The Super Bottle had a valve failure but it took two years to find out. A recent software update provides a battery test that always failed to run. That message should read, “No battery or thermal alerts, schedule service.” I am not sure how you get this display and error message to show if “No battery.” Using the diagnostic, I found the service alerts: The low coolant was somewhat difficult to access the coolant filler because the frunk has to be taken out. But after topping off, the other error remained. Long story short, $1,050 and 5 hours in the waiting room. I probably lost some range from battery overheating. Good news, a future battery replacement will be $13,000 which is cheaper than the $16,000 of 2-3 years ago. Here is the replacement: About the size and weight of a small dog, there are five valves and one of them failed. Its primary purpose is to move heat and coolant around the battery, drive motor, and cabin to minimize thermal losses. For example, waste heat from the battery and drive motor are routed to the cabin in cold weather to reduce heating energy loss. Repair invoice: Bob Wilson
I always harken back to our first acquisition, an 81 Civic, 2-door Hondamatic, brand-new, roughly $6500 CDN out-the-door. yeah I know, my starting monthly salary was $1000 CDN (take-home maybe $700), it’s all relevant. But it was a simpler time. replacement, sealed-beam headlights $20, extra key $5 (at shoe repair place).
In 1981, I was 'gifted' a brand new Chevette. One of the worst cars ever made (actually an imported POS with a Chevy badge attached.) Bob Wilson
Hondamatic was a 2-speed automatic, well automatic in the sense there was no clutch pedal: you manually selected the gear. There was an additional "gear", at higher speed, low load: the torque converter would lock up. It had no radio, and a manual choke. And hey: full-size spare. Plus a rudimentary tool kit in a roll-up bag IIRC.
my fiat 124 sedan had a choke. that was a nice little car until the whole body disintegrated. bob, that's not a bad price considering what many spend here on similar age and miles prius.
Agreed and I like the ratio: ~1/3d parts ~2/3d labor and shop overhead Try to get a car or central air conditioner fixed . . . <OWCH!!!> Bob Wilson
Yeap, my guess: ~$350 - business lease, taxes, and shop equipment ~$30 - management profit ~$20 - technician hourly rate Bob Wilson
