Fuel pump fixed the issue. Its been a week since change and car runs like a champ again. Mechanic explained that the AZ summer heat kills plastic pumps, running low on fuel exposes the pump in the tank and allows it to heat up and degrade.
Thanks for all the help- I hope this helps someone down the road too
I love simple solutions. That's why I don't try to diagnose and fiddle with issues that will take me weeks and a qualified mechanic hours to fix. Congrats. on the easy repair.
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Denver Steve
Carrera, Cabriolet, 6-Speed, Black/Tan