I un-siezed the rear wiper pivot (corroded) before I took it in, fully expecting there would be additional work to do after he checked it over.
But...
It passed!
I told the mechanic about the front end rattle, but he said it was just loose slider pins on the front calipers. I think it may still be something other than just that, but am happy to get the pass anyway. I'll check it over more thoroughly later.
He was actually pretty impressed with the condition of the car: "the previous owner changed a LOT of parts, eh?" Yup.
Now it just needs an e-test before I can put it on the road.
The inspection expires in 36 days, so the MPGiata's days are numbered! Have to transfer the plates before it expires.