I took my car in for repairs today. It just hit 60,000 miles, and I suspected the rear brakes were going.
In the middle of the day I got a call from the garage. Not only are the rear brakes going, the *front* brakes are going too. (This is not unreasonable; I hadn't had the brakes done in a long time.)
So I got to have *two* brake jobs done, plus the standard 60K stuff (rotate the tires, etc). The bill came to nearly $1,000.

And right around the holidays, too.
I probably could have gotten the work done cheaper, but I take my car to a dealership so it gets the best quality care, and I live in an expensive part of the country. Plus, this dealership gives out loaner cars like candy - most places won't give you one unless you have to leave it overnight - if they offer them at all. And I need a car to get to work. So, I'm not complaining too loudly. But still, this was a nasty financial surprise.
Sorry guys. Just had to vent.