Tires and fluid changes.

I'm about to order a tranny mount, sway bar bushings and strut rods though.

 

Not sure if I would go as far as weak spots but things to address on a 400 are:

1) Power steering pump & rack. Keep the fluid in as good of shape as possible.

2) Air conditioning: 10PA20c compressors are expensive & your AC system can really add up in repair cost.

3) Early model instrument clusters almost always require repair.

4) Stay away from the air suspension vehicles

 

Have had my 96 for eight years from 50K miles to 110K. Outside of 90K service (belts, power steering etc.) , tires, and oil changes no wrenches have touched it. (I do have some LCD issues on the radio and will fix someday) These cars are incredible. Recently bought a 99 with 60K miles and am hoping for the same good fortune. Radio LCD is trashed on that one too! Both run and ride better than my Dad's brand new Buick and get 28 -plus mpg on the highway.

 

In 8 years of owning my 98, other than normal maintenance, I've had the tires realigned and replaced the oil pan drain plug. I think that the key to making the car last forever is to perform the scheduled maintenance religiously. Or, if you're not a religious person, do it regularly.

 

In the 16 months I've owned my '97 Gen II I have had the front brakes done (had original rotors turned), replaced the tires which were no good when I bought the car, had the tranny fluid changed at Toyota, done the 90k mile timing belt change with new water pump, and replaced the wiper blades. I have put on 24k miles since I got the car, so the above expenses aren't too bad on a mileage basis. I was aware of the timing belt change coming up (the car had 80k miles on it when I purchased it).

It came with complete service records, so there were no surprises. No problem (so far) with plugs, wires, etc., and it gets 27mpg on a trip with a full load.

 

alternator, tires and brakes.

 

I also just ordered rotors and pads. The previous owner took the car to Midas for everything so I'm pretty sure it has Midas pads on it and they absolutely suck...

 

Tires, shocks (after 14 years =P), oil, spark plugs (soon to change again), and thats pretty much it.

 

Strut bars were the first. I try to not keep track but it's adding up like any aging car. Starter and alternator were the most $$ thus far.

Other: tie rod ends, not needed but I had those done with the ball joints. Upcoming: upper and lower control arms, strut bars for rear, tranny and engine mounts, rack bushings, power steering gaskets...