Head to toe inspection

So here's my dilema.

I have this 1999 Silver Astra Vehicross with 137,000ish miles on it.

I am not a mechanic, but I do have the determination to learn and fix what I can. The problem is, where do I start.

I'm pretty sure that all the belts need replacing. I know the flexible exhaust coupling has to be replaced. The alignment could use some realigning. There are other squeaks and wheezes that are a mystery to me.

My plan is to take my VX to a shop and get an inspection done and get a priority list of what needs to be done in order - safety and roadworthiness at the top of the list, making it pretty at the bottom (not that I wouldn't try to make it pretty right away).

I've been told that the engine is made by Toyota. I've also heard (and I could be very wrong) that Isuzu and GM have a relationship when it comes to maintenance.

Question: Should I take my VX to a Toyota or GM dealership for this inspection, or find an independant shop?

Any other advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Tony

independent to verify an overall list. GM made the engine because at the time Isuzu and GM had a partnership where GM owned a good bit of Isuzu stock. This actually hurt GM as their idea was bring down Isuzu to GM level of quality to increase GM sales instead of improving GM. I would use a quality independent as Isuzu has left the market and GM sucks.

The "detailed questionnaire" may also give you and whatever mechanic/shop you select, a heads up on certain known problem areas to check.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...9&postcount=10

When I bought mine I looked up the old Isuzu dealer here in Denver.

They are a VW dealer now and had the old Isuzu guy still there that had all of the factory VX training.

I didn't have any work done by them, and the VX really needed very little, but at least I felt good about who looked it over.

I talked to the mechanic for a bit about the VX and he helped me understand it and confirmed many of the things that I had already learned on this great forum.

Always get great advice here! Thanks a lot guys!