We are a California family. We've recently returned to California from a brief and unsuccessful sojourn in Colorado where we'd hoped to find a better (less expensive/more space) quality of life. We left California at the height of the real estate boom and returned in the midst of the downturn. Prior to our unhappy wild west adventure we lived here in Ventura, California and when things didn't work out in Colorado we came home.
If you've followed us from my earlier blog you'll know we are undergoing some difficulties due to our Colorado house being rented to someone who wouldn't pay rent or move out. Legal action and a sheriff's deputy finally got him out last month and we have a hearing for damages this week. Unfortunately it is too late and the bank is foreclosing on the house. So it's a race against time to sell it before the bank takes possession. As well we are victims of the downturn in the economy so the oft heard theme of 'times are tough/money is tight' has a personal ring for us. My Ebay side business brings in a little extra and we are cutting back on optional expenses like cable tv. We've long since given up on eating out, movies, and other costly entertainments. Some expenses still arise, unplanned and unavoidable. Today it was the brakes on the mini-van which have been groaning at every stop for some time and are at the point of just failing to stop. The auto shop says we need rear and front brakes at a cost of $800. Time to see what else I can put on Ebay!
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6 years ago
Chantal, I just had the front and rear brakes (yes, all FOUR brakes!) repaired on my used, 2001 Lexus SUV for $340. Mind you, when they started going, I didn't drive them to the point the drums needed to be reground. Call around... ask your friends for auto shop recommendations, but don't delay, as regrinding is pricey... that would have pushed my total up about $40 per drum. $800 seems awfully high.... I used a neighborhood auto repair place some friends of mine have been using for over a decade for all their cars. No way would I have taken it to the dealership... Good luck!
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