thanks all for the info so far.
i am my own mechanic, always have been. So provided i can allocate the dealer repair manual for the Vx i'd be set with that. unless you'd think otherwise for any reason???

are parts decently easy to find and decently priced? currently i am driving, (such a mistake) a 93 bmw 318is. parts are way overpriced and tough to find, especially compared to the MR2 i had before that. so anything better than the bmw will be good.

i'm going to take bill up on his offer and check his out some time soon.

again, thanks all!

-sean