My First Car, a 1998 Protege LX. What should I do?
 

I just bought a 1998 Protege LX with 88,000 miles for $1800 as my first car. The car is very clean and in great shape besides some scratches on the front. I've just taken it to get the emission done at Napa after noticing a noise from the rear that might possible be a loose strut. The car belonged to an older lady who can no longer drive so she may have hit a lot of pot holes and other things. This was a car she only used to go to the store and back. I would like to give it some more power and replace body part, making everything look nicer, but I don't know where to start and would like some advice on what to do to the car, where to get parts, etc.

Here's a list of what has already been done by the previous owners (invoices).

11/29/2011 Odometer:75,442

Two new radiator hoses
New thermostat gasket
New thermostat housing gskt.
Antifreeze
Ignition distributor remanufactured w/ core
Two multi rib belts

3/23/2016 Odometer 87,155

Check for oil leaks
Check for squealing noise right after startup (Usually in the morning)
Potential fuel leak (Strong fuel odor in garage, could have been lawn tool)
R&R Valve cover gasket (One new valve cover gasket)
R&R CV axles (Two new CV axles)
Adjust belts


Pictures
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8S...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8S...ew?usp=sharing
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8S...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8S...ew?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8S...ew?usp=sharing