…add to my existing entry): I took my car into the repair shop because it was leaking brownish colored fluid from a hose…located under the front area towards the right (passenger) side. I am not disputing that they diagnosed it correctly…I am sure they did. I just wanted to ask if $250 sounds like a “fair” price, to make sure I am not getting ripped off (have been ripped off by mechanics several times before, although I know that probably the majority of them are trustwothy & skilled).

Also, is it advisable to get the hoses replaced (now that I think about it, isn’t that what they do anyway to fix it…but they asked me if I wanted the hoses replaced too)? Do I need to get the radiator flushed? For all that, the charge would be $450-500, but they said to at least get the water pump fixed ($250).

I am a single parent, working & in college part-time & don’t have much money to spend at the present time, so any mechanical advise would be appreciated. Thanks.