I like the idea of doing the easy, typical parts, whether they actually fix the problem or not. Anything under 100 or so dollars that I can do myself will make me feel much more comfortable when we’re out driving. Unfortunately, our mechanical skills are limited, and we don’t have a lift so anything major would end up being done at a shop. Unfortunately, not sure we can do the oil pick up O-ring ourselves and we definitely have oil pressure that is lower than our comfort level. Hopefully I will give the overfill/nose down test a try shortly.While I concur not to blindly shoot the parts canon at it.....
..... I think that concept needs to be weighed versus this being a higher mileage used vehicle that was just obtained. With that noted, while waiting for a bidirectional scanner to arrive.... I would encourage replacing inexpensive items that are known issues with new. I'm talking spark plugs, wires, mass air flow sensor, map sensor, transmission filter change, serpentine belt, inspect the hoses and make a decision.... Personally on any used car I buy, I always replace the O2 sensors as well. Depending on the mileage and the appearance of the water pump, I often do that as well. And prior to the bi-directional scanner arriving, I would clean and reattach all grounds and check the battery condition and cables. (If the battery cables appear original, we all know that's high on a list for replacement)
These are just basic wear items that one could consider in a complete tune-up per se. It also gives one a good starting point to dig deeper with the bidirectional scanner. I see the parts canon as a problem when you're investing a couple hours, and a bunch of money just blindly going in deep without diagnosing. (Lifters, oil pump, injectors for example)
Some items are worth doing based on the mileage..... Preventative maintenance of sorts. If you do your own work, the oil pick up tube o-ring falls into that category.
The overall condition of the vehicle and what, if any, maintenance records should play a part in the overall plan of attack.
Lol, this is just my two cents on how I approach a high mileage used vehicle. I'm sure everyone has a different approach? For me, I won't let my wife drive off in a new to us used vehicle until I'm 99.9% positive she will not get stranded. (She likes to brag that in 39 years she's never been broke down on the side of the road. So she doesn't question my preventive maintenance methodology)
Thanks so much guys for all your help!