Darn automobiles - UPDATE - see original

[Towncrier]

As some of you know, I decided to leave the Saturn home and drive our (leased) minivan to DIScon. You may remember that this is the minivan that just had a head gasket replaced. Well, the problems aren't over with yet. Apparently they stressed out the minivan during the last repair and now the transmission is leaking fluid on our garage floor. And only 15 days before I hit the road for DIScon.


If things don't resolve themselves soon, I'm going to have to ask PandyPaws for a ride to/from DIScon.

Just got a call from Sue. The seal between the transmission and the engine needs to be replaced. It will be a covered repair due to the fact that the dealership probably damaged the seal when they were replacing the head gasket. Additionally, the front brakes are shot, so they will be repaired at the same time. Great. New brakes on a van that we will only own for 6 more months. The best part is that they cannot schedule the repair until next Monday. We'll have to get another rental car while the repair is being done. We'll get the car back Wednesday evening. So I should get the van back 3 days before I hit the road for DIScon.

 

[PandyPaws]

Good grief, John!! Do you sometimes get the feeling that these vehicles "know" your intentions to take a trip then start acting up on purpose? I know mine do!!

Good luck getting things resolved. If not, the Pandy Express pulls out next Thursday mornng

 

[nativetxn]

Well, rats. I hope you get this minivan whipped into shape in time for DISCON.

 

[Towncrier]

I guess that I can always load up the back with antifreeze, oil, and transmission fluid.

 

[luvdsny]

John, I'm sorry!

I hope it gets resolved pronto! If not, can you say "FLY" ??
And can you say ouch! because that is gonna cost!

 

[Smee]

omg John,....I am so sorry to hear that.
Maybe you could rent a car for the trip?....I know it's expensive, but it would probably be less than a plane ticket at this late date.

I know!!...you can fly to Chicago and borrow my car and drive it down!

Anyway...I hope that it all works out soon for you.
Corinne

 

[Barb]

Hey, Corinne, that's a sneaky way to get out of flying.

I agree with Pandy, cars seem to know when you need them to be in tip top condition and then chose to act up. Hope you get this fixed and you don't have to worry your whole trip to WDW.

 

[Towncrier]

Update - The car is going into the shop Wednesday morning. My mechanic buddy is going to drive the car to work to check it out.

 

[Brisully]

John - maybe we could name the room - Club Auto Repair. I took my car to the dealer for an oil change. I had been getting the changes done at Firestone, but had a problem with the last change, so I went back to VW. They said that whoever has been doing my oil changes had stripped the threads on the oil pan, and it needed to be replaced. To the tune of $400. Just what I needed before Discon.

Gotta <b><i>love</b></i> the car.

 

[glo]

Yikes...no wonders there is no way my car is going anywhere near the open road anytime soon...Last road trip ended up costing us $750....between the fuel pump, fuel filter, tips for tows and the new tire ....


John, you can sneak in my luggage, but you have to get to MA. I hope it gets resolved soon...Keep us updated.
hugs

 

[PandyPaws]

Originally posted by Towncrier
I guess that I can always load up the back with antifreeze, oil, and transmission fluid.

don't laugh...I used to have an old Mustang and I kept a case of power steering fluid in the trunk...when I could hear the hissing when I turned the wheel it was time to pull over and get out another can


Brisully ~ that is more common these days than you know you have every right to take the car back to Firestone and demand they pay for it!!

 

[disneycub]

Sorry to hear you're having minivan problems, John? You remember when you were having trouble with your Saturn? They day after I wrote the note saying my Saturn had no problems, guess what? The catalytic converter went out on me. Figures.

Fortunately it was still under warranty......

 

[tammyh-oregon]

Sorry to hear that John

Have we learned a lesson here....don't talk about your car on the DIS.....things happen

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

How frustrating!! Yep, these cars just KNOW! They also know when the warranty runs out, cuz things seem to go about a week or so after it expires for me. Hope your buddy gets everything taken care of, John, and you are safely on the road according to plan. See you there!!

Beth

 

[BarryHom]

I think you need to hop aboard the Dayna train.

 

[PandyPaws]

John...when there's a will....there's always a way





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[Smee]

John....Did you get the minivan back yet?? Is it "all better"?
Corinne

 

[Towncrier]

If you check out the original post, I added an update with the latest info. In summary:

1. The dealership will replace the transmission seal free of charge on Monday.
2. While they are working on the van, they are going to replace the front brakes. Not free of charge.
3. We will have a rental car for the duration of the repairs.

 

[iluvdisney]

John - I'll be driving your way on the ohio tpk on wed the 27th - I'll keep my eyes out for you - I'll be on my way to pick up my sis in Delaware and head down then.