Ask an expert

I bought a 2000 VW Golf travelled 98K in 2008 for almost $11,000. Since then I have had major repair bills to the tune of around $8,000.

The warrant is due in November (the odometer is now reading 122K) and my mechanic says its likely the brake pads will need replacing along with the engine mounts. There are also worrying signs with the automatic transmission performance.

I think I need to sell this car, I can't afford all these repairs and it feels like this car is just not in good nick and I'm going to have big repair bills every time it goes into the garage.

What would you do?

Emma

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 September, 2010

A transmission repair is going to burn a big hole in your pocket and there are no guarantees that would be the end of the large repair bills. The car could continue to be a financial nightmare.

Having said that, brake pad replacement is common on every car as it comes under the heading of fair wear and tear.

If you were to sell the Golf you could very easily end up with similar repairs brake wise on another vehicle.

If you are thinking of quitting the car best to do it sooner rather than later as the transmission problem will no doubt only get worse and make a sale very difficult if not impossible.