/dev/zero

I really liked my car when I got it, but at 144000 miles, this BMW is getting just too expensive.

So far this year I’ve had to have one tire fixed (free. Nice shop.) Replace another tire ($80). And have it towed and replace the water pump and thermostat (~$800).

I had to have it towed into a shop on Friday because it was losing all it’s radiator fluid and overheating. Shop couldn’t find what was wrong with it. They checked all the hoses and even pressurized the system but couldn’t find the leak. Since all that shop could do was the hoses, they told me I’d have to take it elsewhere to have it fixed. Luckily no charge. I got the car to work, but it lost all it’s fluid and overheated again on the way home. No working car, couldn’t do anything all weekend.

Filled up the radiator yesterday and limped it in to another shop, whereupon I could clearly see where the leak was: the very top-most hose!
It being an older car, the shop recommended and I agreed, that I have them all replaced. Since the car had already overheated I also agreed the thermostat needed to be replaced again. $623 later, my bank account is empty once again.

I think I’m taking it to one of those “$3,000 minimum for your trade” places and getting a new Hyundai.

EDIT: 22 April, 2007 - I replaced this car with a 2005 Ford Escort from Carmax about 6 months ago.