Party like it was 1999?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Party like it was 1999?
5
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 10:23pm

This has been one heck of a week! I feel like I need a vacation from this past week. I'll break this post into categories, because it needs it!

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College
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As most of you are aware, I was having trouble getting the classes I needed for the spring 2005 semester. Well, early registration was on Nov. 9th. I went ahead and registered for two classes-- C++ Programming and Introduction to Communication. Both are campus classes. I knew that I couldn't possibly do two campus classes, but those were the only two offered that I needed.

Well, this week, the college posted the two classes I need the most. So, I hurried to register again! I got those two classes, both Internet classes. Those two classes are heavy in develop and research aimed at computer technology. So, they should keep me busy. Both are 8 week classes. One continues into another.

What does this mean now? Well, if I took everything I registered for, which is 4 classes, I would graduate in May 2005. But, there is no way I can do 2 campus classes. I would be going to school every day plus trying to work. Night classes are very draining. So, at the best, I'm looking at summer 2005 graduation...unless...

A community college in Asheville, NC is offering VB.Net online a substitute programming language. If I can get that approved and get the class, I could graduate in spring 2005. At least now, I'm seeing the end of the tunnel, which is much better than what it was a couple of weeks ago.

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1999 - the year model- my car
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My car is acting funny. Sigh~ I began hearing a noise ever so often coming from the back end. I thought it was my brakes because the noise only happened when I applied the brakes. Last weekend, I took it to a local shop and they told me I needed new front brakes and rotors. I noticed how much better it did brake after the repair job, however the noise is still there. I took it back to the shop this afternoon. They told me that my front and rear brakes are fine. The noise doesn't happen all the time. And, we couldn't test drive the car with one of the guys in it because there was a bad wreak right in front of the shop. Sigh~

It makes this thump...thump...thump near the rear end. It was hit in the rear- remember. So, I'm calling the body shop on Monday. I'm driving it over for them to look it over. The repair job involved a new wheel well and stuff underneath the car. I'm worried that something might not be secure. But, why would it do it only when I brake? It leaves one to believe it has something to do with the brakes, though the brakes are fine.

This will surely drive me nuttier than I already am. LOL

I've decided, I'm driving to the mountains sometime in early December for honey and if the wheel well, used back door, or used bumper decided to fly off, that's their problem. LOL (And, will be mine too of course!)

"It's a close race, but who will make it down the mountain first? rj's 99 Sentra or the dislodged bumper? I don't know...it's close...by a bumper. hahahahaha!

The car only has 57,000 and some odd miles on it. I hate to trade it now while I'm working for McDonald's pay and trying to get my degree. You know? Honda Element. HONDA....HONDA....ELEMENT. ME thinks it's a Honda Merry Christmas. LOL

Oh, if we could only party like it were 1999 :)

I think I'll nickname my car "thumper."

:) rj




Edited 11/19/2004 10:26 pm ET ET by just_call_me_rj

rj

Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 197

Avatar for cooledbyair
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 11-19-2004 - 11:00pm
my dad spoke of the rear end going out in his truck,guess it could possibly go out in a car too and well from what he said it's not cheap...maybe let a dealership drive it or someone you trust to see what they say...good luck...I feel you on the new car...I may be headed there soon maybe...take care,Jo
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 8:25am

Hey Jo,

I'm pretty dumb when it comes to car stuff. I'll tell you this, which has bothered me considerably. Last mid-April (2004) I had a major inspection on my car at the dealership. They checked everything, even the brakes. The car was quote..."In excellent condition." Nothing wrong with the front brakes or rotors. In mid-September, my car was hit in the rear and back door area on the passenger side by a hit and run. I don't know what hit the car. It did considerable damage. The damage was not only exterior cosmetic, but underneath as well.

It cost almost $3000 to repair the car. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they put used parts on my car. I wasn't too happy about that. When I got the car back, I felt like I was riding in a wagon. But, I had been driving a more expensive luxury type rental car for almost a month and thought it was the change from luxury to economical sedan.

The noise began. So, last Saturday, I took it to this shop I had been told was honest and good. They told me that when they put on the brakes quote..."Your car is all over the place." My rotors were warped bad. I needed new front brakes and rotors. So, I let them do the job. But, the noise still persists.

I don't know what to do. What do you mean by rear-end going out? Is this rear-end thing dangerous? It sounds like it. LOL I know that I wouldn't want my rear-end going out. LOL

Anyway, my first step is to contact the body shop, though I'm a bit skeptical about them now. From there, I must determine whether or not it will be worth it to invest money for an investigation into what is causing this noise.

Maybe the noise is harmless- perhaps it is a noise the car will always make now. I don't know. I need a crystal ball. LOL Anyone have one of those that I could borrow? :)

Take care,

rj

rj

Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 197

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 9:58am
rj,
It could be the wheel bearin or joint. Maybe it got damaged when hit and they did not replace it. You should have it checked so it does not do more damage. Does it make a noise at all when you turn cornors? (Things I learned in the Navy)
I am thinking, Honda Element for you though.
If the back bumper is beating you down the mountain, start praying. lol
Hugs,
Laurie

My web pages
http://homepage.mac.com/lauriedav/PhotoAlbum1.html http://hometown.aol.com/didoangst/myhomepage/photo.html
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-25-2004
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 4:44pm

Hey Laurie!

After leaving the shop yesterday, the car didn't make the noise anymore. And, all day today while cruising around the city, it didn't make the noise. So, I could just be losing my mind. LOL I guess that I'll wait until I hear the noise all the time, then at least, I can take it somewhere and they'll be able to hear it too.

I did go look at the Honda Element today. It is way out of my budget range right now. But, it is an awesome car! It has MP3/digital media jack, XM Satellite Radio, crud-resistant seat fabric (water resistant too), 7 speakers including a subwoofer, seats fold to make a bed, urethane-coated utility floor (it doesn't have carpet), cargo hooks, 12-volt power outlet in back, you can dislodge back seats and hang them from the side to hold two mountain bikes-and more!

I really like it, but it is too expensive. After I graduate, and hopefully find a better paying job, I can trade on a used one. And- save!

Oh, BTW- the guy at the shop said that the noise could be coming from a bearing or the suspension. However, Leo (my car's name LOL) was quiet today. Maybe he is hormonal? :) Moody? :) Perhaps taking him to Honda dealership has put some fear into him now. And, he'll behave. LOL

You know, I could always have MTV to Pimp My Ride and make my back seat unhook. LOL Maybe I could fit one mountain bike in the back of my Sentra? :)

rj

rj

Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 197

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Sat, 11-20-2004 - 7:14pm

You will love satellite radio.

Kim
Check out my