Hi - to anyone who can offer me advice on my car, I would really, really appreciate it... I'm broke and would prefer to pay my mechanic to fix my car rather than spend hours trying to diagnose it...
I have a 1995 Camry with about 145,000 miles on it, and it's got 3 big problems.
1) I have a radiator leak. I don't know where exactly the leak is, but I can see big holes in the radiator if I look down at it. Not my big problem, but I thought conceivably it could have something to do with the others....
2) The car is (has been) running terribly for about 8 months. At first, it wasn't so bad... the engine wouldn't stay at a stable speed unless it was in park; while runnning the RPMs would surge and then drop, then surge back again, etc. I changed the spark plugs and wires and that seemed to fix it for a while, but then it came back. I changed the spark plugs and wires again, but it didn't really help. The problem's been getting progressively worse and worse, to the point where the RPMs drop below 500 and the car will stall without extra gas. By now, I have to pretty much floor the gas to get the car to move... I'm afraid to drive it.
3) My car is LOUD. It used to be quiet, but now it sounds like my fiance's 1980 Camaro. Except the Camaro is supposed to be loud. The noise is really deep and it kind of pulsates like the Camaro (or other muscle cars I've heard... except my little 4-cylinder car is far from "muscular!").
A while ago, when the radiator started to leak, I overheated several times. The noise and bad running were there beforehand, but now they are definitely worse. What I want to know is 1) does anybody know what was wrong with my car before it overheated and 2) is it likely that I have engine damage from overheating? (And if anyone can offer up a #3- that is, how much will it cost to fix- that would be nice).
I know this is a long post, but if anyone can help me out I will be eternally grateful... I'm a broke college student :( and so your advice would be great. Thanks a million,
Andrea

The leaking radiater is a major problem that must be addressed asap.The rough running engine could be a number of things Has the "check engine"light come on?The loud noise is more than likley the exhaust (muffler).

joe,
thanks for replying to my post. The check engline light only came on once, and that was when the car was overheating. Otherwise, it stays off. Is that a sign that maybe my engine is still OK (once I fix the other problems)?
thanks,
andrea

Overheating can cause damage to an engine in a very short time.However the fact that it still runs is a good sign.It would seem a trip to a mechanic is in order.

"Looking down and you can see large holes"?

No way can you be running the car if you have large holes.

Not trying to discourage you, but replacement rad cores are not that cheap, surging also could be anything from blocked fuel filter, failing fuel pump, leaking vacuum hose, etc etc. I hope it's not your car seizing.
Exhaust pipes are leaking from somewhere.
Better save up - This could hurt.

I do not think the mechanic is going to roast you on the diagnosis bit. He may get ticked if you walk in with 'my pals online say it's this.."
I know I do when I have to deal with IEs (instant experts).

Good luck and hope you get it fixed soon.

Have your radiator replaced first. $380

Once you have enough money, go ahead and change the exhaust pipes/muffler next. $150

Once you have enough money again, have your oil changed $30

Once you have enough money again, have a tranny service done. $100

You're all set after that.....

go to radiator master they charge me only $125.00 includes labor
autozone muffler is less expensive, then go to muffler master $20.00
charge for welding.oil change you can do selfservice . @much lesser price.tranny also just buy a haynes manual n save tons of money.

Hi - to anyone who can offer me advice on my car, I would really, really appreciate it... I'm broke and would prefer to pay my mechanic to fix my car rather than spend hours trying to diagnose it...
I have a 1995 Camry with about 145,000 miles on it, and it's got 3 big problems.
1) I have a radiator leak. I don't know where exactly the leak is, but I can see big holes in the radiator if I look down at it. Not my big problem, but I thought conceivably it could have something to do with the others....
2) The car is (has been) running terribly for about 8 months. At first, it wasn't so bad... the engine wouldn't stay at a stable speed unless it was in park; while runnning the RPMs would surge and then drop, then surge back again, etc. I changed the spark plugs and wires and that seemed to fix it for a while, but then it came back. I changed the spark plugs and wires again, but it didn't really help. The problem's been getting progressively worse and worse, to the point where the RPMs drop below 500 and the car will stall without extra gas. By now, I have to pretty much floor the gas to get the car to move... I'm afraid to drive it.
3) My car is LOUD. It used to be quiet, but now it sounds like my fiance's 1980 Camaro. Except the Camaro is supposed to be loud. The noise is really deep and it kind of pulsates like the Camaro (or other muscle cars I've heard... except my little 4-cylinder car is far from "muscular!").
A while ago, when the radiator started to leak, I overheated several times. The noise and bad running were there beforehand, but now they are definitely worse. What I want to know is 1) does anybody know what was wrong with my car before it overheated and 2) is it likely that I have engine damage from overheating? (And if anyone can offer up a #3- that is, how much will it cost to fix- that would be nice).
I know this is a long post, but if anyone can help me out I will be eternally grateful... I'm a broke college student :( and so your advice would be great. Thanks a million,
Andrea

I FIX CARS FOR FOOD. IM ALSO A STUDENT - MT HELEX HIGH. WHERE ARE YOU.