A few maintanence questions

[SoCalBoy11]

Hey guys, have a few questions about the priority of maintanence i should follow.

I just bought a used 05 Corolla S with 105xxx miles. The worst feeling is not knowing how well the previously owner took care of it. I want to get the oil changed asap, but is it needed to get any sort of flush for the oil system as well.
What would you also suggest, trying to keep in mind im in college and my finances are limited. I was thinking Transmission and coolant replacement/flush.
It seems to run strong, and my mileage is turning out very good. But i know that it can be misleading. Just want to get some opinions on some definite things i should get done.

[PatrickB-379]

In a similar situation, I just bought an '06 S w/ 96K. So far I have...

Replaced the spark plugs (it idles much smoother now)
Replaced the serpentine belt (no more squeaking)
Replaced the engine air filter (K&N just because I like them)
Replaced the cabin air filter
Replaced the wiper blades w/ OEM (they were mis-matched off brand)
Replaced the tires w/ Goodyear Comfortred Tourings
Check and adjust the alignment
Toyota dealer oil change and check over
Verified all bulbs are working
Did a good clay/polish/wax and interior super clean
PDR any door dings
Checked door drain holes to make sure they are not plugged
Checked breaks (previous owner replaced them last year)
Replaced the windshield (crack from previous owner)
Cleared up headlights
Cleaned the MAF sensor
Spent hours searching back through forum posts to catch up on history and read the maintenance tips and how-to's

Still to do...
Clean engine so I can easily watch for leaks
Power steering flush
Transmission Flush
Coolant Flush
Refinish aluminum wheels

[PatrickB-379]

Also FYI as a money savings tip, I bought most of my stuff from advance auto parts using coupons such as A123 which gives you $20 off $50. I do local store pickup but there is free shipping over $75 and there are other codes for bigger orders.

Example - K&N air filter for $31.99 after coupon, 4 Denso Spark Plugs for $21.68 and a Dayco Serpentine belt for $16.27, Cabin air filter for $9.95 - $5.00 rebate (on a bigger order w/ other items), etc...

As always, check against Amazon/Wal-Mart or other places of choice because some of their stuff is marked way up and more expensive even after the coupons.

[shoujiliuzhijun]

When you do coolant flush, I suggest do driving belt & water pump replacement at the same time. On my 2003 Corolla, I didn't even have to remove the alternator during water pump replacement.

[NMGeorge]

Wow Patrick, you sure got busy! Where in Wisconsin are you? I was thinking that the next time I visit family in Manitowoc I should drop my car off!

[PatrickB-379]

Originally Posted by NMGeorge

Wow Patrick, you sure got busy! Where in Wisconsin are you? I was thinking that the next time I visit family in Manitowoc I should drop my car off!

Central Wisconsin - a little south of Wausau. Was actually in Manitowoc just over a week ago. Some of the things I did to mine I could repeat in far less time a second time around... The cleaning was the big time consuming part.

[devinsdad]

Change the oil and filter first. pull the tranny dipstick and look at the color of the fluid. is it black or smells burnt, it needs changed. I changed mine at 90K. The coolant should be good to 120K. When the motor is cool, open the fill cap and look at it. Forgot now if the Toyota fluid is the green or red stuff..... well, it should be one of the two. Look for a good independent Toyota mechanic in your area, he might look it for free to gain a customer. It sucks buying used and not knowing how well the last person maintained it.

[Jayden]

You could always register your car on the Toyota Owner's Website. Once you type in the VIN, you can see all prior maintenance done on your vehicle. It's kinda handy!