A mechanic tried to charge me $8,000 for a “broken engine”—but what I took out of my purse made him beg me to rip up the bill.

her magazine slightly.

Kyle glanced at her before turning back to me.

“Your engine has lost compression. There’s internal damage. The whole thing needs to be replaced.”

“All four cylinders?”

His eyebrows rose.

“Yes.”

“And you tested them yourself?”

He gave a short laugh. “I’m the mechanic.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

His jaw tightened.

“Yes. I tested them.”

I continue reading …