hey guys, i really appreciate the help..anyhow, here are my replies to you all- geoff: i do not have any smoke coming from the exhaust right now. i did 2 months ago so i took it to the buick dealership in waipahu, had a diagnostic done, ended up being the computer and maf..replaced both, no problems yet. besides that, only my husband works on the car. the leaks that i know of are oil and coolant leaks-there may be others though. and yes, the oil has been changed regularly by me =)~ "gokada": great advice on the compression test..dont know how to do that though?.. husbands suggests it... Derrick: first, let me congratulate you on your lil one! boy or girl? but i would really appreciate if i could get some insight as to what else may or may not be wrong with the car.. if anyone has time, you can reach me at this number: 677-4291..if i am not home, leave a message and i will call back. thanks!