[stinker]

Just chiming in with an update - I bit the bullet and gave Byrne Ford the go ahead to do the work as quoted.

I was without the car for a week. They reckon they're booked out for 4 weeks, and they did my car around their other jobs.

It's running smooth and seems a little quieter, although that might be my imagination, thinking that a $3,100 spend might result in a better drive.

It's not leaking any fluid.

It's 11years old and I think I might unload it while it's worth something. Redbook's valuation is $6000 to $7700. I went on to Carsales and threw some info in to get an Instant Offer price, which came back as $6,200. I'm tempted to go for that and unload it before something else goes on the blink.

Thanks for the advice guys. This is a good forum, no argy bargy or disrespect, friendly members keen to help, gotta love that.