So here is my dilemma. I own a 91 Dodge Stealth ES auto. I am a student at a University with no garage for me personally to work on my car. My stealth has 150K on all the parts; however I replaced the rotors, struts, the front tierods and CV joints. I took my car into a local mechanic and was told that both front ball joints need replaced, all my belts are worn, and my rotors need turned. As you all probably know "ball joints" from the dealer aren't cheap. I have looked at ball joints at 3SX and they are priced at $75 a piece. http://www.3sxperformance.com/suspension-chassis.asp While the dealship won't sell you just the ball joint you have to buy the control arm as well ($550). Now how likely is it that I would be able to find a car shop that would let me order or have them order the part from 3SX and have them install it in their garage?

I am in love with my car, and baby it as best I can on a college students budget; however where is the repairs going to end? Am I fighting a losing battle? Should I sell the car as is and buy something different? I know that if I fix it up it will probably sell for better and quicker. I am just at a loss for what to do and I figure I'd turn to those who have these cars and see what they can suggest I do.

Also this is my primary mode of transportation and I am from North Idaho so it's not like I'm driving it on nice California roads. A lot of the time there is ice on the road and 8 inch wide tires, a touch of horsepower doesn't help my driving in those conditions.

Dan

1991 Dodge Stealth ES DOHC

 

Just ask around at various garages if they would allow you to purchase the parts and have them install them. Some shops do charge a surcharge for this though as they do make some money off of marking up parts.

If you replaced your rotors...why do they need to be turned already??

You can replace the accessory belts with a minimum of tools.