autozen -- thanx for the additional tips. I have yet to get out to the garage this AM but truly intend to do so in the coming minutes. The tires, according to PO, are ones he had put on and he owned it 5 years (during which time he drove it 4K mis.) I doubt they are old enuf to unravel but they did not strike me as topnotch rubber eiher. (cannot recall the brand)

You are so right, I DO NOT want to even contemplate tranny issues. Will post as my investigation progresses. Whatever this oscillation is, I noticed it on my test drive and queried PO about it. of course, he never noticed it. If it hasd just stayed at that initial level, I would not be so concerned but in the past few days it has gotten severe, thus I am not driving this beast until I locate and correct. I do not want it to spew parts going down the road.