What would you do if you were in my situation?
(2012-02-01 15:20:09) 1. Says: I have a 94 Saturn Sl1. So far I've had the muffler replaced, the battery, the tires, and had a bad oil leak fixed. Its taken a toll in my pocket to say the least. Last week it started making squealing sounds when taking off that would get worse when I accelerate, then yesterday morning while on the way to work the battery light started flashing really fast. I came home after because my job is kinda far and I didnt' want to get stranded. I had a few answers say it could be the altenator, so would it be worth putting more money into the car to fix it? Or should I just try selling it and see if I can find another car?2. Says: You have a lot invested into the car right now. i would repair and keep what you have. Its paid for, good on gas and once you fix the alternator, you should still have a solid car that is good on gas too. Hate to see you sell it and the next owner is problem free for a few more years and you have car payments.gl...3. Says: Dude, if you can't put a new 5-buck alternator belt on your car, you can't put a plug on a toaster either.
Can you put a plug on a toaster?
The squealing is a worn alternator-drive belt, used to be called "fan-belts", but they don't drive fans any more, which all have electric motors now. They last a few years, and they can usually be changed in around ten minutes.4. Says: The squealing noise could just be a slipping alternator belt.
that's a lot cheaper than a new alternator.5. Says: This question comes up a lot. My answer is always simple... can you buy a new car, with similar or better reliability and economy for the SAME or LESS than the cost of repair? Can you do so in CASH? If not, it is economically cheaper, in the cash flow view, to repair than replace. Nobody wants to buy your malfunction either, so you'd have to fix it, or take a big ding on the trade-in or resale value. Would YOU buy a car someone said "oh, it's great, it just needs an alternator"? So, either way, you need to fix it, so fix it. Tag: What would you do if you were in my situation?