I too learned in the old school, I first worked in a repair shop in 1972, electronic ignition was in its infancy and fuel injection was for a few exotic cars.
But in those days getting 100k miles from an engine was quite something and 30+ mpg was restricted to cars less than 1.3 liters as a rule.
You only needed a basic tool kit to make most repairs, but you would often use it!.

I like to think things are easier these days. Some might not agree, but read on.

You used to tune a carb and set timing. There'* no intervention for fuel air and timing until you start modding and messing around. Meanwhile the computer automatically hooks you up. You clean the throttle body like you would the outside of a carb. Hardly any disassembly, no springs or little things to fly out when the carb comes apart.

Timing.. the coils and computer do it all. Once you hook them up, you'll never be 180 degrees or a couple of teeth off. If you got the plug wires right..you are firing.

Sure there'* a couple more sensors and a few different cleaners, but overall our 3.8L'* are still a nice and simple pushrod motor just like the 60'*-80'*.

A can of TB cleaner and a toothbrush will take care of your throttle body cleaning, seafoam..ehhhh if you want to, probably could use plugs and wires. Beyond that..get the trans service done or pull out some fluid to get it to the right level. All automatic transmissions that I've worked with are check when running. The hot/cold thing isn't as big of a deal, but the running part is.

Something that may help out is to take a read through the owners manual. It'* a wealth of knowledge about the basics of the car.

I totally agree with that statement.

I totally agree on things being easier. Engine light comes on and tells me exactly what is going on. (most of the time). Less moving parts no points or rotor.
Right no I think we have a handle on the trans. I am an idiot though and didn't check the freeze frame on the misfire. But I'm almost 100% sure it just needs tune up.

The two best resources there are to help you to understand your car are (in order of priority):

1. This forum.

2. A full set of factory service manuals.

Either one is a tremendous help. Put the two together and you can usually find what you need.