Fixing Problem Cars

We focus on the problem cars from the 1990 and 2000 decades. I'm talking about the rides we depend on to get to work and take our family places.

These same cars can make you want to pull your hair out. Before you do, take a look at the car problem categories on the right. These information articles can help you learn more about specific issues.

A lot of the posts cover poorly made factory parts with high failure rates. In the "Help for Your Older Car" section you'll find the site blog, listing the most recent articles.

Take a look at the upgrade your old ride area before you start dumping paychecks into that old vehicle. Finally, if you need to ask a mechanic a question you can do that as well.

1991 GMC Syclone pickup truck1991 GMC Syclone Pickup Truck

But wait there's more, we added a fun auto repair skills test to the site. It's a quick five question multiple choice quiz visitors find challenging.

See how your car repair knowledge stacks up against other visitors. This site isn't just about entertaining with pretty pictures and fun car repair special tool quizzes.

We're creating a first class automotive electrical repair section. In this area you'll find articles about cheap plastic switches and relays that always seem to need replacing.

We also supply DIY training articles that focus on diagnosing electrical problems like a professional mechanic.

There's no reason to guess at whats wrong when you use a strategy based diagnostic plan. If you're interested in learning more about the certified technician that writes these articles visit the about Mark the auto mechanic profile page.

The Definition of an Old Car

The definition of an old car is often in the eye of the beholder. To complicate matters even further it might also depend on where you live in the world. First we'll start by defining what a classic car is.

Many collectors consider a classic ride in the 35 to 65-year-old range. Therefore, for the sake of argument, one that's newer than 30 years, but older than 10 years.

This is just my opinion and we welcome your interpretation of the term. I can tell you that when my neighbors Bill and Deb get into their 2008 Nissan Maxima they don't consider it an old ride.

This brings us back to the concept that automotive age becomes a state of mind the owner applies to the situation.

My other neighbor Rob V still talks about how they just bought a new car despite 10 years passing since the event took place.

The Importance of Aging Automobiles

Now that we've clarified the difference between a classic automobile and an old one let's discuss why these problem cars are so important to us.

Unless you live in the big city with an efficient mass transit system you need reliable transportation to get through your everyday life.

Unfortunately, young and first-time drivers often find it necessary to buy an old car with high mileage.

What do professional mechanics consider high miles? We consider odometer readings over 100k a high mileage unit.

Industry experts refer to these money pits as an entry-level vehicle. Sometimes it's a cruel twist of fate that these problem cars can often experience the highest maintenance and repair costs.

In the retail auto repair business they have a nickname for these entry-level rides. Mechanics call them gravy boats.

Technicians call easy and lucrative car repairs gravy. The old car you just rolled in with is filled with these types of needed services.

Every where they look they see things that actually need attention. These kinds of cars have put food on the table for many families. With that said, it might not make you feel any better when you receive a repair estimate?

What to do with the Problem Cars

As I explained on the about me page, my old ride forced me into becoming a mechanic. However, I don't suspect that path is right for everybody. With that said, give my article about protecting old cars from high repair bills a read.

The other informational articles posted here are written in the standard complaint, cause and correction format. They also target specific problem cars or common issues that plague older automobiles.

Often, when one model experiences a particular malfunction many of the same year and model cars will suffer the same consequences.

Even though manufacturers don't like to call it an inherent problem, they'll issue a technical service bulletin, so dealership level mechanics become aware of these common car problems.

You the owner should also be aware of these scenarios. In addition, we make an effort to find out if updated parts or enhancement kits become available to solve the issue.

Author bio : Mark is a retired ASE certified master technician, Chevrolet Professional Service Council member and the founder of FixMyOldRide.com. Watch the video on the about Mark the mechanic page to see his credentials. Mark hand writes all of the articles on FixMyOldRide.com unless indicated otherwise.