Just a few wild guesses based on common ailments associated with the VX, but for the first issue it sounds like your mechanic may be on the right track with the ignition switch assembly.

For the second I'd wonder about the mode selector switch on the drivers side of the transmission. They've been known to start causing problems after awhile because of their proximity to the drivers' side exhaust. Have you ever noticed whether the dash lights that tell you what gear your transmission is in have acted flaky from time to time? The mode selector switches can get corroded and start causing crossed connections resulting in transmission malfunctions.

As far as the noise, easiest to just have the VX put up on a lift and have a look for anything out of the ordinary.

Hope it's something simple.