[mpumas]

Belts squeal when loose, wet or excessively worn. If at 115 K you replaced the timing belts, and accessory belts as recommend by the manufacturer at 90K, the belts should not be worn. Tighten just a little bit. Tighten too much and you will take out the bearings on the alternator and steering pump. Sometimes a little loose is better then too tight..

Alternators should last at least 150K. Some times bearings go out earlier. But what usually takes out the alternator is the commutator brushes which just wear out. I recommend a good rebuilt at about $150 and about 2 hours of labor. No need to increase size if you have stock electrical equipment installed.

Fuel filters usually don’t cause a decrease in mileage. When they get clogged up with the brush dust and other stuff that gets into the gas tank, fuel just doen’t go througth the filter and the engine starves.. You should have replaced the filter at about 90K along with all the other stuff the manufacturer recommends.

As for any rust, treat it as soon as possible with a rust converter. Then prime and paint. If left untreated, it will spread like a wild fire then it’s panel replace time Body shops like to replace panels rather then treat rust because if it comes back, you will want them to redo it for free.