Comparing the Price of Used Car to the Price of a New Car

Part 4. Thermostats
Unfortunately, the car overheated almost immediately after leaving the shop. MotherF!! I took it home for the night and brought it back the next day.

Had I noticed that this was primarily a Honda and Acura shop? Yes. Yes I had. Well, they took another look and couldn't diagnose the problem. The cooling system held pressure (no leaks), the engine held pressure. They suggested that I take the car to the Hyundai dealership for their advanced troubleshooting tools and ability.

They did not charge me for the second round of fruitless troubleshooting.
They did not refund my money for the thermostat.

I don't go to dealership mechanics. Perhaps this adventure would change my mind, but it hadn't happened yet.
I brought my car into the next-best thing: Sacramento Carburetor and Electric.

This is a shop which exudes professional skill and conduct. I was sure they could help me.

Four hours later the car was fixed. Thermostat, this time a Hyundai "original equipment" replacement. Ah ha! $160.

I imagined the timeline of my automotive repair costs. I was at $389 just for July! This was an expensive time to own a 1999 Hyundai Elantra.

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