At least you are some way in solving the issues now though, albeit being $1300 lighter... so far!

I checked my oil level today and its in the middle of the dipstick markers. I also noticed the leak seems to have stopped. Which leads me to think it may be the sump gasket. Depending of course on how deep the sump is, my thought process is that if the gasket has failed then anything at/above that height will leak out. And now that I am 'low' on oil (not at max) it has gone below that level preventing oil from escaping.

Anyway, spoke to my mechanic friend today and he is understandably indifferent about my logic, but will take a look at it next week for me and sort it out regardless.

Thoughts?