It's been a rough ending to the year on the vehicles.

In the Freestar, we had the alternator replaced. Three times. I've had alternator trouble before so I knew to have it checked out when the dash lights started throbbing. I replaced the plug on the block heater. Then we just had the thermostat replaced as it's not getting good heat.

For the Uplander, we had the check engine light cleared when the car was having trouble starting. We had the fuel injection system adjusted. We just had to replace the wipers when one tore with the ice. Now we just had the 'reduced engine performance' message. It seems that the throttle body will need to be replaced. So. it's ending 2018 in the garage to be picked up on Wednesday.

So, all-in-all, it's been a fairly pricy year.