lol, thanks mike! i appreciate the honesty... i know it's gonna cost quite a bit, but i can live with small non-functioning things... the engine and the drivetrain are the things i really worry about, because repairing either would cost major money (fixing my clutch/flywheel on my outback is bad enough, i can't imagine major work on an auto tranny...)

as long as i don't experience major problems with the car for another 10 to 20k, i'll be happy. keeping my fingers crossed and praying hard!!