Rep Power: 0

my 00 LX is running very hot, stays cool on start but around 25-30 heats up. at 40-45 the gauge will hit the H and i have to pull over. I can hear the radiator bubbling. Checked and it was very low on coolant so i got it some and filled it up but it is having the same symptoms. gonna take it to a mechanic tomorrow i just didnt know if anyone had knowledge on what this would be/ ballpark on its maintenance cost

 
Rep Power: 511

check for signs of coolant leakage: wet coolant somewhere, or dried coolant (will appear white, powdery-looking caked on stuff) and try and trace a leak. Worst case scenario, head gasket is leaking, causing coolant loss

Simple gasket change (e.g. water passage gasket, random coolant system o-rings), it'd be much more worth it to DIY, and I'm sure you can find DIY guides here, or ask for someone to give DIY instructions and pictures, if possible. If head gasket, you'd be looking at probably ~$1500 for the job.

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks for the suggestion. at a 1500 job, I paid 1200 for it so like you said maybe go the diy route. is it possible for it to be something less intense, i.e. not a head gasket?

 
Rep Power: 222

Its possible but you have to figure out where its leaking from first,
If you're in a snowy area parking over snow can help figure out where drips are originating if its dripping. If its evaporating before it can hit the ground look for chalky deposits like riceboy said. They usually are the same kind of colour as the coolant, green/blue or sometimes yellowish

 
Rep Power: 511

chalky, that's the word I couldn't think of last night XD

 
Rep Power: 518

Those engines have head gasket issues too, so watch out.