So, after lurking forever and pouring over threads to try and figure out what I want to do with my car and how much $$$ I want to throw down on a car that isn't virtually worth much, I must finally break my silence and ask for some feedback..
I drive my Vibe tough with about 120 miles a day for my commute.. So it is no wonder that in the dead of heat, after I rev my engine and switch lanes to try and get ahead of a slower driver in the toll lanes, I hear it. I feel it. The car hesitates, shifts gears, and I hear a series of whirrs and clicks as I release the gas to try and save my engine.. I am halfway home, halfway to work, and the poor girl limps along so I take her lightly through the hills to work, keeping from overpowering and causing more noise. Breaking the story short, after work I checked my oil and coolant ¿place about a quart of each? and try to get the heck out of dodge before traffic starts.. The engine is toast already, but I assume otherwise as the noise has died and the acceleration seems only a bit more sluggish than usual.
I made my partner in life tow me to the mechanic who says he may be able to replace my 250,777 mile engine with someing closer to 65,000 for near 1,800 w/parts&labor. That's just to get it back on the road..! My biggest worry is how much oil I am eating (i didnt even concider the problem w/out an oil light on) and what road to take from here.. I am keeping my eyes on the Poor Man's Mod Guide (which wouldn't get started for a few months from now at my current cash flow rate,) but now that's throwing around 3,800 down on a car I may have 4-6 more years? I love this girl, but am I being a little too irrational? :<
I've already looped her through Aamco once for a Solenoid problem a year or so back, but don't know of any other definite problems as of yet..