Dear Scotty,
I recently acquired for free (through extended family member) a 1999 Crown Victoria with automatic transmission. The interior is lovely and the leather seats so comfy. I brought it to Big O Tires for an oil change. I was told the ball joints were shot badly, rear brakes shot, tires terrible. They did not give me a repair quote, although they do perform the work to repair. I was told that I could fix all that, and then the transmission or something could go out. The man just shook his head and said sorry for the bad news. Do you agree Scotty? (I love watching you in your videos and value your opinion highly).
warm regards,
Peggy 😳
Ford Crown Victoria
135,707mi
If you can do the work yourself ball joints and brakes are not that big a deal and you can get some decent budget tires. Even if you have to have someone do the work it should not be overly expensive at a good local mechanic. (Avoid chains like "Big O" tires, Pep Boys, Firestone, etc., and certainly don't go to a stealership!) You would just want to confirm its mechanical condition is otherwise OK. No sense taking on a free car that needs a new engine or transmission.
Since the car cost nothing what I would do in a situation like that is do the front end work, fix the brakes, and put on a set of WalMart's "Douglas" tires that are made by Goodyear. Then just drive the thing until something serious goes wrong with it.
Thank you! I am a weak woman, so I can’t do it myself. Hopefully I can find someone to help.
Have it examined by an honest, independent mechanic, not some chain store moron whose only skill is separating you from your money. I would check your oil to see if they actually changed it, filled it properly and actually tightened the drain plug.
I brought it to Big O Tires for an oil change
I would avoid these chain shops.
I was told the ball joints were shot badly, rear brakes shot, tires terrible..... I was told that I could fix all that, and then the transmission or something could go out.
Get a quote from an honest mechanic or two (get some referrals). Tell him you only want to fix what's absolutely necessary. Then make a decision if the car is worth it or not.
I appreciate your response. I will endeavor to find help. 😳