My three year warranty on my 2006 Honda Civic ended last Friday (Friday the 13th, naturally). I have had periodic problems with this car since I bought it. Oh, it's been little things like the battery suddenly dying on me after just 9 months of use. Two busted seals on the power steering assembly. The idiot lights saying "check engine" when there was absolutely nothing wrong, "time for service" after I had the scheduled service just three weeks prior. There have been a few other little problems also. It was more aggravating than anything else.

Yesterday, as I got into the car to go eat breakfast at the local Cracker Barrel, I discovered I had another problem; the starter has gone out on me. That is going to cost me some big money. I always thought Honda was known for its dependability. I am furious about this happening so close to the warranty expiration date. I didn't fool with an extended warranty because I've always felt they weren't worth the money. I should have learned my lesson with my 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. The warranty expired on it and within a month, I needed a new automatic transmission. It's almost like cars are timed this way to show the consumer the folly of not buying that overpriced extended warranty.

I intend to raise hell about it Wednesday when I go to pick it up. Yes, I know it won't do any good whatsoever. But, it will make me feel better.