QuestionQUESTION: Tim - I know you don't take questions about cars older than '98 but this is just a question about maintaining a car that was gifted to me by by grandmother... it's a '95 Buick LaSabre. It's in great shape but I'm pretty sure she didn't do anything other than oil changes to keep it up. It has 114,000 miles and I'm wondering what a car with that kind of mileage should get to make sure it runs well. I've thought of new plugs, fuel filter, transmission fluid and filter. What do you think about a new belt and water pump? Anything else I should replace or have done? My family and I depend on it to get everyone around and to get me to school. Thanks for your advice!!
ANSWER: it would be a good idea to get the following items done
tune up; plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, PCV
coolan flush
I would suggest just having a mechanic change the trans fluid and filter, and not flush it, sometimes on older vehicles flushing trans ends up doing more harm than good. But it cannot hurt to remove the old filter and install new fluid.
if the belts are noisey or worn you should replace them as well
I would only replace the water pump if it is noisey or leaking.
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QUESTION: I also have a 2003 Dodge Dakota with about 113,000 miles. It's a manual 4x4 and I've maintained it pretty well. Any advice about running it in and having someone give it some TLC? How long can I let the belts go on either vehicle? Thanks
Answerfor the belts i would say if they are serpentine belts around 60,000-70,000 or sooner if they are noisey or have cracks in them. As for the dakota, pretty much all the same things apply, however you should have the front and rear axles as well as the transfer case fluid changed
