I bought a 2002 Protege5 last year, used, from a friend (who bought it used from the dealership), and, while it's caused me no problems (I love this car!), t's time for some tuning up. Without having looked at the car, a mechanic I called thinks I need new struts (possibly new suspension), timing belt, alternator belt, power-steering belt, and fan belts- which is just for starters. I know I need a new timing belt since I'm a little over 65,000 miles, but I need some help figuring out what the prices should be. He said Struts would be about $388, all the belts would be about $377, and an alignment is $68.
I also need help figuring out if all of those things should even be replaced at all. Being a girl in her 20s, my experience with mechanics telling me the truth has been so-so. I take pretty good care of the car, but live in Boston and the winters are brutal on the roads, so the suspension has taken a bit of a beating from all the potholes (I've heard I need new struts before). If anyone can help me out, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
I also need help figuring out if all of those things should even be replaced at all. Being a girl in her 20s, my experience with mechanics telling me the truth has been so-so. I take pretty good care of the car, but live in Boston and the winters are brutal on the roads, so the suspension has taken a bit of a beating from all the potholes (I've heard I need new struts before). If anyone can help me out, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!