Car Care Q & A
Here is my problem. I have a 2003 Honda Civic hybrid and I have been told the car needs its hybrid battery replaced. I have been told there is no answer except a $4,300 purchase of a new battery and computer. The Honda dealership says there is no repair, only replacement of the battery. My question is, with the overall emerging hybrid market, is someone not finding a niche in repairing these batteries? The problem is the car runs fine, but needs to be inspected soon. Is there any hope or solution, other than spending $4,300?
Replacing the battery may be the only alternative, but you don't need to use a dealer-supplied battery. I spoke with the folks at www.hybrid-battery.com and they have a replacement battery for your car that sells for $2,000. The labor to remove and replace this battery is just about an hour. It sounds like you could be back in business for $2,200.
From time to time, the "check engine" light on my 2008 Toyota Corolla comes on, stays on for days or weeks, then goes off. The Toyota dealership's service adviser said there is no problem if the light goes out, and the situation can only be diagnosed if the light is on. What are your thoughts?
The problem will be much easier to identify if you can get to a repair shop when the check engine light is on. You don't need to bring it to the dealer for the code to be read – any shop can do it for you. Once you have the code, repairing the car is easier. Since the light comes on and then goes off, there may be no problem except that the gas cap is not probably tightened after refueling. This would also be indicated by the stored diagnostic code.
I love my 2004 Toyota Siena, which now has more than 155,000 miles on it. I am the original owner and I would like it to last for at least two more years. The size helps in moving our college-age kids, as well as with other errands. I am a true believer in preventive maintenance and have adhered to an oil change every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and I have done all suggested work by the dealership. During the last oil change, I asked to have the tire balance checked because I felt a shaking over 65 mph. I was advised that the steering “U- joint” has a little wear, which would account for the shake. The car also needs front and rear brakes repaired. I have been told the total cost will be about $2,300. My question to you is: Should I repair the van or buy something new?
It is always cheaper to fix an old car than to buy a new one. If the overall condition of the car is good, it makes financial sense to keep it and have the repair performed. Regarding the repairs, the universal joint in the steering shaft is a common failure, although I'm not sure, based on your information, that this would be a cause of the vibration. Perhaps you should consider a second opinion on the repairs and the overall condition of the van before you make a final decision.
I am thinking about buying the New 2012 Honda CR-V. It has vehicle stability assist with traction control and brake assist. I am considering all-wheel drive. Is this redundant, or would all-wheel drive be a benefit?
The newest CR-V continues to be one of my favorite small SUV/crossovers. Although it will perform admirably with front-wheel drive, in my opinion, all-wheel-drive adds an additional margin of safety that isn't available with electronic traction enhancements. In addition, when it comes time to trade in, the CRV with all-wheel drive tends to hold its value.
