Thank you very much for all the advise and help -- "Le Patron," Justin,
Brian, everybody.
The ordeal is over -- no I did not junk my Peugeot although if I were
somebody else, then the chances were at some point that the last rites
would be served and the automobile shipped off to the nearest junk yard.
A fuel line was clugged (mechanic's explanation) -- he charged nothing
to fix it and the car drives A+. I drove to Boston today. He was
probably afraid that if he would had asked for money, I would return
with a gun and my 505 would become the last car he had a chance to work
on (Justin, I don't have a doubt that they tortured the poor
automobile, they also took good care of me, I spent probably about $2000
on parts and labor -- enough money to lease a Golf for almost one
year!)
My last Peugeot investment (also today) was puchase of British "Complete
Car" magazine (February issue is on sale at your neighborhood
bookstore). The magazine's headline: "FANTASTIC 406." Two huge articles
about 1997 406s station wagon and a V6 sedan (the largest section of
the magazine!): filled with epithets like the work of art, the finest,
the benchmark, smooth, drama-free and potent, stunner, equipment king,
put to shame many more expensive cars, unsurpassed excellence, etc. etc.
Tons of glossy 406 pictures, charts, diagrams, etc. Very upsetting
when I look down at my sorry 505 in the parking lot.
Again, thanks for all the help!
Eugene