I took my car to a friend of a friend who owns a shop that specializes in high European car service work (first mistake). I just wanted him to give the car a once over and tell me what work needs to be done (2nd mistake). We put the car on the lift (flanked by a Porsche and a Ferrari) and he says "I can't help you - I don't do rust". He says "I wouldn't put another dime into the car. Keep oil in it and drive it til it dies".
Here's what we/I saw. The car has a relatively new torque converter. New timing belt and water pump. It has an exhaust leak on the outlet side of the cat. The inlet connection side to the cat looks tenuous as well. The oil pan has been dented/pushed and there is a small oil leak in that area. The oil pan needs to be replaced and resealed. In order to remove the oil pan, I have to discount a very rusty exhaust pipe (downpipe?). The mechanic says he would be scared to touch it because the whole pipe could crumble and - as he said - he doesn't do rust.
It also appears that the rear brake line (high pressure line at rear of car) is rusty.
Much as I don't like the automatic, I really like this car and I'm not willing to let it go to hell. In the next breath, I'm not interested in compromising my retirement account to keep her afloat.
How should I address the exhaust and brake line issue?
