Not really a matter of him trying to save money, as him not really knowing any better. I never thought to check on what oil he was using, or what the car was supposed to use, as I'm 4 hours away, and he just takes it to the same shop he's always taken it to.

As far as me doing this job, its a matter of me just enjoying being a shadetree mechanic, and its a job that I feel pretty comfortable I can do, I just want to do due diligence and research before digging in to it.

I'm sure you guys get a bunch of cheapskates in here just trying to get quick fixes, so I'll excuse your sarcasm, but I am generally interested in what is wrong with this car, and what needs to be done to fix it.

Does my diagnosis sound correct?