Car upkeep question for the gurus

[lupi]

Here's a question for the car mechanical gurus out there. I've got a late 80's renault convertible. While I'm not going to make any claims about the overall reliability or impressiveness of this car, it was free to me and does nice with the gas. The question is what do I do to make sure it will run ok. Why do you ask, well lets start with it was owned by a little old lady that only used it to go to church.
 
Ok, now that you're done laughing, it actually was. This lady then sold it a relative of the wife whom used it for similar purposes for a short time before he stopped driving. The result is I have a 20 year old car with just over 12,000 miles on it. Obviously mechanical tear isn't a concern, but what things need to be looked at/replaced to account for age.

 

[franksta]

I would definitely checkout the hoses under the hood and the fan/accessory belt.

 

[DougK62]

If it were mine, I'd first check for rotted suspension parts - it's likely all original parts. Of course, you'll also want to replace all of the fluids in it. Then I'd run a can of GM Top Engine Cleaner through it, since most cars I've seen that were driven by old people have some wicked carbon build up. Then have fun!

 

[Capt Caveman]

Change all fluids, check/replace hoses, check battery.

 

[cardiac]

All of the above are great answers. Check each of the tires for dry rot. hye will have splits and cracks in them. Replace them.......

Bob

 

[Zenmervolt]

Just repeating what's already been said really:

Anything that's rubber should probably be replaced. Belts, hoses, vacuum lines, brake lines, suspension bushings and tires.

If the tires are still original, change them NOW, same with the belts. Tires begin to dry rot by about 5 or 6 years old and should be replaced due to age around that time.

I would also say to flush and re-fill all fluids. Brake fluid, PS fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, anything and everything that is a fluid should be replaced.

I'd also go ahead and replace all filters (air filter, fuel filter, etc) just to be thorough.

ZV

 

[FeuerFrei]

I'm sure finding parts for that thing will be no sweat.