no, no, I have put 3,500 miles max on the car in the 3 years I've had it. My kids drive it to school, in town driving only.

I think I paid about $3500 for it, and I've put a $1000 heater core in it and some front suspension stuff on it.

I am a single mom, not so great with doing my own work, but the oil and fluids are checked regularly, and it is maintained by a shop.

We don't have rust here, the body is in pretty decent condition. The owner of the shop is out until the new year, so I am waiting before I get too upset so I can talk with him and get his opinion.

Is a VW (ie a passat or jetta) a dumb choice to replace this car with? We are spoiled by a decent car--a tinny little car is going to be a tough sell. Are the VW's as expensive to maintain as a Volvo? Say it ain't so.

When I talk to the owner of the shop next week, I'll let you know what his thoughts are...in the meanwhile the ex is going to talk to another shop for his opinion as well, and thoughts on cost of putting in/rebuilding this engine.