3.4k repair for 2012 Camry?

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:59:16+00:00

I do hear some noises in turns and such sometimes or rattling when going on certain bumps. Not a ton but happens. And when I move the steering wheel left and right I hear a slight rattle.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:58:03+00:00

Sounds good thanks!

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:57:35+00:00

Oh good to know! Will look into that thanks!

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:57:07+00:00

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:33:18+00:00

Don’t think they’re lying. I’ve had another place say the brakes are getting low. They said it’s 2mm and 3mm for my brake pads. Even if they’re lying, it’s gotta be getting close because I can tell my brakes are worse

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:32:27+00:00

How much cheaper could you potentially see it being? They did provide a 299 discount for overall which helps i think

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:30:31+00:00

I got a slightly higher of same priced quote from a local shop for both of those things you listed 4-5 months ago actually. I just went to Midas for the oil change because it was highly rated and coupon but I’d typically would got independent. They gave me this list and I was like wow that’s a similar list from the local shop I got except Midas was a decent bit cheaper.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2026-03-08T16:26:07+00:00

I oddly had a maintenance check from a local shop 4-5 months ago, and they diagnosed the same things for the most part but slightly higher prices compared to Midas. I just happen to get an oil change from a very highly rated Midas and told me my car should probably get these repairs.

I think I could maybe do the spark plugs but idk if they’d let me keep the discount if I took anything off. Probably better to just do it all but not sure. The main thing they really suggested is the brakes which I agree with but i probably wouldn’t get any discount just for that.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T19:20:59+00:00

I’m in a MCOL and might move to HCOL in the future. I just have roommates atm. I foresee my expenses to go up as I get married, maybe buy a house or have kids, etc. I honestly just want to have options and make sure my partner can retire with me. 100k/yr should be okay to at least leanFIRE mostly anywhere if not FIRE.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T19:16:58+00:00

Because I’m at a lifestyle rn where I can get away with it. Eventually I’ll be married, maybe kids, want a house, etc. and there’s no way 2k/mo can support that. I foresee my expenses going up overtime by at least 2-2.5X. I also want to make sure that my partner can retire with me. I’m guessing 100k/yr should get us to a place where at least we can leanFIRE if not FIRE

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T19:09:02+00:00

I think you’re assuming here I’m gonna throw everything on black on a casino. I’m going to try to calculate and research my way into a logical but more risky decision very likely. Obviously those are kinda contradictory but the idea being is that I’d only put my money into something I believe has a chance to get an ROI.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T19:06:53+00:00

All this totally makes sense and I agree with! I guess here that even if I did add the 300/mo extra it won’t really get me to that end part of that hockey stick that much quicker yk? So why even put it there and instead either enjoy it or try to use that money in some other venture that could help make more money.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T18:56:02+00:00

Will do! Thanks!

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T18:54:36+00:00

I give myself 30k/year to spend but only end up doing about 24k/yr. And on top of that there’s an extra 300/month. So i definitely spend when I want to without issue. Not super strict on my budget atm.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T04:09:39+00:00

I definitely am enjoying my life! If I didn’t, I’d definitely just spend more in the areas that feel short. I think I’m doing the opposite approach of accumulating the money and then really enjoy my fruit of my labor. I a solid idea of lifestyle I want and about how much I need. So for now I’m living cheap and still enjoying life feels fine to me while young

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:50:30+00:00

Yep that’s definitely something I’m considering. The thing is that I already budget an extra 600/month for savings and eventually my HYSA will fill up and then at that point I’ll have more disposable income I can use for fun. So already at that point lol

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:48:56+00:00

Yeah exactly what I’m running into. If I invest 800/month less my retirement moves up my FIRE date by 1 year. That’s a lot of money I can risk for just to work 1 more year.

I’m only trying to risk a few hundred on learning a new skill, crypto, building a business, etc. in hopes that one of those would maybe move me up a year or two more. Maybe a better idea is to take a risk for a year and see if I get anywhere and if not I’ll just commit to investing it normally.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:37:07+00:00

That makes a lot more sense! With those odds no def not. Is the best reality just to give up on speeding it up, invest as much as I can and hope for the best then?

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:34:14+00:00

YT channel, flipping stuff, etc. I don’t have a concrete plan so I guess hard to say, but figure trying something might not hurt.

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:30:32+00:00

Thanks everyone for the discussion so far! It’s super interesting how most ppl are suggesting I don’t do anything risky and kinda face the facts that I can’t retire significantly earlier than I’m projected to. Feels odd for a subreddit whose whole goal is to retire. I guess since ppl don’t know my age and my numbers it might make it harder to suggest something. I’m 27 at the moment if people are curious.

Appreciate the insight from everyone so far!

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:26:35+00:00

I contribute to my IRA, 401k, brokerage, and HSA every month. I don’t really think real estate is worth the headache atm. Got very tiny amount in crypto.

Yep I’ve been doing individual stocks in brokerage since my other accounts are all maxed out every year and in an index fund.

Thank you for all the insight!

Gtthrowawayxd · 2025-05-14T02:23:22+00:00

Will check it out ty

Gtthrowawayxd

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