I need advice.

Kevin_GP · Post by **Kevin_GP** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 6:31 pm

So, my car is not running. I live in a small apartment complex which is very difficult to work on cars (think of working on your car in a parking lot, thats basically what I deal with). I am a very full time student (16 credit hours) and luckily for me I live right across street from campus so I don't need to drive to class. I have time to work on my car but not as much as I used to. Basically I have a built block sitting in my trunk along with other parts that I need to install, but no place or time to install it. Not having a running/reliable car is starting to become a problem and I am not sure what to do. The town I go to college in is kind of DIY as far as knowledgeable mechanics and shops, basically everyone works on there own cars up here. Finding a helpful neon owner or car guy up here thats willing to help me is useless, I have tried. No real neon guys up here either, at least not anyone that can help me with my car. I am not sure I could find a shop to swap an engine and have any idea what MS is, and be able to trust that shop. So basically my question is 2gn.org, what do I do? I honestly just feel like selling the car but that will be next to impossible in its current condition unless its to a knowledgeable neon owner. Do I trust my baby to some backwoods shop? Do I sell it and just cut my loses and move on?

Money is an issue, I have all the parts and intended on installing them myself. I did not take into account labor, and towing the car to another city is not much of an option at this point. What would any of you guys do?

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:34 pm

I take it you're not in Miami like your profile says. If I were you, I'd do it one piece at a time. Once you get the motor in, the rest can be done slowly. You've got to know someone with a truck that can hook you up with cherrypicker transportation, if you're in the backwoods LOL. Pulling the old motor and getting the knew one mounted shouldn't take more than a weekend.

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:37 pm

Lame yo... if I live closer (instead of as far as possible in this country) I'd give you a helping hand. Do you have know anyone that is knowledgeable in cars in general?

Kevin_GP · Post by **Kevin_GP** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:11 pm

Yeah sorry, I live in Tallahassee at the moment. If the car was in Miami things would be alot easier lol. Everyone I meet up here that is into cars ends up moving withing a year, I have had that happen multiple times. Everyone who lives here for more than a short period of time have attitudes and think that neons are the gayest cars in the world. I would just do it myself, but my biggest problem is my location. I am parked up on at a weird angle so I cannot jack my car up.

There is a local car message board for Tallahassee and I will give that a try, but I do not have high hopes as that board has failed me in the past.

Does anyone know the cost to transport a car long distances, say 500 miles?

He Hate Me · Post by **He Hate Me** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:14 pm

Sorry to hear about your situation, wish there was something I could do to help, but well I'm with hansken_yo.

I searched google really quick for car moving and found this. http://www.movecars.com/states/florida.htm

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:15 am

Kevin_GP wrote: Does anyone know the cost to transport a car long distances, say 500 miles?

A lot. I looked into doing this from Reno to Seattle. Way tooooooo much money.

You'd be better off renting a truck and putting the car up on a trailer or dolly.

kevo · Post by **kevo** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:50 am

you already know my opinion on this kevin. Find yourself a shop that does DSM cars, they should be relatively familiar with this style of engine. Or better yet, find yourself a DSM buddy at some of the local boards. There has to be someone nearby with a DSM car. For all you know there might be someone nearby with a hoist.

I just think you have gone too far to put the car up for sale and besides, you need to swap the block out anyways.

hul kogan · Post by **hul kogan** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:25 am

man, i would definitely help you out if i was closer. but, since i'm not...i will offer you my two cents. i know that cutting your losses seems like the best option when your car has been down for a long period of time, but, think of how much you will regret that decision!

try that local forum and see what you can come up with. sometimes knowledgeable car people are right around the corner and you didn't even know it. if that doesn't work, try any other method that can help you find someone who will be able to lend you a hand.

if you aren't able to come up with anyone at all, then i would start to pursue the shop route. talk to people in your area and research the local shops, find out which one has a specialty that is closest to the old Neon (either 4-cyl domestic or DSM, if you have to) and call them up so can get a feel for their shop and what they can do for you.

if you don't have access to a decent local shop, it may be time to see if you can find someone with a truck/trailer that is willing to help you get your car to a reputable shop. i am sure that would be cheaper than an actual car courier company.

just my thoughts on your current situation...

Kevin_GP · Post by **Kevin_GP** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:56 pm

Posted on the local board but no responses yet. I will start looking for shops this weekend I guess, I just hope this doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. Thanks for the help guys, I will keep everyone updated.

TN.Frank · Post by **TN.Frank** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:17 pm

You might see if there are any local Tech Schools in your area. TN.Tech. is always looking for cars for their students to work on, all you need to do is supply the parts and the instructor will help the students put them on and double check their work so the job will be done right. It's a win/win. You get labor for free and they get to learn about cars.

KrackstaR · Post by **KrackstaR** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:28 pm

rent a shed or a storage place, or put out an add in the paper for someone to rent you there garage for a few weeks to complete this task. just an idea.

dblsg · Post by **dblsg** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:51 pm

renting a truck and a dolly should'nt be that expensive. might wanna call Uhaul and get a quote.