...

So I have finally given in and my car is now in the hands of the mechanics at Pepboys. Of course, they can't do anything with it today and will call me tomorrow and let me know what the hell is wrong with it.
In the meantime I am supposed to go pick up a rental car tonight at 8:30 somewhere in the vicinity of the airport. Rental cars are fucking highway robbery. At least I get to go to work I guess. Oh well...