Glad to hear everything is ok so far! I have the exact same mileage on my VX, and when the funds pop up shortly, I am in for the same deal. My t-stat has had the same slow warm-up issue for years now. Since I dont drive it much due to mpg issues, I just "let it ride' lol. Always planned on waiting for the timing belt change to do it anyways. I am willing to bet money that some metal chunk is the culprit on mine as well. I guess better stuck open than closed though!
Keep it rollin...