Nothing but trouble '97 Grand Caravan

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan V6, Mileage 190,000. Bought in 1998, it has had 3 new transmissions, two new mufflers, new ABS pump, and lots of other repairs. This van is actually my parents' old one (i am a college student and can't afford my own car yet) and they have put thousands of dollars into it only to have another thing need repairs a week later. The mechanics in our area are horrible and never get the job right the first time (or even the second), but no one believes me that they're quacks. So I'm taking matters into my own hands and writing to this forum, maybe someone can shed some light on my situation. Currently, it just received an engine tuneup after two tries of fixing a transmission this summer due to jumping while in reverse and backfiring when shifting into second gear above 45 miles an hour. This tuneup was made two days ago after the service engine light came on and I was fed up with my poor gas mileage (16 mpg!) And the jumping and changing gears finally seems corrected. However, "service engine soon" light came one once again tonight after freeway driving at 70 mph for only an hour, and the front panel on the dashboard that includes the heat and radio controls is extremely hot to the touch. Any suggestions? It seems as though no mechanic knows how to do his job anymore. :Evil: