What Would YOU Do???

I have a 2001 Lumina with 132,000. It had a long block (302) factory installed at 22,000 mi. No problem at all with engine. Never used oil. Changed faithfully at 5,000 to 7,000 mi. HAve always got 30 mpg!!!! I plan on keeping this until I throw some dirt and say a few words over it. :):) Never had a tune-up. A/C compressor went out at 95,000mi - $100.00 from the junkyard and I have gr888 air in Arizona!!!! Replaced brakes at 97,000 mi. Never added oil or coolant. Have thrown in a couple bottles of Air Injector cleaner at 60,000 and 120,000.

Are there any suggestions as to what I might expect in the way of PMing this beautie. Do I? and when would I? expect to replace struts, shocks, tune up, sensors etc?? Any experiences or helpful thoughts would be appreciated.

:feedback:

You are overdue for a tune-up. Don't believe the 100k mile plug claims, they just aren't true. The oxygen sensor(s) are due, and a trans service is way overdue (replace filter and only the fluid lost while dropping the pan only, DO NOT get a trans flush/fluid exchange, it will harm/ruin your trans) . Struts and such are more difficult to tell. A good test is to push up and won on each corner of the car to get it bouncing. the car shouldn't squeak or clunk, and should not bounce more than once after you stop pushing on it. If it continues to bounce, or makes noise, the struts need attention. I would also do a coolant flush, as Dex-cool antifreeze starts to sludge after 100k (it doesn't last it's 150k mile claim either).

How does a fluid replacement harm the transmission?

New fluid is grippier than old fluid. If you flush all the old stuff out and replace it with new, the old friction plates cannot handle the additional load and will shear from their backings, essentially ruining the trans. I know of many people that did it on cars with over 80k, and they had to replace the trans shortly there after due to clutch plate failure.