Car’s fixed

I crawled under the car and took a look at the starter. As usual it looked like I would have to disassemble half the engine to get it out. I called around and found the lowest price for a new starter was around $150. What ever happened to the $30 starters I used to buy? Well since I have had all service done at the Saturn dealer and have had very good luck with them I decided to let them take care of it for me. This way I will get a full system diagnostic and a warranty. Half a day later and $388 lighter the car is working well. I was a bit disappointed with the Saturn dealer’s service this time however. They called and tried to sell me a new battery at $170 claiming mine tested bad. Now this is the original battery and after 7 years maybe it dropped below the spec in their test but there is no problem with the battery at this time so I declined. After being in Lake Havasu in 115° heat running the air and lights there has never been a sign that the battery has a problem. Even looking at the indicator in the top of the battery, it is green indicating a good battery. I know a lot of service centers will try to sell you something you may not need but I have never seen this at any of the Saturn dealers I have visited. It will be interesting to see just how long this battery lasts. Also, all Saturn dealers have a car wash and after service they always wash the car before you pick it up. I have had the car washed after taking it in for a $40 oil change but didn’t get it washed after a $388 starter change. Now I am not really complaining since I asked for and got a 15% discount, just because, so for the $60 I saved I guess I can wash it myself.