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Not sounding too good!!
Sorry to say but it is sounding more like a head gasket problem to me, as the coolant level has not dropped since you stopped driving it, there's a 75% chance you can rule out a water leak from radiator or hoses.
The white smoke you mentioned from the exhaust when you started it up, quite possibly condensation (steam) from moisture in exhaust system. Classic head gasket symtom. Have you every tried to start the engine and had it sound like it has a flat battery? Has your mechanic done a cylinder head leakage test? A fluid test that is in a special container and allows you to draw air through it while holding it over the radiator intake while the engine is running. It would sense exhaust gases in your cooling system.
You could check yourself by running the engine at idle with the radiator cap off, keep water level topped up and watch consistantly to see if bubbles keep appearing. Once normal operating temperature is reached, stand back and gently bring the rev's up to 1500 and perhaps a few quick jabs on the gas to see if water is pushed out the top.
If it is blown head gasket, you'll be up for more than $600 perhaps double that as you will have to replace radiator and thermostat if mechanic is to guarantee his repairs.
Good luck
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