Known higher mileage issues

[Billy Mason PI]

Hi an observer, the oil I change twice a year, April and October (the car travels about 25,000km per year). The accessory belts (air con, pwr steering etc) have been changed once and the timing belt is original.

[Rob's 380]

Hi an observer, the oil I change twice a year, April and October (the car travels about 25,000km per year). The accessory belts (air con, pwr steering etc) have been changed once and the timing belt is original.

Is it really the original timing belt, at that mileage!

[an observer]

That must be a record ....

[darcy123]

If your Awd tl owner I think the best is for fully check in the company service shop. A car that has age is really needed to be taken care of.

[Thadvance]

Hi an observer, the oil I change twice a year, April and October (the car travels about 25,000km per year). The accessory belts (air con, pwr steering etc) have been changed once and the timing belt is original.

So if I'm to understand correctly, the timing belt is at least 10-11yrs and 450000kms overdue for a change?

I must say I'm a bit confused.. you seem to fastidiously maintain this car to near obsessive levels (which I great, don't get me wrong) , but don't change the one thing that can lunch the engine if it lets go?

Perhaps I'm missing something?

[an observer]

The recommended timing belt service interval is 75000kms OR every five years, whichever comes first. At 25000 a year and fifteen years old, the car would be well overdue.

I get that its an exy job and mine is due AGAIN - next year, at about 225000kms. Much as i like driving it, a lotto win or similar to fund something newer wouldn't go astray.

[an observer]

Another day, another service. The car just clicked over 210,000kms.

Not much to report. Changed the oil to penrite 10 40 synthetic, had the transmission fluid changed and had the front rotors machined and new pads. The rears can wait to the next service.

There is a creak in the front somewhere thats been there for ages. The rear bump stops are just about stuffed.

But overall still driving well.

[an observer]

The drivers side door cup is a molded plastic extrusion that sits snugly inside the door opening handle.

For some months, mine was failing and eventually cracked. I put up with no cupat all for a few months more but finally decided to get a new one.

Mitsfix sells them cheaply on ebay, the part was ordered, arrived promptly and was fitted. Looks much better and is nicer to look at.

A minor triumph of aesthetics over hard headed budgeting.

[an observer]

Car down to the mechanics today to check out the suspension. Its been crashing across bumps and minor road imperfections. Just doesnt drive as smoothly as it should.

So, after a drive and some time on the hoist they are recommending new shocks all round, lower control arms, bump stops and noted the power steering is starting to leak .

Ive asked tnem to quote by dividing the work into packages. Will probably get the front end done first as thats definitely the roughest. Then get the rear end done (shocks, bushes) at the next service along with a machine of the rear rotors and new pads.

Might leave the power steering a bit longer unless it starts to leak badly.

[an observer]

As expected the quote was frightening. About 1200 for the front and 800 for rear.

Needless to say im shopping for another quote(s). Sigh.