Tell me if this sounds right...

They changed the oil.

Problem #1, They are saying the ticking noise is normal and it is the injectors. It could be that they are getting dirty or that they are getting broken in from use. There is nothing clogged but an injector service would probably clean it out and reduce the sound. They said try a fuel additive before spending the money to do that. Supposedly that could be contributing to the reduction in power as well, but they couldn't be 100% sure how dirty the injectors are without taking it apart.

Problem #2, thumping when at cruising speed. She said the sound is from the front tires being out of alignment and not balanced. She said I should replace the front soon anyways (which I was going to do within the next month or so anyways), so should replace them before getting an alignment and balance.

So question: Does anyone else have a (pretty loud) ticking sound from their engine from start up (I know there is some of that, but I don't think it should be that loud)? And would an injector cleaning help that?

I will have to take a video of the sound tomorrow after I pick it up and see what you guys think.