[MarkofSJC]

Dave,

Thanks for the treasure trove of information ~ this is just the "blue print" of possible repairs i was looking for! Many of those things I was familiar with...but a great number I was not.

I was going to have both a complete drive train/chassis inspection done first, then (if "thumbs up") a full inspection of all the "house" systems. I'm curious how many issues are likely to be diagnosed this way.

Also, would doing an engine oil analysis be of any benefit, if there's no previous analysis to compare it to? I was curious how many of you find this to be a good diagnostic method for overall engine "well being."

A tremendous "THANKS" to the wealth of good information provided by each of you!