Originally Posted by AstralSeer

My astra has 130k kms (80k miles) and is in need of some repairs:

1. Timing belt due (how far can I push it?)
2. New struts <- my mechanic might be over exaggerating the need to fix this
3. Rear shocks leaking <- my mechanic might be over exaggerating the need to fix this
4. Front breaks and rotors
5. Set of summer tires

I was quoted $3200 CAD to fix all this from a mechanic.

From what I can tell, a 2009 Astra goes for ~$2000 CAD on the high end with the millage I have on it so far.

I'm at a loss as to what to do as I can't really afford a $3200 repair. I'm considering driving into the ground but with the low KM, it seems like a waste if my belt were to go.

If I were to keep up repairs on the Astra, how many miles/km could I expect, generally speaking, to get out of it?

The car feels solid otherwise, just normal maintenance items that have come up.

I'd like to try fix some of this myself this summer. I am not a mechanic by any means and would be learning. I do my own oil changes, replaced spark plugs, change my own tires, changed the coil pack and have replaced an axel on a Toyota. I'd be at the mercy of youtube tutorials and help from fine people like you. I'm a seasoned professional computer tech and have an eye to troubleshooting and fixing things. I generally trust myself, though I would consider myself an amateur when it comes to fixing vehicles.

What would you do in my situation? Looking for honest feedback!