OK, thanks for the input.

WHAT ELSE should I watch out for?

 

Other things to consider at that age and mileage are suspension, air mix servo, and door lock actuators.

 

Check the antenna mast, see if it still works. I broke mine off in a car wash. LOL

Obviously, do the basis, like you normally would. Check the oil level, coolant level, etc. There isn't much else these car's are prone to. Check the locks like mentioned, and things of that nature.

 

Antenna mast was replaced at 117K

 

One thing that stood out in records - CEL at 161K they had a note that
LOOSE GAS CAP CAUSE VAPOR LOSS and CEL

I thought that CEL and gas caps were thing of the 90s....or not?

 

Not at all; a common problem.

 

Regarding the suspension - looking at the records - I think its all original stuff.
What would it cost to swap it out all around?
About a grand?

 

There are a ton of suspension parts, you will probably need to replace the struts and strut mounts. Control Arms, and such should be fine, but it really depends on the specific car and where it was driven. Struts and Strut Mounts all around will probably be a little under a grand, probably around $800-900.

For comparison, my suspension is like new, except for my front struts/mounts. I've inspected the control arms, bushings, etc, and everything is fine at 185k miles. I had the rear struts (kyb's) and mounts replaced last year for $450. I plan on doing the front struts and mounts myself, next summer. Everything on my suspension is original, except the rear struts and mounts. It's hard to believe everything is in good condition after 12 years, an 185k miles but it is! I'm surprised considering how crappy the roads are here in NJ.

 

Great price. Just out of interest, where did you get the parts and where did you have them replaced (my dealer want's almost 2 grand to replace front and rear struts and mounts - ain't gonna happen, obviously).

 

I had the parts ordered from Worldpac, they have a warehouse near me and they deliver parts within' a few hours. I had the work done at my uncle's shop. He normally charges $500 for all of his customers. Originally, he only wanted me to pay for parts, but I feel bad doing that so I paid him $50 less than what he charges his customers. He doesn't charge too much for labor as long as you are buying parts from him, because he get's a certain percentage back from Worldpac depending on how many parts he purchases.