I have to rely on my car for so many things, that being without it fills me with dread. Additionally, the cost is always excessive - spending a couple thousand on new siding for a house isn't bad considering the value of a home, but a couple thousand spent to repair a car that's worth next to nothing is unreasonable.

Not that buying another car is an option - if I could afford a couple hundred bucks a month in new car payments, I'd probably go that route. Unfortunately, it's easier for me to come up with $1,500 now than to spread out the cost of a $7,000 over 2 or 3 years. My hopes were that this car could last me at least until next year, giving me the chance to save up for a new vehicle, but this sets me back in several ways.

Plus, I have to be in Bismarck on Friday night for a school function, so my car needs to be ready to go within the next 48 hours. The mechanic won't be able to repair anything until at least tomorrow, so I'm driving a rental car for the time being. That costs money as well. Money & mobility are the two most valuable things in our society, and I have neither.

Eh, just because I hate seeing all the "0 comments", I'll post this update here -- it seems that it won't cost as much as I expected. the cylinder head isn't damaged. Hooray!

--Derek, your host, 4/18/2002 15:52:21

that's good. I just lost my car recently because of a thrown rod. it's severely hampering my ability to find a job.

--tyson , 4/18/2002 22:14:02