New to the forum - tried searching a couple of different keywords. Hoping for helpful input:
2011 Outlander SE 2.4L with 187k miles. Spent over $1k on suspension work about a week ago. Car has been running well (until now) and is paid off. Developed a new grinding sound while turning over the starter. Mechanic says the "Starter Cap" (he described it as a sort of cover over the front of the starter) broke and pieces have chewed up the teeth on both the starter and Flywheel, so both will need replacing. Says the work involves dropping the transmission. Gave me a quote of over $2.5k, and offered an "extended warranty" (which I am sure was not included in the quote).
I like the car, and I had honestly planned to drive the thing into the ground, I just didn't expect to do so a week after dropping a grand on it. The total cost (including last week's suspension work) would be close to $4k, which will keep me on a ramen and water diet for 6 months to pay off.
Question is, do I fix it, take the warranty, and hope to pay off the repair before I trade it in, or cut my losses and take on a new note for a different car?
Does anyone have experience with this repair?
How about "Does anyone have an Outlander with over 200k miles on it?"
Let's See What Happens...