Need a mechanic
 

Hi all--

At 125,000 miles, I expect my 13 year old Ford SUV would love getting some things taken care of before they fail. If I were home in Illinois I would take it into my long-time mechanic who would tell me what needs doing, and he would not at all expect to do the work in his own shop. But now I am in The Villages. So, my question is, who could look at my car and tell me what I need to do but not expect to do it himself?
Some example: the tires have lots of tread but are almost 10 years old. Should they be changed? The windshield washer bottle is broken, but changing it is a major hassle requiring hours of work. Should I get it fixed, or not? The list goes on------->
Ron

Most Recommended tire replacement 6 years, but some claim tire manufacturers recommended being they have skin in game. If you just drive locally I see no problem. I wouldn’t want to drive to Illinois though tires, but that’s me. washer fluid bottle usually on most models inner fender plastic panel removed for easier access. If you don’t drive in rain don’t need it, even if do not driving in Illinois during slouchy winters.

Sumter Tire on 301 is very and honest

I would suggest Michael's Automotive in Fruitland Park, 352-365-2955.

I stopped going to Sumter Tire. They may be honest, but they are very expensive. They may be okay for small things, but if you need a major repair, shop around.

A ford dealer will also do that. . and with a price attached. .

I always start with the dealer, and then shop around the mechanics I use. .

good luck

Agree

For tires, look for hair-line cracks between the threads.
That always show signs of aging or rotting.

10 year old tires? Please get those changed out. How much is an accident, visit to the emergency room, hospital stay and a lawsuit going to cost you?

Please stay off the road.

Bingo

Don’t forget expensive. What I was getting done at my past mechanic for $20 cost me $60 at Sumter Tire.

Local roads you are fine. Highway, not so much. But I’d still get them replaced.

Buy a Toyota. My 2005 Highlander went 228,000 miles before I traded it in for a Camry hybrid. I get 51 trouble-free miles per gallon.

I have a 2017 Audi Q5 and I take It to Expert Auto on 441. They do all my service and they are honest. They recently changed hands and the new owner is great. Check em out!

Michael's
 

Agree.

Correct and this is the rainy season.

Douglas tires from Walmart auto center are made in the USA and very reasonably priced

Sumter Tire on 301 just north of 466A on the right by the barbecue place. They are honest and fantastic and you'll probably get 20 recommendations for them.

I use Wildwood Tire for mechanical work on my Ford truck. Sumter Tire did me wrong once and I can't get over it.

Thanks everyone
 

I hate to buy new tires, but I am convinced now that I need to. But I do wonder if I need to do other things. For example: Timing chain, exhaust system, spark plugs, brake pads, etc. These are the things I need an honest mechanic for. Ho hum -- time to read the book that came with the vehicle when I bought it used 10 years ago. Before this ford, I had a Chevy SUV with almost 300,000 miles on it when I traded it in, and I never had to do anything to it other than change the oil.
Thank you everyone for all your good suggestions.

Sumter Tire and Auto made me happy for the past 15 years on 6 vehicles.

Wildwood Tire. No appointment. Drop off or wait.

Wildwood Tire on 44, just east of 301.

Honest, friendly, and reasonable.

Check with Strickland automotive on 301. Very honest. Does good work.

Timing chain will throw check engine light, exhaust, you can hear exhaust leak and it will throw check engine light it fuel air mixture not right. spark plugs last long time, not like old flat head fords. brake pads you can hear squeal when pad bracket warning starts rubbing disks. IMO they don’t make them like they use too, Especially GM…..

Who ever you go to for tires they will probably look at brakes. If you never had brake work done with over 100K miles pads are probably worn down close to ware scrapers. Fords engines usually burn pretty clean if oil been changed in them, unless you feel miss spark plugs are probably good. Some older models fords (especially 3V V8s can be nightmare changing spark plugs, they break and blow out causing insert to be installed in head. I have no clue on fords 6 cylinder model heads if they take same style spark plugs. I had ford sports trac with 4.0 v6 that I drove over hundred thousand miles and basically just changed oil regularly (for me that was religiously)

That's why I quit going there.

Was the second car there in the morning...................my car was not touched all day.

Tom's Discount Air & Auto Repair is HONEST and charges fair rates and does high quality work. Address: 12024 SE County Hwy 484, Belleview, FL 34420

I've also used Michael's Automotive in Fruitland Park for years. Pricing is reasonable and they do good work.

Another vote for Sumter tire. Also, another vote for replacing the tires. It’s time.

Auto Mechanic
 

Go to Sumter Tire & Auto on Rt. 301 in Wildwood. They are a family business and I have been going there for 21 yrs and have never had a problem. They are reasonably priced and honest.



At 125,000 miles, I expect my 13 year old Ford SUV would love getting some things taken care of before they fail. If I were home in Illinois I would take it into my long-time mechanic who would tell me what needs doing, and he would not at all expect to do the work in his own shop. But now I am in The Villages. So, my question is, who could look at my car and tell me what I need to do but not expect to do it himself?
Some example: the tires have lots of tread but are almost 10 years old. Should they be changed? The windshield washer bottle is broken, but changing it is a major hassle requiring hours of work. Should I get it fixed, or not? The list goes on------->
Ron[/QUOTE]

You might try Accurso Auto at corner of 466 and 301 behind Bargains and Treasures. He is very honest and AAA approved.