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What to do to get another 150k miles

5.3K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  aznxstazy  
#1 ·
We bought our Element new in 2003- it now has about 145,00 miles on it and has been a trouble free car- my best auto purchase by far.

My son now drives the car-he is finishing up college, and I had originally thought to get an Element for him with lower miles once he graduates college (he also thinks it is the greatest car ever made), but looking at the used car prices for Elements, they are not cheap!

One thought is to put some money into the current car-- if I put $6,000 into preventive maintenance it would be about half the cost of getting a newer Element. There is nothing wrong with the car--we have kept up with the scheduled maintenance-- but the bushings and suspension parts must be getting worn out for example.

Any suggestions on what items to replace for a "minor renovation" to get the car running like new?
 
#2 ·
Check all your bushings and bearings to see if you need new. If you have original shocks, spend 1,000 to get genuine Honda shock assemblies and your car will ride new. New cabin filter, sparkplugs, differential fluid, grease all hinges. Use a good synthetic high mileage oil.
Check all your mounts for breaks. You should be good with that
 
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#3 ·
If you're from DC and with their roads you probably should look into the suspension. Also everything Jst2878 recommended are very good suggestions.

Might also want to add, I don't know if you every done it, but you should have your transmission fluid changed.