I'm the original owner. She's a 2008 base model (no options at all). She has about 77,000 miles on her. Over the past month she seems to be consuming coolant. I only discovered the problem when the CEL came on and the coolant temp gauge (and display in the info center) stopped working. Topped it up and upon the next full cool/warm cycle the gauge started working again, took several more restarts for the CEL to go out. I have had to top up the coolant almost weekly. I don't see any puddles so I'm thinking head gasket? Ugh, I sure hope not. She has NEVER overheated, if the gauge is to be believed, also no idiot lights indicating overheat. Any thoughts? Is head gasket a common failure for the base engine? Other things to check before taking her to the dealer? Anyone remember what the power train warranty was for 2008?

Car in question:

 

P.S. Can someone confirm it has a timing chain? I see no mention of replacing the timing belt in the owners manual maintenance section, so I assume it is a chain.

 

Timing chain not belt.

Power train is 5 years 100,000 miles. Just take it to the dealer if you know it's not the radiator or hoses. Those are not covered by warranty.

 

No sign of leaks, so not a hose or radiator. Appointment has been scheduled for 8:00AM Tuesday. Wish me luck.

Oh, anyone care to guess what it is? I'm leaning head gasket. If the head has to come off...any "while you're at it" stuff I should do? Either maintenance or performance?

 

best of luck, BTW, love those red rims and wide whitewalls. most likely a head gasket failure check your oil and see if it is higher or shows brown sludge on the dipstick!!

 

I'm leaning to cylinder head.

 

I agree with it being the cylinder head. By the way, I like your retro look you got going.

 

I have 1 pint of homebrewed Phat Tyre riding on head gasket! "While you're at it" have them check your hubs (front & rear).

 

I'll just say both. Either way you're going to get a new head gasket after teardown. A long shot would be the dreaded hairline crack in the block.

 

I'll take odds on it being a head gasket. But the head may need re-surfaced..

George, even if the block is cracked. WARRANTY