New owner - what to tackle first

[jcslocum]

Great looking car.

Those things enumerated above are all good. I'm a cheap Yankee so I inspect things like air filter, etc... instead of automatically replacing.

I would inspect very closely the coolant tank in the truck, under the carpet on the side. Not just peek, but pull the carpet and a flashlight and really look, just to make sure it's not leaking.

Front motor mounts are a failure point on these cars. It's hard to see and is a small pain to replace. but it's probably shot.

Air Oil Separator (AOS) is another known failure point. It's really can't be inspected and I would think age is as big a killer of these as is mileage. When the car is running and you can't take off the oil filler cap, the diaphragm inside is prolly bad. A real PIA to change.

Oil filler line from the trunk filler to the engine. They crack.

Brake fluid flush. Color of the fluid tells all. Dark it's old and needs flushing, a nice clear amber color, it's prolly new-ish but still easy to flush.

Clean out the convertible top drains, Water in the cabin and under the seats is really BAD! Alarm computer is under drivers seat and will die if it gets wet.

There's lots of things to dd and good luck with the car!!!

[nicecar]

drive the piss out of it...... most important

[kk2002s]

A good read on this site will certainly let you start your Preventive Maintenance replacement items List

DIYer or do you need a mechanic?? All those basics and fluids as DIYer aren't such an expensive list. From a shop, could be $$$$ BUT still good points to address.

Personally, I have gotten some level of comfort dropping my oil sump plate to see what is floating around in there. Each time I find nothing as well as my filter.
Hardest part is putting the right amount of sealant on.

I would add to the mentioned items, Convertible top Cleaning and treatment.

And Drive it
Wait wait wait - Don't turn the key until you do the IMSB