It's a 1997 standard 4 cl American engine. I realized coolant was low because I had no heat. This happened suddenly. The res was dry. I had it topped up and I made sure I had coolant along for a ride I had to go on. As soon as I returned from that journey, needing to top up before getting home, I took it into the shop where they said it needed a new water pump. The car has 123k miles and the timing belt had never been replaced. Another minor belt, sparks, and a valve gasket to cure a minor oil leak = $948.
I smelled coolant following this repair, but folks said I would smell engine related smells after such a repair.
The car has never overheated and yet it did, two weeks after the $948, I'm on the highway ten minutes when it happens and powie I am into repairing a head gasket and hoses are replaced for $1,339.
I haven't checked the res. I'm kind of angry. | 
