Hello Car Talk Community! After listening to the show for years and enjoying the throwback episodes, I finally have needed advice of my own and am hoping to get some here.
I am leasing a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I was considering purchasing it once my lease is up. I just took it into the dealership for a noise I heard when accelerating at low speeds. They tested it and said the exhaust baffle is broken; it is no longer under warranty and to order the part and replace it will cost $1,800. They also said my shifter needs service and that will cost $600 to repair.
There are very expensive bills, and even though I know the dealerships charge more, I am not even sure I want this car anymore, but I think I may be stuck - no way to know whether Jeep will foot me for the bill when I return the car or if this is covered under fair wear and tear.
Should I keep this car and repair it?
Should I return the car and cross my fingers that it won’t be detected?
Is a baffle a necessary repair if I keep the car?
Many thanks for any advice (or prayers)!