Estimates on multiple Repairs to my Avalon?

[Everdai]

I have a 1996 Avalon XLS 3.0L V6 with just over 102k miles on it. I know that it had the timing belt replaced at about 70k miles, and I bought it at 85k miles. I'm poor and generally don't have the money to do maintenance so since i've gotten it i've replaced oil every 3k and tranny fluid once (at about 95k i believe) and I've had to replace the alternator.

Well I'm getting part of my bonus in next week so it's finally time to do some repairs.

The things that I've noticed are:
1) Clicking noise when wheels are turned hard in either direction (CV boots? or joints?)

2) My brakes are getting weak

3) Oil leaking around the engine head, I'm not losing much oil between intervals but it causes a light white smoke from the oil burning (head gasket?)

4) My windshield wiper fluid reservoir leaks out all it's fluid within an hour or so

I live in San Diego, CA and do about 95% highway miles, I drive like a grandma and a grandma was actually the only previous owner to this car so it definitely hasn't been abused. I have two mechanic shops that've been recommended to me and I've used one of them before and was very satisfied with their prices and service, I'll be taking my car to both shops for estimates unless I'm just really really happy with my first estimate so i feel I'll be paying slightly below the curve for my area.


My questions are:

1) Are there any experienced mechanics or people that have had similar repairs done before that could give me a ballpark estimate on what to expect?

2) Is there any routine preventative maintenance that I should be looking into considering the cars miles?

Thanks in advance, any help is Greatly appreciated!

[HATEnFATE]

1) Clicking noise when wheels are turned hard in either direction (CV boots? or joints?)
Replace the axle. You could have replaced the boots a while ago but it would have cost as much or more then an aftermarket axle.

2) My brakes are getting weak
Are they squeaking or making any noise? Chances are your pads and rotors need to be replaced. have them checked out by someone you trust (mechanic or friend who knows how to work on cars and what to look for). Get them fixed as brakes are a vitally important part of your vehicle. More important then the rest of your car.

Oil leaking around the engine head, I'm not losing much oil between intervals but it causes a light white smoke from the oil burning (head gasket?)
Is the smoke coming from under the hood or out the exhaust? Chances are you might be getting a little blow-by from age. I wouldn't think so with as young as your engine is but it's entirely possible. You could have a headgasket leaking, it's also not unheard of. how does your coolant look? is there any oil in it? does your oil look frothed up? is there a milky/cloudy appearance to it? You could also have this looked at by a local mechanic you trust.

4) My windshield wiper fluid reservoir leaks out all it's fluid within an hour or so
It's a 95 avalon. Chances are real good that either the tank is cracked or it's leaking out of the hole where the pump goes into it. You can replace the grommet that the pump goes into for cheap. if the tank is cracked, it's going to be a little more costly.


What I would do if I were you, understanding full well that you don't have a lot of money..........

Take it to the shop you were happy with. Ask them to do an inspecition of the overall vehicle condition. It will likely cost between 60-100 dollars but you will get all your questions answered correctly. You can then get what you think is the most important fixed based upon the money you have and what you feel needs the upmost attention.

At this point in the cars life, keep changing your oil on time, your trans fluid every 50 to 70 thousand miles and just check the car over visually every time you replace the oil. IF you see something that might need attention, start saving a little and get it corrected before it becomes an overly expensive or catastrophic issue.

I'd give you a rough idea of costs but there are too many variables as to what might need to be done.

I hope this helps.