You know what? I like having a car that’s under warranty.

Heard a strange, high pitched, whining noise, only a speeds over 60 (which is why it had gone without notice, since we mostly drive in town) that grew louder when accelerating. I didn’t think it was the engine, and hypothesized it might be the transmission. Dropped by the dealer yesterday, they said to come by today at 10, and they’d have a service person ride with me. Came in, had to wait a few mintues in the waiting room, while the service guy took it out on his own, then he came and got me. He heard the noise, said he hadn’t heard that before, and thought it might be the wheel bearings on the front driver’s side, but wanted to look at it, to make certain. Back into the waiting room (I of course brought a book with me), and before I was even 50 pages into the book, they called me in to say that it was the transmission (HA!) they’d replace the transmission with a new one, and could I please follow go with this gentleman to pick up the rental I’d have until my car was fixed.

All I had to do for the rental was walk in, show ID and a credit card, sign some paper work, and leave. The whole thing took less than an hour and a half, which included the drive with the mechanic.

And it’s all covered by Toyota.

And I got a free doughnut in the waiting room.