars, so not sure what direction we'll head when the time comes to buy again. Don't want to go to an SUV because they just don't have the same room as the van does.

MaryLiz