Thanks, everyone. This forum is great. I'm hoping Macster is right and the coolant was wetting the coils. That said, would it still make sense to replace the coils/plugs now, while the mechanic is doing the reservoir swap?

By the way, I can DIY simple stuff. I changed the air filter not long ago. But anything involving the engine is beyond my comfort level.

 

Changing the coils would not be connected with cooling reservoir as far as parts removed etc. How long has it been since last plug/coil replacement, do you have records and miles on car would help with suggestion.

 

No idea on any of the maintenance, other than the oil change and air filter I did when I got it a few months ago. The air filter was filthy though, so I would guess the other stuff hasn't been attended to for a while.

 

How many miles on car? Probably wouldn't hurt to change all fluids and do plugs/coils.

 

about 85000 miles. Thats all gonna set me back over 2k, even from an indie isnt it?

 

Around 300 for plugs/coils-160 reservoir and cap and guess around 100 for fluids plus labor = shouldn't be anywhere near 2k. You would be surprised what you can save doing it yourself and its not that hard with the diy write ups online.

 

a 90 k service at large metro area dealership is in fact 2k. outrageous. whereas a competent indie maybe a grand. it includes a trans oil flush and it's a major svc. it's the kind of service i would recommend anyone do whenever they buy the car to establish a baseline for all fluids and as noted plug/coils and coolant even brake fluid so you know exactly where your start point is.

 

Yes I forgot about coolant change, my indy quoted me 400 = does add up. Could get close to 1500 with everything. Of course dealer would be higher.