Isms: Views on life in rural America

When it rains, it pours.

Right now, I would settle for a few sprinkles.

The engine in my Kia is kaput. At least that’s what a highly-qualified mechanic told me. It does have approximately 200,000 miles. (The first Kia we owned racked up almost 375,000 before the transmission caused trouble.

Scott hopes it’s just a sensor, the one the dealership’s mechanic said “could” mean the sensor needs replaced or could mean the timing chain and engine are failing.

Looks like the second option is closer to the truth.

Do I want to replace the engine when, coupled with labor, will total about $7,500? Buy a n...