I have to take my car to the shop, but was hoping to get some ideas/info before I go. I know NOTHING about cars and despise going to the shop because I feel like such a sitting duck. So -- would greatly appreciate any ideas anyone has out there!

I have a 2003 Rav4. It has about 57,000 miles. I bought it used in 2005 -- haven't had anything (other than oil changes) done to it since I bought it. We drove across country last week (about 3,300 miles) and now it's making a thumping kind of sound. Rythmic and seems to be coming from the rear driver's side. It not really really loud ...it's more something I can "feel" if that makes any sense. Is this a tire problem? Wheel alignment? Something else?

Where should I take it? Dealership? Tire place? General mechanic?

Thanks very much!

It sounds like the shocks may need to be replaced. Take a look at the shocks, are they leaking?

Ha! "Are they leaking?" Wouldn't have a clue -- don't even know where they are or what they look like! Really -- I know NOTHING about cars. How can I tell?

thanks!

Ummmm, you don't know what shocks look like? Go find a mechanic somewhere to help you find out if the shocks are OK then, I mean, if you really don't know anything then what we say here can't help you then, sorry.

Sorry -- I don't mean to sound stupid! And I do appreciate the attempt to help me. I was just hoping to get some idea of what it COULD be so that when I take it to the shop I have some idea of something. Seriously -- they could tell me ANYTHING. What do I know.

Well, like I said, it could be a bad shock or a bad shock mount. Have a trusted mechanic or someone else you trust take a look at it those 2 things, but if you said you "feel" the thumping in the steering wheel then I'm pretty sure it's going to be a bad shock giving you that thumping feeling/noise. How are the tires wearing? Evenly? One side wearing faster than the other?

Thank you. We've just moved back to the States -- 5 days ago -- so I don't know a mech yet, but will try to get some recommendations and find someone.

The thing I "feel" isn't really in the steering wheel -- hard to describe but it feels and sounds like it's coming from the rear driver's side.

If it is shocks/shock mount, any idea what that will cost? They could tell me $100 or $1000 and I wouldn't know the difference!

Thanks so much for your help.

Well, shocks should be replaced in pairs so I would say about $120 or so for the shocks and since you "feel" it in the rear of the car you probably won't need the mounts, but not positive. Labor is a whole different story. The $tealer will run you about $65 or so per hour, but a local mechanic will cost less.

Ok -- thanks again for your help!

It could also be as simple as a tire needs rebalanced. Do you have a Discount Tire in your area? They perform this service for free.