I'm a newbie to this forum. I've been learning quite a bit.
I have a 98 VDP. I bought it last month with 3500 miles. Now it is a little over 5,000 miles.

The car runs perfect with no issues.

I'd love to hear some thoughts about the following...

1. When should I get the lower chain tensioner upgrade?

2. When should I update the water pump?

3. Synthetic Oil or stay with the dino?

4. What fluids should be immediately changed?

I should say, the car was literally driven once or twice a month for the last 10 yrs. It has had the throttle body replaced. It doesn't seem to burn any oil. Yeah...it looks like 5,000 miles. A very nice car. It is Topaz on Oatmeal. Original tires, of course along with the hideous vdp crown wheels.

Thanks in advance.

 

1. Change the upper tensioners.
2. Update water pump now.
3. Synthetic or blend.
4. Consult manual for fluids.

Lucky devil!

 

Dan...change the tensioners now or do I have some time?

 

Get those VDP crown wheels take off immediately! They are UGLY!! haha. I took them off of my VDP and replaced them with Asteriod rims and it made a world of a difference. How did you find this car to buy?!

 

Pastorman,

I would change the upper tensioners now. They can fail at low mileages, around 50k. You do not have that mileage but they are old.

Dan

 

Do change the brake fluid. After 10 years you have enough water in the fluid to freez and lock up your brakes. Happened to me in Ala, of all places, with a 7 yr old car an a freek cold snap. I think it got down to much lower than 20 degrees F that night and I could not move the car for 2 days.

 

Burmaz...I was shopping Craigslist in Sacramento. There was an ad for the car with no pic. I assumed it was too good to be true, but followed up and started to verify the story. It wasn't too hard, though. Sellers were a nice older couple who only drove it once a month. They bought it new in Florida. I took a chance and flew down from Portland to see/buy the car. It's a pretty funny story as the owner couldn't understand why I needed the vin. I told him I need to verify owners, accidents, etc. He got mad at me on the phone and said, "Son, this car has 3400 miles on it...what in the hell do think is wrong with it?"
I had to definitely do things his way. I really enjoy the hunt of a new car and this was a pretty good hunt.
I usually buy and sell at least once a year...this is why I don't want to spend too much on the car.
Good thoughts on the tensioner and brake fluid...