I drive a 2002 Kia Spectra. I’m its third owner; my husband and I bought it from my brother-in-law in December of 2005. At that time it had approximately 78,000 miles on it. Nearly five years later, I’ve only put on another 32,000 miles, and until recently didn’t have to deal with any kind of repairs. There was a minor check engine light issue, but that was resolved with a replacement o2 sensor. Also, I inherited that issue (along with cupping tires, which was also fixed by replacing all four tires) when I bought the car.
This year, however, my car has decided to toy with me. In January, my windshield began flapping at the corners. I seriously had to duct tape the damn thing down until I was able to get it into an auto shop. Redneck solution, I know, but it did the job. The windshield was replaced for $250.
In February, my brakes started squealing, so Dan replaced them. Cost? $60.
In April it was inspection time, which turned up a few minor lighting issues and the need for new rear rotors and brake pads. The cost? $500 (that amount also included the inspection, an oil change, and tire rotation). Ouch. Irony? I was watching a commercial about San Diego auto repair when the dealership rep broke the bad news to me.
Then June rolled around, and my car rolled over 110,000 miles. Right after it hit 110,000 miles the alternator belt went, which took out the 3.5 year old battery. We replaced the belt ($20 for the belt and $40 to pay my neighbor’s brother to replace it), and then replaced the dead battery ($80). The dying alternator, which we didn’t know was dying until after the fact, killed that new battery. It cost $250 for a new alternator and a mechanic’s manual, and then several hours of my time in order to get the dead battery replaced with a new one.
Moral of the story? Car repairs suck. It doesn’t matter if you own a fancy import, a Ford F-150, or an economic car like my Spectra. Car repairs will come up, and they will be expensive.
Now I’m hoping that I won’t have any issues to deal with for a while!
Hello, and welcome to In My Bag! My name is Jenn, and this is my product review blog. In My Bag is where I showcase my reviews of many of the products and services I buy and use, as well as the occasional trials, coupons and freebies that come my way. Interested in learning more? 
Car repairs are so expensive that sometimes I prefer to commute.