A little red light

The check engine light came on in the wifes Windstar. Usually it meant bad gas. Run the tank near empty and refill and the light goes out. This time it stayed on. We took the van in on Saturday to get this looked at, the brakes checked, a low speed turning noise, and a oil change. We figured the engine light was the O2 sensor. That was a ~$200.00 fix.

Went back home and started removing wallpaper. The wife took my car and went out shopping. The deal called back in a couple of hours. The check engine light was caused by the engine computer complaining about the EGR valve and a intake manifold leak. It would cost about $1,100.00 to fix. The low speed noise was a power steering pump and tie rod. Only $1,000.00. At least the oil change was only $20.00. And the brakes were fine.

Called up Thing1 and had him check the van value on the Kelly Blue Book site (since my broadband is out). Putting ~$2,000.00 in the van would be 40% of it's worth. We both decided it wasn't worth it.

So after I was done removing the wallpaper we headed off to pick up the van. Stopped at a Chevy dealership to look at the HHR. The wife really liked it at the auto show. It's a pretty impressive little car. It was a bit cold so we heading back next weekend to drive one and see if we can make a deal. Picked up the van (no more check engine light!) and went home. Long day. Hadn't really planned on a new car this year but but stuff happens.