Hi there.
As stated, this is a typical scenario for many people..
I can understand the low cash flow, but I will still recommend the following..
Check fuses.. driver's side, footwell, right about where your knee is when you are driving (behind the dash.. look up from the floor..)
Check your fan relays in the engine compartment, as stated, as well.
After the car is warmed up, touch the upper radiator hose.. if it is hot (and it will be HOTTTTTT) then the thermostat is opening.
Lastly, I would recommend either a metal impellar waterpump @ ~$70, or an updated WHITE PLASTIC impellar Some have experienced problems with leakage from around the shaft of the metal ones. Either one you choose will set you back little money, and about 30 minutes for a novice to change... EXTREMELY EASY.
The stock, pre-99ish impellars are black plastic that is known to become brittle and weak under heat (guess what that little impellar does for a living... mmmhmmm...)
and the average lifespan is believed to be around 50-70K miles... You are pushing the limits, my friend. (yes... yes.. there are others out there with as many or more miles.. but NOT enough to be considered "normal" behavior..)
Lastly, you said that if you sit still it will begin to creep up to the HALFWAY mark? that would be normal... and would not require changing... a thermostat that is a much cooler opening point would keep your car on the cold side of things, until you started sitting still, etc...
Ray
