Baby - long

[DOUBLDz at aol.com]

Hello everyone:

For the past several years, I've put a good amount of money into repairs and maintenence. I haven't complained (at least not on the list ;-)) I still love Baby and I don't want another car right now. The thing is, I really have to admit to myself that Baby is suffering from old car syndrome: Every time I turn around, something else needs to be replaced or repaired. Its almost as if the receptionist at my mechanic is saying: "What's wrong NOOOOWWWW?" In a nice way, of course. I haven't dared to add up what I put into the car each year for fear I might find out it adds up to more than a car payment.

Compounding the problem is that I'm losing confidence in my mechanic. I've gone to the same place for many years because I felt I was treated in an UN-condesending manner (they leave that kind of behavior to the service department at my local Audi dealer). But, now I wonder if I'm sacrificing good mechanical care for my "emotional comfort."

I remember some of you suggesting other places I might try and I'm hoping to hear from those of you again. I'm in the Jersey Shore area (Central Jersey).

The last incident left be wondering. The car was always to warm inside, even in winter and definately in spring (dare I mention summer?) I brought it in and they replaced some major expensive part (I can't remember what it was called but it involved taking the dash apart). I got the car back and called them saying I didn't think it was fixed because it was still warm in the car and no cool air was blowing from the vents but I couldn't arrange to bring it right back in due to the constraints of my schedule. They said not to worry, bring it in when you can. I did and they found that some fan shot. That also involved taking the dash apart. What really killed me was that the Service manager said to me: "What a shame both parts didn't go at the same time." I'm not even sure the first part "went" or that it was two problems instead of one. The problem wasn't fixed until the fan was replaced!

Anyway, enough of my war stories. You guys are very lucky that you are able to do your own work!

Oh, last thing and my real reason for writing today. This morning a warning light came on and then went out after a minute or two and hasn't come back on. I looked it up in the manual and its the catalytic converter check light. I'm afraid to bring it in and have them tell me I need to replace everything from the firewall to the grill. Can someone tell me what I might expect from this warning light? I'm driving Baby to Michigan in a couple of weeks and don't want to have to worry about breaking down on the highway.

As always, thanks in advance...

Dee, 1995 A6q pearl