Known higher mileage issues

[an observer]

Hey all,

Awd tl owner here. My one owner car has 182000 ks on it now, and I'm starting to experience a few minor issues as it ages. The car has always been serviced every six months, with bits replaced as soon as needed. It's general condition is good and it is garaged and well cared for cosmetically and mechanically.

Looking for some sort of idea of what to experience with regards common mechanical issues. In the last 12 months it's needed a cv boot, new roof lining, and recently a new thermo fan. The engine still has good compression and does not burn oil. I put this down to the regular oil changes.

Timing belt was done for the second time at 150. Also did the water pump.

What has been other peoples experiences with their cars as they age? I'd prefer to keep the car for at least another 3-5 years, and so need an idea of what to budget for over time. Not really handy with tools, so won't be doing any of the work myself.

cheers,

[BergDonk]

I did the 315,xxxx service recently on our TW II VRX AWD.

I did get Mal to do a 3.8 upgrade for the 270,xxx service, but all the ancilliaries are still the same, and it burns more oil than the 3.5 did, which was more or less nil.

Other than the 3.8, I've done nothing more than routine servicing, and I doubt it'd be any different if I'd kept the original 3.5. The 3.8 is a nice upgrade though, better fuel consumption and noticably improved performance.

[TWaGn]

Ive had mine since about 230k its on 294k now and the only things ive needed to change apart from the servicing its the rear shocks, drivers cv boots, front rocker gasket and the drivers side engine mount apart from that its been just basic maintainance

[fordy_4]

-If it's an auto then the gearbox will be letting go soon (possibly). The wave spring inside the gearbox gives out.

-The heater core (if not done already) will likely be letting go soon. This may cause a little coolant leak onto the front passenger footwell, it may not. I had a 2004 TW VRX Manual and never did it

-Radiator (if original) has done countless heat cycles and will likely be needing replacing soon.

-As the kms climb, more wear and tear on normal pieces such as the ignition barrel, key, starter motor, alternator. This could be class as consumables depending on how you look at it

-Most of the time the belts are only changed and not the pulleys. So the more kms, the more wear & tear on the pulleys

[an observer]

Thanks for the input, guys. For the most part, it all sounds like mostly predictable stuff. Things like transmissions going bang do worry me. But other stuff like alternators and starter motors are just consumables, in my view.

The springs and shocks I had replaced years ago, after the rear began sagging. They are possibly about ready to be done again, but I'm not keen on tipping that much money into it. Pads and rotors have been done; engine mount has been replaced; a bump stop kit went on. The list continues.

It's our only car, so it's a balance of keeping it mechanically viable while not overspending.

thanks again,

[zero]

A full trans flush, more often than recommended is a good thing!

[Billy Mason PI]

In 14 years and 500,000km, going off memory and my ride thread, wear and tear items outside the usual (oil, filters, tyres etc), I've replaced or fixed:

Front struts including mounting plates
Rear shocks
Rear plugs
Brake rotors
Centre exhaust
Alternator
Blower fan motor
Central locking motor in driver's door
Indicator wand wouldn't engage left so pulled apart and cleaned
Foam inside air vents disintegrates
Few blown bulbs behind the dash (D in instrument cluster, A/C switch etc).

Engine, auto trans, belts, radiator, brakes all original and working fine.

[TWaGn]

I think the tl/tw autos have a revised spring in them havent really heard much about them blowing. Keeping ontop of fluid changes and adding a oil cooler wouldnt go astray. Did it myseld because i tow abit with mine jusy as a piece of mind thing less chance of it blowing if the temp is kept at a good level

[BergDonk]

I just remembered that I changed out the window control switch panel, a few were dicky.

[an observer]

Just encountered a known issue at 195,000 as the transmission has let go. Next to no warning and just three months after a fluid change with no indication of trouble or any metal flecks in the drained fluid.

Quote to rebuild original was over $3500, so have sourced a low mileage replacement.

An expensive week.