Jack, thanks for your thoughts too. I have yet to get an estimate and because of your feedback, I stopped by my mechanic this afternoon and have set up an appointment for him to look at it and give me an estimate (which he will not charge me for or do any work until I authorize it).
Thanks again, and who knows, perhaps I can get another 8-9 months out of this car and get it paid off (I only have 9 payments left).