I have a  96 Eagle Vision TSI with about 82000 miles that seems to look it
coolant every 3 or so months.

For example, 2 days ago, as I exited the Vision, I heard a (for lack of a
better term) "pissing" sound. That is when I discovered coolant exiting (at
high speed) the overflow tube.

I let the car cool down overnight before I open the radiator cap. That is
when I discovered the overflow tank empty.

I refilled the tank, as I have done before, and resume driving.

What I want to know is what in the heck is really wrong with my car?

I had it into service, and after $300 and two day, all that PepBoys can tell
me that its not the thermostat nor the water pump. However, they suspect a
crack in the engine.

But, I thought that if coolant get into the engine, I would get white smoke
out the tail pipe.

I don't get any smoke out of the tail pipe, nor any other warning (except
for a slow rise in the temperature gage just before the coolant drains) that
anything is wrong.

So, can PepBoys be correct about a crack engine? Is there a (very!) cheep
method of pinpointing the problem? Or should I start saving my pennies for
another car?