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  #1  
Old 07-18-2025, 09:58 AM
ryoungs ryoungs is offline
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Default 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
  #2  
Old 07-18-2025, 10:48 AM
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Topspinmo Topspinmo is offline
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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.
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Old 07-18-2025, 10:49 AM
splashes splashes is offline
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Sumter Tire on 301 is very and honest
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Old 07-18-2025, 11:12 AM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is offline
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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.
  #5  
Old 07-18-2025, 11:44 AM
CoachKandSportsguy CoachKandSportsguy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ryoungs View Post
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
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
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Old 07-18-2025, 12:35 PM
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dewilson58 dewilson58 is offline
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Originally Posted by splashes View Post
Sumter Tire on 301 is very and honest
Agree
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  #7  
Old 07-18-2025, 02:37 PM
Michael G. Michael G. is offline
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Originally Posted by ryoungs View Post
Hi all--

Some example: the tires have lots of tread but are almost 10 years old. Should they be changed?
For tires, look for hair-line cracks between the threads.
That always show signs of aging or rotting.
  #8  
Old 07-18-2025, 06:18 PM
Pondboy Pondboy is offline
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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.
  #9  
Old 07-18-2025, 06:21 PM
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dewilson58 dewilson58 is offline
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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
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Old 07-19-2025, 04:51 AM
Rocksnap Rocksnap is offline
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Sumter Tire on 301 is very and honest
Don’t forget expensive. What I was getting done at my past mechanic for $20 cost me $60 at Sumter Tire.
  #11  
Old 07-19-2025, 04:52 AM
Rocksnap Rocksnap is offline
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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.
Local roads you are fine. Highway, not so much. But I’d still get them replaced.
  #12  
Old 07-19-2025, 05:46 AM
mdmurrell mdmurrell is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Topspinmo View Post
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.
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.
  #13  
Old 07-19-2025, 05:58 AM
MarcStephen MarcStephen is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ryoungs View Post
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
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!
  #14  
Old 07-19-2025, 06:16 AM
donfey donfey is offline
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Default Michael's

Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
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.
Agree.
  #15  
Old 07-19-2025, 06:24 AM
sowilts sowilts is offline
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Originally Posted by dewilson58 View Post
Bingo
Correct and this is the rainy season.
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