Many guys learned about cars; I learned to coach football, elect people and write for newspapers. Now, your skill is far more useful. When you find a good, honest mechanic, you hang on to him. But I worry that I am driving a dangerous car because my current income is limited. I know why you demand COD, but driving away with so many repairs undone is downright scary. I urge you to explore loan options - including one in which the car is collateral. If we don't pay, you own the car. Not your ideal outcome, but disaster for us, and a great motivator to pay the required monthly payments. My car is only in this shape because I couldn't afford previous COD payments for problems you found. You have every right to protect your income, and I will always come back to you. But please investigate with an attorney if there isn't a hardship payment/secured loan plan for those of us who can't pay a month's income all at once. I doubt it will be me, but what if someone died from repairs not made because they could pay for them on a secured payment plan but not all at once. Have your attorney make it REALLY tough for those who don't pay. I consider you guys friends and valued experts. Please take this suggestion/request in that spirit. I often drive my young grandsons, and you can understand how concerned I am having to spread out needed repairs for perhaps 6+ months. You have every right to demand payment. I don't blame you if 'friends' are stiffing you. But circumstances beyond my control have placed me in a position where I just want to express this thought to you. Thanks for listening and being my trusted friends. Rick.