ok well we got the car from pep boys, the mechanic showed me that when you start the engine cold, if you have the radiator cap off, coolant spews everywhere. We put the radiator cap on and jumped right on the highway, Jamie drove it all the way to lakeland (from brandon) with me following. The car ran at a good temp until she had to stop at a stop light, then it began heating up. Once she got going again it was okay. I never saw even a hint of smoke from the exhaust or anything. Got it to a shop where they had quoted $350 MAX to do the head gasket / timing belt / water pump. Seem like good guys.