> Automatic or standard? A burnt, worn out clutch will 'chatter' under light   
    > acceleration.   
      
   Automatic.     
      
    > He may have been judging the car by experience with others and made a   
    > general statement. Personally, I'd find a mechanic who would actually   
    > drive it and then diagnose it. It might be better if you take it, so that   
    > the mechanic doesn't attempt to pull the wool over your daughter's eyes.   
      
   My daughter took her car to her mother's brother (who is a mechanic).  He   
   drove it and checked everything out on a lift and found the following were   
   issues.   
      
   Ball Joint, control arm bushing, tie rod end, spark plugs, and suggested a   
   transmission fluid change.     
      
   I knew about the control arm bushing and tie rod end on one side.  There was   
   also a loose sway bar link.  He believes the CV axles are fine.  I still think   
   the inner is causing the slight shudder under light acceration, but to me, it   
   is minor.  He said the noise is a combination of the control arm bushing/ball   
   joint and loose sway bar link.  I didn't see a physical problem with the ball   
   joint, but I didn't lift it up and rock it, either.     
      
   So, the long and short of it is $141 in parts and it will be done.  He is   
   going to do the repairs this weekend for her.  I'm going to throw the door   
   striker in the driver's side door tomorrow.  That rare part arrived   
   yesterday.. ;)   
      
   Hopefully that will take care of everything and she will be relieved (as will   
   I).   
      
   - Mark   
      
   --- WWIVToss v.1.40 Registered    
    * Origin:  http://www.weather-station.org * Bel Air, MD -USA (1:261/1304.0)