1996 DODGE AVENGER
42,000 MILES
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DEBORAH0729
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I have been told that my 1996 Avenger has a bad coil inside the distributor. I have a Mitsubishi engine.
The new distributor will cost about $1,000 and that does not include installing it. I am hesitant about putting that much money into a 17 year old car even though it has such low mileage. If the distributor would fail again I will have wasted my money. Can this distrubutor be replaced with one that has an outside coil so that it will be easier to replace in the future and less costly?
Apr 1, 2013 at 6:17 AM
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CARADIODOC
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There is a reason mechanics charge more for parts than what they cost from an auto parts store, just like Walmart, Sears, and any store marks up stuff, but in this case the shop got carried away. Look your part up on Rock Auto.com but realize it's a discount site. You will pay 50 to 100 percent more locally but not anywhere near $1000.00.

For the record, my daily driver is a rusty trusty '88 Grand Caravan. I refuse to buy another new car because of WAY too much inappropriate use of technology. We do not need computers to run power windows, power seats, and dome lights. My van, and your 17-year-old car are infinitely more reliable in many regards than new cars. If I had to stick $1000.00 into repairs to my van I would instantly do that rather than spend that much on two car payments for a different car.
Apr 1, 2013 at 7:09 AM