Originally Posted by
klar
My recent craigslist purchase, a 2005 ford escape (aka "the red one"), has some issues, naturally. These issues are centered around the rear differential. The shop will change fluids and replace seals or something and maybe the issues can further be kept in check by replacing just one part rather than the whole thing, but maybe not. Maybe it will also hold together as is long enough for me not to care.
The quote I have been given for "everything that technically would benefit from fixing" is something like 3k, the majority of that being parts. I bought the car for 4500. That is a quote from a dealership, for original parts. Is this something that could be done cheaper with non-original parts by someone who enjoys adventures under the hood, or not really?
The shop mechanic seems to think it is a nice car otherwise and recommended getting the rebuild done before he saw the quote on the parts.
I am wondering if it is worth putting some effort into finding a place that might do the major repair with cheaper parts or on the side or something and if that could realistically happen in this case.
Otherwise I'll call it good with the minor servicing and see what happens/ eventually find something else.
Suggestions?