After noticing my van’s (the family car) showing signs of running a little hot (the temperature gauge would actually move), I took it to my mechanic this morning. I actually need:
- a new radiator (the existing one has come apart, with the top part of the tank leaking coolant with very little encouragement needed), with a new temperature sensor and gasket(s)
- a new drive axle and rubber boot, as the one in place has split and allowed rocks and road grit to commingle with the bearing — leaving the mess in place, even cleaned up, is a gamble I’d rather not take
- a timing belt replacement (recommended after 5-6 years or 90k miles: a 98 model with 80K is overdue) as a broken belt is a shortcut to a ruined engine.
About $1700 in expenses. If only the thrill of driving a Dodge Caliber (with satellite radio — 193 channels and still nothing on!) made up for it . . .
Is it true you can make money on the Internet? Wish it were so . . .