Shop Wants $12,915 for Repairs! Can It Be Fixed for $1500?

A local mechanic shop identified almost $13,000 in other repairs. Also, I ran into a major engine problem when trying to repair this 2002 Honda CRV. A cracked block usually results in the total loss of the engine. Let’s try to save it!

I bought all of the parts and supplies used in this video and never accept sponsorships. So, thank you for supporting the channel!

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➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Powerbuilt Ball and U Joint Service Set, 23 Piece Tool Kit,

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results.

[ProjectFarm]

I get a lot of questions regarding the tools or products that I use. Here's a list, but more details are available in the video description.
Powerbuilt Ball and U Joint Service Set, 23 Piece Tool Kit,

[joshuacrai]

Wait up, there’s a crack in the engine block so you got a 3d printer and made a fitting, grabbed a bolt just that right size, cut it down, used an angle grinder to make notches for the o rings, jb weld and it worked?! That’s a genius hillbilly repair if I’ve ever seen one. Incredible!

[CJ-fhxq]

Honestly working on a car and saving money is one of the best feelings ever.

[Thechordwonder]

I've found the easiest way to remove a convertor is to park it outside. Helpful "mechanics" roam around performing this service for free all the time! To avoid impacting your ability to get to work the next day, many repairs are performed at night. As a bonus, you get a performance exhaust with zero backpressure!

[bbaaspencer]

7 years ago the Chrysler dealership told my daughter she needed $2, 000 worth of repairs on her low mileage 2013 Chrysler 200 that was already out of warranty, while she was there getting an “oil change special.” That’s how they get you in the door! She never asked them to do any inspection and estimates and they took an additional hour doing it. I am an actual certified mechanic and went down the list and absolutely nothing was leaking, nor was anything worn out. She drove that car 100, 000 more miles and all of those items on that bogus list were still good when she sold the car. Trying to take advantage of a 20 year old girl!

[blh]

"Imagine all the tools you can buy with the money you save..." My wife was sitting next to me when you said this. She looked at me and I looked at her with a big grin. No need for spoken words! Thanks for the video.

[gravydog]

Retired 40-year Honda tech here. A couple of tips on the ball joint replacement: when you steer, the rubber boots on the ball joint and the tie rod end move against the knuckle so I always liked to clean the surface and put a film of grease for the boot to slide on plus it might add a little water barrier. Also, rubber bushings that twist with suspension movement like the ones at the back of the lower control arms should have those bolts tightened while the car is at normal ride height with the wheels on the ground so that they are at their neutral position when the wheel isn't moving up or down from bumps, etc.

[VIP-ryvv]

Anyone can turn a wrench. The difference between a bad mechanic and good mechanic is in the diagnostic. Thank you for showing how a problem should be verified before firing the parts cannon.

[Eddie]

As a 06 crv owner myself this video is priceless. Mine has 228, 000 miles and I’ve done half of the. Items listed in the video. And some not listed. Scheduled maintenance is key and your videos are top notch. The gold standard for DIY.

[Par_xD]

I bought my 06 Odyssey in similar shape for $2k. I spent roughly ~$2k on power steering lines & pump, coolant flush, timing belt, axles, alternator etc. Starting it up for the first time and seeing all the warning lights gone was one of the best feelings ever, not to mention having saved $3-4k of labor! Two thumbs for promoting automotive DIY work!

[AKJeeper]

This video serves as a great example for younger people to take auto shop class in high school. It was one of the best classes I took in school, it lead to a decent career as an auto/diesel tech. Those classes gave me the ability to save thousands of dollars in auto repairs, so even if I didn't choose that route for a career, it still had a positive effect on my life.

[norcal]

I love these automotive repairs. So many people do not realize that the majority of repairs can be done at home with minimal tools. Thank you Todd!

[turbosemax]

Great video. I have saved myself and family tens of thousands of dollars over the years by repairing my own cars ((Mercedes, BMWs Audis etc). So many shops these days overcharge. My friend’s car had a misfire from one coil on a Toyota Corolla and was quoted $600 to replace one coil pack or $1100 for 4 coil packs. I told him to get his car out of there and replaced all 4 coil packs and spark plugs for $120! It is ridiculous!

[jasonpatterson]

My problem is trusting the dealer at all. I just had a recall done on my F150 by a Ford mobile mechanic, software update only. He did a "check" on the truck and told me my back brakes were shot and that my front brakes should be replaced as well. I just had all four done less than a month ago and a quick visual inspection told me they were perfectly fine. If you find a competent and honest mechanic, support them!

[cutehumor]

Project Farm is about to get 20, 000 emails of people asking if he can repair their cars. 🤣

[murmaider]

FYI if a shop gives you a estimate like that its basically them saying "we don't want to work on your car because its not financially worth it for us".

[AZ-hfow]

Making notches with the angle grinder was some next level diy creativity 😎👍

I have a short attention span and I couldn’t stop watching this video. You are a wizard, and produce some high level thinking skills. Keep the content coming !

[aaronbown]

"I'm not a certified mechanic"...LOL, you are honestly better and more detailed than any of my mechanics!!

[artillerybuff]

I was a master certified tech from 1977 until I retired in 2015, and the only time I take a vehicle in for a repair is when it is under warranty, and only then if it is fairly major because I just hate having other people work on my vehicles. That being said, I am VERY IMPRESSED with the work that you do Todd. On top of that, I do not purchase anything without first checking your reviews. Thank you so much for what you do!!