High Mileage Active Maintanance

[Bub1958]

My daughter's '03 V6 has 133K on it now, and best I can tell we've gone by the book as far as scheduled maintenance goes. However she takes this car to college in areas with no cell coverage so if there's anything I should replace before it goes I'm willing to do that. It's beginning to run a little rough (engine miss) so it's probably ready for a tune-up, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I should replace now, i.e. fuel pump, sensors etc. that may be the edge of their life. Any suggestions?

[gdanaher]

It won't take much rough running to cause a check engine light to appear, so plugs are due if they are original. Check the water pump for any leakage. Look at water hoses and consider replacement if original. Look at brake pads for wear. Look at cv joints for good unbroken boots.

[somick]

How old is the battery? If it is an original it is due any way.

Sam

[workerant]

best best is sell the car and buy something new and smaller, corolla for example. Everything is new and likely run longer before needing maintenance.

[carsrus]

Timing belt compnents are the most important. Hoses and thermostat are also key. The radiator would only be the thing you might wanna preventatively replace if its got some cracks showing.

Other than that really just make sure to stay on top of any problems.

[PhatRoyale]

133K and 7 years old?

That car is barely broken in.

[AlmightyCamry777]

timing belt every 90,000. I'd change the transmission fluid too, i change mine like changing the oil but i am lazy so i leave the pan on (it takes a 10 mm male hex socket for the drain plug).
Also the spark plug change that was mentioned - that may be all it needs to run well again. the rear plugs are not easy to get at but you can do it without removing the plenum (if you are patient and set aside plenty of time.)

[JohnGD]

In addition to the excellent suggestions, I would have the transmission pan dropped, a new filter (< $15) put in. These felt filters plug with time. Cleanliness and ATF level accuracy are important. I'd use Castrol synthetic blend ATF for imports.

http://info.rockauto.com/WIX/DetailW...asp?Part=58010
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224

I would also flush the power steering system. There is a DIY (Gen3/4):
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Originally Posted by workerant

best best is sell the car and buy something new and smaller, corolla for example. Everything is new and likely run longer before needing maintenance.

The car still has a ton of life left in it...mine has a bit less miles than that and is running strong with no sign of giving up.

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

133K and 7 years old?

That car is barely broken in.

+1 it has a ton of life left!

As mentioned, check the timing belt, and if it needs to be changed do the water pump at the sametime. Check the plugs, tires, brakes etc etc rad flush and fill, tranny, trans axle..etc etc

[Bub1958]

Thanks for the replies. The TF is new, timing belt, drive belts and water pump were replaced t 90K, new radiator in 2005 (front end damage), fuel induction system service in '07 along with a new battery. Brakes and rotors are new, although they've been replaced 3 times! Fuel pump and fuel filter are probably original.....don't know if the pump normally becomes problematic at this mileage.

[FishyMan]

Originally Posted by Bub1958

Thanks for the replies. The TF is new, timing belt, drive belts and water pump were replaced t 90K, new radiator in 2005 (front end damage), fuel induction system service in '07 along with a new battery. Brakes and rotors are new, although they've been replaced 3 times! Fuel pump and fuel filter are probably original.....don't know if the pump normally becomes problematic at this mileage.

Seems like a bulk of the things were already done. There could be a lot of small things you could do I suppose; as already mentioned. But I don't think fuel pump is really an issue.

1) Fluids (Just make sure 'all fluids', even brake fluid (importantly) are fresh and done properly.
2) Typical plugs gapped and torqued correctly.
3) All types of hoses should be inspected and replaced.
4) Typical filters. Oil, Air, Fuel

You could check out the sensors, and even gas requirements. Make sure she is using premium on the v6 (i suppose).

I would get better brake pads perhaps if that's the case. Although I can see your emphasis on the brakes being replaced often. LOL

Check to make sure there is no oil leaking into the spark plug tubes.

But if possible, see if there is a phone service that would extend to that area of coverage.

Good luck.