My 2012 Ford Focus is on life support
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My 2012 Ford Focus — a notorious "PowerShift" model that feels like it's been in decline since I bought it from a friend in 2019 — is now approaching hospice territory.
Why it matters: Like the rest of the economy, the car market right now is a hellscape for budget-conscious consumers.
State of play: Among the laundry list of necessary repairs on my Focus: a leaking radiator, an erratic electrical system and worn-out brakes.
- I go to Plain Brothers on Triskett for my automotive servicing, where mechanics gently advised that it probably makes more sense to invest in a down payment on a new vehicle.
- A used, new-to-me vehicle, that is.
The big picture: New cars reached the stratospheric average price of $50,000 in July. That's beyond the pale for many, but even used car prices are through the roof.
- American drivers are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever, per the Wall Street Journal, due to "sticker shock, high interest rates and economic jitters."
Between the lines: In that environment, the demand for auto repairs has exploded. It's a dynamic amplified on Cleveland's west side, where I live, by the recent closure of the beloved Damper's on Lorain.
- My anecdotal experience confirms the trend. Plain Brothers was booked solid for two weeks before I could get an appointment.
Yes, but: Going to a mechanic you trust is worth the wait.
- Danielle at Plain Brothers — surely on the short list of Northeast Ohio's most valuable employees — has given me peace of mind for years through what would otherwise be extremely annoying and costly ordeals.
🙏 Thanks as well to José at Circle Automotive on West 73rd Street, who helped with an oil change and initial diagnostic.
⚙️ Do you love your local garage?
- Email us at [email protected] to shout them out, or share other auto service recommendations, and we'll pass them along to readers.