Since we're not foolish enough to sacrifice our own expensive electronics in the name of culinary science, we caught wind of this neat trick from reader Brett, who decided to have a little fun with his not-under-warranty 'Box after the red lights of death made their dreaded appearance.

ENGADGET: Xbox 360: gaming console, media hub, and frying pan?

Moreover, not merely content to rip-off his employer under the warranty with Cisco, between 2000 and 2009, Baxter fraudulently caused Verizon to purchase nearly a half-million dollars in Cisco equipment, which he also took home and re-sold to third-party re-sellers.

FORBES: Verizon Fraudster Buys Girlfriend Cosmetic Surgeries From Cisco Parts

Even if repairs are covered under a warranty from the dealer or manufacturer, owning a problematic car is not only disruptive but can be hazardous depending on how, when and where a mechanical failure occurs.

FORBES: The Most-Reliable Used Cars