The DU Lounge

A couple years ago I totaled my Ford Focus, and I bought a 2014 Mazda 5 minivan. I work as a courier so a minivan gets me extra business. Anyway, it has LOTS of problems and on Friday last, 1/2/26, the engine just up and died. Lost compression, my mechanic told me, and it needed a new motor (rebuild not expected to be possible). This runs about $7000, and there were electrical problems too so it wasn't close to worth it.

So I found another Ford Focus on Saturday for $7000, plus taxes and gap insurance. And on Tuesday I got rear-ended in a hit-and-run on the expressway. Bumper shot; car drivable. Didn't get the entire license plate number so the police can't do much. My insurance carrier quoted me something like $1255 for a new bumper, including giving up the car for five days, and I have a $1000 deductible. So I decided to shop around and find a better price at an auto-body shop.

So Thursday afternoon it was kind of slow at work so I went to an autobody shop to get a quote and by the time I arrived the car had developed a knock. Turns out I have a broken rod. Needs an engine rebuild. Starts at $2500 and goes up from there. Illinois law says on all car sales there's an engine/drivetrain warranty for two weeks or 500 miles, whichever is less. This happened 560 miles after I got the car.

So I have two car payments and no working car right now. Driving a rental; $240 a week is a pretty good deal in the Chicago area.

I contacted the dealer where I bought the car and they said they would look at it. They've had it since Friday; I plan to contact them tomorrow morning, but I don't expect much.

What does my car say about me? Nothing good at all.