Warranties, Cars, and car rentals

During the first week in June, I took my car into the body shop for structural repairs. About a month and a half ago, my Protege was rear-ended by a SUV. The other driver took full responsibility over the accident. While my car was being fixed I drove a 2005 Chevy Silverado extend cab pickup truck. It had all the bells and whistles. The truck was so huge I could not park it in the garage of my house. I asked the rental agency how much a truck like this cost and they said roughly $33,000-$35,000. Gulp!

Anyway, I got my car back last Friday. It's amazing to note that once a warranty runs out on a new car, things start breaking or are in need of repair. I am keeping a list of things needed for the Protege: new AC, new side mirror, new air-flow sensor, new actuator for the back left rear door lock, new tires, new brakes...well, you get the idea.