The Bill

[nlbarber]

Diagnosis: cracked radiator and dead thermostat. $800+ to replace both. Further testing revealed no engine damage "at this time". Hmmm.

Also spotted: broken engine mount, burned out brake light bulb, leaking oil pan gasket. I debated briefly about postponing the gasket replacement, but went ahead. At least the bulb replacement was cheap.

Grand total: $1350. Let's not count the AAA upgrade for extra towing, the rental car, and the extra parking at the airport.

Comments

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

I'm back to American-made cars again (current critter is an 05 Ford Focus), and I have to say I'm happier with this car than I ever was with the Mazda. I'm becoming ever more firmly convinced that it's not the make of the car, it's what day of the week it went through the assembly line and how the assembly line folks were holding their mouths on the day it was built that matters.