Cars and August

So my car just came from being in the shop AGAIN! The month of August has not been very friendly to my car. I partially blame the fact that this is the month that I have to renew my registration, so repairs are needed for it to pass. For the last 4 years my wonderful '97 Honda Civic has needed some kind of repair.

2006: New tires - $500
2007: Catalytic Converter - $1300
2008: Water leak into passenger side of car - $1500 (when all said and done - 9 months later!)
2009: Rear Brakes, Muffler and Connecting pipe - $625

Needless to say my car is turning into a lemon. There were other repairs that were suggested this last time around, but we did what was the most crucial to pass Safety and Emissions! And gratefully it passed! We're hoping this car will last with no more repairs until May when we can get a new car. I'm not looking forward to the prospect of having a car payment again, but you do what you gotta do!