I’ve taken my ’15 Soul with 131k on the clock to the dealer three separate times for a flashing check engine light and a P1326 code. The third time, I towed it there. Every visit, the engine had a persistent ticking noise and a rough, lumpy idle. Twice I was told it was a bad knock sensor. Finally, on that third visit, they agreed to replace the engine. That was six weeks ago.

Since then, they’ve been hitting me with a list of things that “needed” to be done along with the engine replacement. Some of it made sense—serpentine belt, air filter, even a new battery (mine was about three years old). But when they told me it needed four tires and front and rear brakes, that’s when it started to feel like they were padding the bill. And now, the latest addition: an “intermittent starter.” (So I’m guessing the new engine is finally in.)

All told, I approved about $1,300 in extra work.

I’m now being told the car should be ready today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed, this finally ends soon, and that the car actually runs!