Car news

A mechanic down the street is still looking at our Camry. He thinks it needs a new (or rebuilt) engine and will look for one and look around the rest of the car. He said he personally wouldn't replace the engine. It'll cost about $2,000 and he says the car is worth about $1,000 and who knows if something else like the transmission might go bad next month. We tend to be more conservative about these things and may get it fixed - if he can find an engine. This is the Camry's second engine - this one we got re-built after I drove the car into a flood in 1999. Stephanie reminds us that - although new car sales have hit rock bottom - because some people still need cars - used car sales are actually up, probably pushing up the price somewhat. Unfortunately, we're probably going to have to rent a car next week as I have several errands to run and Vincent hasn't been a reliable dog walker.

P.S. I've already landed the rental car. No car will be needed - but dog walking probably will - while I'm away in Guatemala for a week, at the end of the month. . . . The Kelly Blue Book Web site says the car is worth about $2,500.

-- Perry