How I did it: Finally got some extra $ from our tax return and bit the bullet to fix the car.  It had been sitting for over a year!  When I first stopped driving, it was because the brake master cylinder had a bad leak and it was unsafe to continue driving.  I was starting it every week to make sure it stayed somewhat fresh, when it stopped starting!  By the time the mechanic got to it, it needed a new gas tank, fuel pump, master cylinder, brake pads & rotors, spark plugs, hoses, and connectors, plus it had a bad front wheel bearing and the clutch safety switch had to be replaced (that was what was causing it not to start).  Over $800 work was caused by just leaving the car sitting!  The master cylinder was only $3-400!

Lessons & tips: Don't leave your car sitting if you can help it.  Always try to start it a couple times a week if it can be.  That will hopefully prevent other things going wrong than the initial problem.       

Resources: Knowledgeable mechanics.

Feb 26, 2012, 01:10PM PST | 0 comments | 11 cheers