DIYer advice: there should be a relay in your fusebox labeled “AC Compressor Clutch”. Did you check/replace that? Go with an OEM relay purchased from a dealership’s parts counter–should be $25-$50 bucks. Good luck.

DIYer advice: your dad won’t get much for a 2004 Golf trade-in. I’m assuming you’re a high school/college kid living at home. Your family would be better off financially if they just gave the Golf to you.

DIYer advice: not sure why you brought antifreeze to a shop. My guess is they normally use a pre-mixed universal to save time. Either (1) do it yourself or (2) hire it out–but don’t bring parts/supplies to a shop.

“I pick up my friend and do a little lap, putting it in manual mode and brought it up to red line while driving one time. We noticed a knocking sound when pulling back into garage.”

DIYer advice: you’ve got to be kidding. You & your “buddy” red-line a used vehicle you just bought and now you’re wondering what’s wrong.

“I pick up my friend and do a little lap, putting it in manual mode and brought it up to red line while driving one time. We noticed a knocking sound when pulling back into garage.”

DIYer advice: you’ve got to be kidding. You & your “buddy” red-line a used vehicle you just bought and now you’re wondering what’s wrong.

DIYer advice: it’s not just a matter of “trust”–people make mistakes. Even after changing my own oil, I don’t turn on that engine until after I check the dipstick. Hell, I’ll sometimes walk into a room & forget why I walked into that room. I don’t trust myself.

DIYer advice: I’m thinking you disconnected your battery when doing that maintenance and now your vehicle is trying to “relearn” the optimal settings for idle, fuel trim, etc. You might check your mileage again in a few days.

DIYer advice: buy a bicycle. I know that sounds harsh. Also buy some cheap tools and learn how to work on cars. When I was young & broke, my car wouldn’t start so I rode my bike to work in the rain. Great incentive for learning how to work on cars. If you have a long commute, then you need to move closer to work. You can’t afford a long commute.

My son is a doctor and rides his bike to work every day, even in rain or snow. He does it for exercise, but there you go.

DIYer advice: I always recommend OEM pads/rotors. But I gotta say, 1.5 years on new rotors/pads isn’t very long. Brembo is a premium aftermarket brand, you shouldn’t be having these issues. Even bargain basement aftermarket pads/rotors should last longer. Did your mechanic actually pull a tire and inspect the pads/rotors/calipers? Something here is not right.