What's the most expensive car repair you've ever needed?

I had my first car for 4 years, until it munched a couple valves for lunch. Due to the major damage that resulted (broken piston), I ended up needing a new engine for $4,000. Being that the car was 13 years old, there was no way I was putting the money into that.

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Byron8by7 · M

Was the damage due to a failed/worn timing belt? Timing belt needs to be replaced every 60,000 to 70,000 miles.

My car needed a brake job last year, almost $600.

midnightrose · F

@Byron8by7 Are timing belts easy to replace yourself?

Byron8by7 · M

@midnightrose No, unless you are experienced with engine repair, with proper tools, etc. It's a job for a good mechanic.

latinbutterfly · F

@Byron8by7 Nope, timing belt was fairly new if I remember. The car was a 1993 Ford Escort 1.9L 4-cyl., and apparently it's common for those engines to drop their valve seats as they age. There are a shocking amount of reports on the internet about it, as I found out 5 years later (2011).

Byron8by7 · M

@latinbutterfly How many miles were on it at the time?

latinbutterfly · F

@Byron8by7 I believe it was just over 100,000. It was way back in August of 2006, so I don't remember exactly.

Byron8by7 · M

@latinbutterfly I had a 1992 Toyota Tercel that needed a valve job at 81,000 miles. SiInce they had to disassemble the engine to do the valves, had them replace the piston rings and all the engine and rod bearings as well, so I had an restored engine. It was worth the extra $500. The car is still running strong; we gave it to my ex-wifes step sister.