thanks for the advice... I just had a service done and the mechanic came back with the following recommendations for next service:

Cam belt ($700)
Rear brake shoes ($400)
Rear drums machined ($150)
Trailing arm bushings ($660)
Lower engine mount replaced ($520)
Rocket cover gasket ($150)

all up this is $2580 plus cost of next service, or half the value of the car. at the moment i'm having a look online at DIY for various things but have no experience atm. i'm considering replacing drums with discs rather than spend the money on new drums.

it will be a steep learning curve but thats where the fun is =)