Gas Prices in Tampa (FL)

[craigm1841]

Originally Posted by algia

I asked them about replacing the gas filter, and they told me I have to replace the entire tank because it is not a removable part!!! (this is a Pacifica)

^^^
I cant believe I missed the Pacifica.

There is a fair chance you would have to REMOVE the tank to replace the fuel filter, because it is an American car, and America is so far behind the ingenuity power curve. BMW was putting fuel filters outside of the tanks back in the 70s, as a lot of foreign car companies do. You would not have to replace the tank though!

You are always better off going to the dealer. they may not be the cheapest in town, but they will be the most honest. they are representing a major corporation and there are a lot of checks and balances in place. Also, nobody working in the shop owns the shop. many get paid an hourly wage and dont care to scr3w you around because it doesnt benifit their pockets.

[algia]

Craig, it is a 2004 Pacifica, V6' front wheel drive

[algia]

my parents cars, Fiat's of the 70s, and Alfa Romeo's had the gas filter out and easy to replace. I think most if not all Eu cars have that, I was very surprised when the guy told me I have to replace the entire tank for that.....as I remember my mom having to repace the gas filter a few times on her car back then.

Yeah, I don't know, I wish I can just find a good mechanic, independent, like my parents used to have...the mechanism from the right window went caput and the part is $500 ....hubby did an improvise fix so the window stays closed and it will stay that way because there is no way in hell I am going to pay $500 for that.

[craigm1841]

Originally Posted by algia

my parents cars, Fiat's of the 70s, and Alfa Romeo's had the gas filter out and easy to replace. I think most if not all Eu cars have that, I was very surprised when the guy told me I have to replace the entire tank for that.....as I remember my mom having to repace the gas filter a few times on her car back then.

Yeah, I don't know, I wish I can just find a good mechanic, independent, like my parents used to have...the mechanism from the right window went caput and the part is $500 ....hubby did an improvise fix so the window stays closed and it will stay that way because there is no way in hell I am going to pay $500 for that.

Here is a link to order a remanufactured window motor for your car for $28. Install can be kind of complicated, but nothing some motivation and a haynes manual from pep boys cant cure.


Window Motor - Auto Parts Warehouse

Good independent mechanics are hard to find. They know if you are brining the car to them, you dont know a lot about cars. They will take advantage pretty badly. There is a small shop in brandon on 60 that seemed to have some very nice older gentleman running it that I felt were trustworthy.

[algia]

wow, Craig, Thank you, thats awesome, hubby was ready to take on the junk yards...LOL

I will check that if you have details...not a fan of the manufacturers service at all, car has no warranty...

[Badbird2000]

My 2002 F150 has an external fuel filter.. it's right on the frame. Takes 10 minutes to change. If the Pacifica is really that way, Chrysler dropped the ball. Another item that could cause decreased fuel mileage is a bad O2 sensor.. that tells the engine management how much fuel to drop into the cylinders to burn. They are located in the exhaust, usually after the catalytic converters.

[chrisredfield96]

I have to put 93 gas in my car as well so I really dont ever look at the prices, I just fill up when needed.

[LKJ1988]

Wait till prices break 6 a gal then 10 and then over $15 a gal.

[Keeper]

You have gotten some good advice from Craig .. why not post in the Auto forum here.

[algia]

the Auto Forum is cool, but not local to Tampa, I need to find some help around here...so far my experience finding a good mechanic locally has been really crappy...I was hoping maybe someone knows someone that can actually help without taking advantage of me.