Saved some $$$ today...

[ajh88]

Maybe no one cares, but I've resolved to look at the bright side of things. I am getting ready to return to work full time (finally!) after my year of rotations for school. I'm DONE (all I have to do is graduate now!), but that isn't the point of my post...

About a week ago, my car started making a horrible noise. We only have one car at the moment, so I knew it would have to be addressed ASAP. I figured it was the brakes and it turns out I was right. I priced out a brake job at a couple of places - it ranged from $200 to $275 (for new pads and new rotors, including labor). That sounded pretty reasonable, but I was talking about it with my grandparents...my grandma suggested that we just buy the parts and let DH help my grandpa put them on. (DH is NOT automotively inclined but grandpa worked as a mechanic for years - I just don't like asking him to work on my car, KWIM?). So, in less than 3 hours today, DH and grandpa went to town to buy parts and installed our new brakes...total cost was $104.

I'm happy that we got the car fixed, I got to visit my grandma for several uninterrupted hours, and we saved at least $100. I can't wait to get back to work for money and start getting a paycheck again!

 

[Marionnette]

That is so cool. I would be afraid to drive any car that my husband serviced the brakes on. He is not mechanically inclined in the least! Good for your grandpa for passing on his knowledge and good for your husband for being willing to learn!

 

[tripletots]

Mechanics and plumbing........those are two things I wish my DH could do.

Congratulations for saving some money. That's always fun.

Good luck on your new job.

 

[dfchelbay]

Maybe no one cares, but I've resolved to look at the bright side of things. I am getting ready to return to work full time (finally!) after my year of rotations for school. I'm DONE (all I have to do is graduate now!), but that isn't the point of my post...

About a week ago, my car started making a horrible noise. We only have one car at the moment, so I knew it would have to be addressed ASAP. I figured it was the brakes and it turns out I was right. I priced out a brake job at a couple of places - it ranged from $200 to $275 (for new pads and new rotors, including labor). That sounded pretty reasonable, but I was talking about it with my grandparents...my grandma suggested that we just buy the parts and let DH help my grandpa put them on. (DH is NOT automotively inclined but grandpa worked as a mechanic for years - I just don't like asking him to work on my car, KWIM?). So, in less than 3 hours today, DH and grandpa went to town to buy parts and installed our new brakes...total cost was $104.

I'm happy that we got the car fixed, I got to visit my grandma for several uninterrupted hours, and we saved at least $100. I can't wait to get back to work for money and start getting a paycheck again!

Just think how over the moon your grandpa is that he could do that for you. Also, how giddy grandma was to have such a nice long visit with you. He's proud he could do that for you and she is proud her #1 man has still got it.

I've had one crappy day today, but reading this post makes me happy.

 

[eyor44]

Double bonus day for you! visit with grandparents and saving $$$. How wonderful!

 

[Taja]

Congratulations! On saving money and some special time with your grandmother!

And best wishes for your upcoming graduation and full-time return to the work force!

 

[Reddy]

That is wonderful - Grandparents love to be needed - I bet it made their day too

 

[MarthaJr.]

We just did the same thing 2 weeks ago except it was DH and his father. They saved us about $350 on the brakes!

I think more and more people are trying to find ways to fix things or do work themselves. It is really a good way to spend quality time with family, friends or neighbors and save yourself some money. This is how our grandparents were able to get by when times were rough. I believe it is a good lifestyle to get back to.

Best of luck to you as you re-enter the workplace and have a wonderful graduation celebration!

 

[DawnM]

Great!

My dad was NOT mechanically inclined at all. I am so glad my husband is, it has saved us thousands.

Dawn

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

For simple repairs our local JVS will do the repairs for free but you have to bring the parts. They always need things to practice on. I get my oil changed there and I do make a donation to the class fund which they in turn us to for class outings such as going bowling and such.

You can even take your lawnmower there for a tune up or repair.

 

[bettymae1121]

Good for you! My DH is very handy, not only does he do ALL the repair work on our cars, but he does all the remodeling in our home (including plumbing and electric). He has saved us thousands of $$$ over the years.

Girls, when shoping for husbands...make sure they're handy!

 

[mrodgers]

It's amazing how much you can save by doing car maintenance/repair yourself. I've done many maintenance jobs on my cars lately....

Brakes are a piece of cake. 2 bolts, slide pads out, slide new pads in, 2 bolts back on. In the case of rotors, same thing, the caliper has to come off, pull rotor off, push new rotor back on. Even better, take old rotor to a machine shop and have them cut down. $20 in stead of $50-100 each. Probably $500+ at the shop, $30-50 myself.

Just replaced a control arm that didn't pass inspection. $500 at the shop, $70 myself.

Just replaced an axle, again $500 at the shop, $130 for the axle replacing myself.

Clutch - $1200 at the shop, my cost - 1 weekend and $100 for a clutch kit. Savings of $1100.

Headgasket - $900 at the shop, my cost - 1 day and $30 for the gasket. Note, this was a very very very old car, thus I didn't bother with having the head checked or shaved, which would have cost another couple hundred $$$. Savings of $870.

So, over the past 12 months, 1 car front rotors and brakes (replaced rotors), 1 car all 4 rotors and brakes, control arm, axle, clutch, and headgasket..... $4350 estimated at the shop, my cost - $1020. Savings of $3330.

This doesn't include oil changes, which aren't a money savings but a time and quality savings. 45 minutes in, 1 hour estimated wait, 45 minutes back home, $25 for bulk dino oil. Repeat for 2nd car. Total, 5 hours of time and $50 not including the gas for 140 miles on 2 cars. At home, half an hour to change oil in the driveway side by side and $50 for synthetic oil (needed for the turbo, wanted in the 2nd car.)