You know what they say about "spare" money: it's the money you thought you had before the car broke down. We didn't have any spare money, but the car broke down anyway. The mini-van we bought in September (used) just needed a Tie-rod, ball joint, and coil spring. Grand total was over $1700, or 1/2 the value of the vehicle. Fortunately, I did my taxes this week and between that and what we still own the hospital from when Ryan was born everything will be pretty much a wash.