As a pensioner, money is always tight, so I was distraught when the secondhand car I’d recently bought began overheating. I took it to three or four different mechanics, none of whom were able to diagnose the problem.

Desperate, I searched online for solutions. On car forums, several commenters suggested tackling the potential problems that would be cheapest to fix, in a process of elimination. Having replaced the thermostat, radiator coolant, engine oil and filter, and transmission fluid, the principal suspect was down to the radiator. So I contacted my carmaker, who quoted me $1,200 for a replacement – way more than I could afford, as I only had $500 left in the bank. I was hit with the sinking feeling that I had just blown my life savings on a lemon.

I relayed this update to the blokes on the forum. One user recommended I instead buy a different type of radiator from an online marketplace, where they could be picked up for about $150. But I’d been burned buying parts online before, so I replied that I was reluctant to spend money on what might prove to be a dud.

To my complete astonishment, the commenter, a total stranger I knew only by his online handle, offered to pay for the new radiator and ship it to me. To say I was flabbergasted would be an understatement. After worrying that he was somehow trying to scam me, I reluctantly sent him my address. A week later, the radiator arrived on my doorstop. A mate was able to help me install it and bingo – the car worked again. I’d been saved from financial ruin.

I’m generally a bit of a cynic, and I’ve had sand kicked in my face more times than I can remember. But this stranger on the forum showed me there are still good people out there. He asked only that I pay it forward, so when our small town flooded later that year, I did my best to help another pensioner fix her water-damaged car.

Twelve months later, the radiator is still running perfectly and my battered finances are starting to recover – all thanks to an online angel who repaired my faith in humanity, as well as my car.

What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

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