Thanks Gilly for the comprehensive reply. I am the "they" when it comes to servicing the autos in the family, so if you'd be so kind.....

We've owned this car since new, and my wife drives a LOT (never goes anywhere though - longest trip the wagon has made is 90 miles up the coast to Disneyland). One of the many joys of being a "stay at home mom" with four kids, I guess. 40k/year, dang near all of it right here in San Diego county.

Brake fluid & coolant haven't been done, so they're overdue & due respectively. Thermostat change idea is a hold over from my Japanese wrenching - where you just replace 'em every flush as a matter of course. Guess you're thinking that's overkill?

Front rotors were just over the limit at last pad change (16k miles ago) so I'll replace rotors & pads together (and check the rears, 'tho I'll bet they're good).

Getting a bit of uneven tire wear & a slight pull, hence the alignment. The ride seems to have gotten a tad "floaty" over the last few months - so I'm wondering about the shocks. Barking up the wrong tree, or is it typical for the stock setup to be ready for replacement at 120k?

Ain't no such thing as winter round these parts, so waiting for it is a bit pointless.... and I'm not crazy about a mixed set & running without spare, so new tires a pretty much a given in my book.

Trans fluid & filter, I'll chew on for a while. I've read a fair bit on the debate. Haven't made up my mind yet.

How does a reasonably capable shade tree check the harmonic balancer? Looking for cracks, wobble, something else?

How long do the serpentine belts typically last?

Again, thanks for your input!