Thank you for the nice welcome!
Yes, they are original miles. I purchased the car from Sewell in Dallas in 1999. Car only had 60K on it when I bought it. It was in excellent condition, pristine actually, and I received a copy of all service records. I have a home-based business, so for the last 10 years the car has had only seen about 7K a year. No commuting, so it's easy to keep the miles down.
Yes, I fought through the power steering issues two years ago -- but the last couple of months I am beginning to feel some binding again on the ends of the turning cycle, if you understand what I am talking about. Power steering fluid is fine, and it is not leaking. So dunno. But yes, went through all of that.
I know the instrument cluster thing is normal. I had my mechanic install a separate engine temp gauge for me about 6 months ago -- after an incident that left me on the side of the road in 30 degree temps and an empty radiator. ;-( Oh yeah, replaced the radiator. It had developed a nice crack.
My gut feeling on the oil leaks is that is is just age related. While the car has few miles on it -- the damn thing is 18 years old. ;-)
Feedback from the two shops I have taken it to in Dallas (bad thing about moving....you have to find all new support systems for your aging baby) is that this is not a serious issue -- that the engine is just fine. Just thought I would come in and get the opinion of those who count -- you folks who own them.
As for the normal other issues, yes, my power door lock button broke off a couple of months ago, and all but two of my speaker units have now bitten the dust. My next post, in fact, is going to be a question about how I should replace those tweeter/woofer Pioneers. My radio (I have the Nak) is as great as ever. No problem there. LCD readout for the AC was actually replaced by a dealer at 75K. I hated him at the time for his "preventative maintenance" (as it cost an arm and a leg), but I guess I should thank him now for padding his service profits. LOL.
Anyway, yep, she has all the usual symptoms. I joined the board because I think it's time I either put some money into her, or....well, you know. And frankly, if am going to put more money into her, I need to do my homework. So that is why, after years of lurking in here, I finally joined.
Thanks again for the kind welcome.