Hello Everyone!

I am posting a recent quote I received on some repairs I "need" for my 2005 Maxima. They are from a reputable place in town, but I am just wondering if these are critical based on my remaining goals with this car.

I really don't know enough about cars, so outside of regular oil changes, tran flushes, etc., I am pretty oblivious to car stuff. I know enough that if something is wrong to get it fixed.

I am going to post a picture of recent repairs that might be needed. Just wondering if its worth it or not, based on my next few points and goals. I know that when I had the transmission rebuilt I was kinda committed to this baby for another year or two. I am okay with that and expected a $500 repair or three to come up during this time. Just not another $3,000 one all at once.

1) I just cracked 200,000 miles. My goal is to make this baby last 50,000 more miles or another 20-24 months. That's it. I mostly drive highway miles with this guy and between 15,000 - 20,000 a year at this point. In 18-24 months I can afford a 2018 Maxima. Today I can afford high mile (100,000+) used one at best....which may just lead to more problems.

2) I just had the transmission rebuilt this past summer and they guarantee everything and have a warranty for 3 years or 100,000 miles. I'm good with that. It was cheaper than getting a new car.

3) I have also recently had a tie rod thing fixed, AC repaired, fuel pump replaced, and a couple of other things in last year or two as well. New tires this week before I found out about these repairs that I may need.

4) So, this brings me to my post now. I need a headlight fixed as I believe the actual ballast is bad. I know this isn't cheap, but I need my lights to function. It seems like I can find the part online for less? I just don't know what a repair shop exactly needs. Is it just the ballast? Is there a kit they need to install it? Anything else? New bulb?

As for the stuff below, I don't notice any problems with the car. I don't see any leaks on my garage or in my driveway anywhere either. Makes me think this stuff is slow going for now....which means it could wait? I dunno.

5) The other repairs are they even necessary? They seem to think I have a fluid leak from my rack and pinion? Does that even sound right?

6) Do I need alignment? I just had this done 4 months ago with new transmission.

7) power steering hose?

8) Valve and gasket? remove and replace? Again, I see no leaks anywhere.


Please let me know your thoughts. I know the light needs repaired but what about all this other stuff. What if I just keep adding in power steering fluid as it gets low? I figured once I got light repaired, maybe I just keep driving this thing until I can't. Even if I got another 6 months out of it that would be great vs. getting a "new" used car now.

Are any of these other things in any way related to the transmission? If so and need repairs, the place that rebuilt it will likely take care of the repairs.

 

Just my opinions:

- Look for a used OEM ballast from Ebay or salvage yard. New one is ridiculously expensive, as you can see. LOL@ $137 for just one bulb. Talk about a mark up.

- High pressure PS hose is a common failure. Change this before it gushes fluid and leaves you stranded.

- Rack & pinion can weep for years and not cause a problem. If the steering isn't stiff, I'd leave it alone. Keep an eye on PSF level.

- If you're not doing R&P, no alignment needed, unless car pulls otherwise.

- If not excessively leaking or smoking, pass on the valve cover gasket. Religiously check the oil, like you should with any VQ35.

- Do the belts if they're cracked or squealing.

 

Not to mention you get rack on ebay for 180 bucks what a rip off!

 

Thanks everyone. This helps a lot!

One more question on my light. The one I am having problems with is an HID light. A year ago I got into an accident and the other light was replaced. I just found out this is a halogen light. Is it possible that by having two different lights, the newer halogen light has shorted out my HID light or are they all the same power?

So, why not just replace the bad HID light with halogen light that will be less expensive?