Update on Vanessa's brakes

I went to another mechanic to ask for quotes about the things my other mechanic suggested. OF course they're willing to do for less, but I'm concerned. I really need to get on this if I'm going to leave for the winter. And yet I'm trolling along like the sun will never set.

This mechanic, did not give me anything other than a lump sum quote. Which is not what I wanted. I had asked about my outer tie rod and bearings and guess what. They came back with "your ball joints are shot". I brought out the document from Mercedes describing that traditional ball joint tests are not applicable. He cited his 30 years experience and did not fully read over the document. Next time, if I talk to any mechanic about my front end, I'm showing them this. And likely printing out other pertinent comments from the forums.

When questioning about the brake lines it was a real chore. The guy sucks at communicating and took my curiosity hard, I think. Regardless I left feeling like I had to fight him for information, when all I wanted to understand were the options and what he was planning to do. I don't know who to turn to next. I don't want to have to ride out to Burlington for mechanics. But maybe I should turn to my friend's mechanics. Maybe I should ask my other mechanic about other options he's willing to consider.

Maybe I'm so hesitant to move forward with this because I want it to fail. I dont' want to take money from others yet I have to if I'm to leave for the winter. Debt. Serious serious debt.