Shea,
1) Replace the thermostat and see if that resolves the rising temperature issue. The existing thermostat may be sticking and not opening completely.
2) Pull all 4 wheels and visually inspect the brake pad thickness. Perhaps your friend replaced the front pads and now the rears are shot, or vice-versa. It's also possible that one of the calipers is sticking and the brake pads on that wheel wore prematurely.
3) Change the transmission fluid and filter ... should be done every 30,000 miles.

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Fred Hoelzle