[CREWZIN]

Pete,

Welcome to the forum. You sound a little like me in that you'd rather do the work now rather than wait till something breaks.

I'll just mention a couple things. The transaxle is a weak link but if it was taken care of can last a long time. You don't know the history of the car so your first time, do a complete flush. Wherever you go (it needs a machine to flush) make sure they use ATF+4 fluid. That way you change all 16 quarts out instead of dropping the pan and getting only 4.

The fan is/has been a PITA for many owners because of the burnt out inner windings/brushes. There's no way you can tell if it's about to burn out so keep an eye out at your temperature guage. It should never go above half way no matter what you do, if everything is working right.

Last is the timing belt.You shouldn't have to touch it until about 100,000 miles. It's an expensive job, about $900 - $1200 with parts and labor. Unless your really experienced, I'd let a mechanic (who's done it before) handle the job.

On your front suspension, check or have someone check out the front wheel bearings. Lots of owners have had to replace them. Jack the car up, grab the tire top and bottom and shake. Do the same by grabbing both sides. You shouldn't have any play in the wheel.

The last thing is if you have the built-in fog lights. The control stick for the lights, known as the multi-function stalk has a tendency to burn out. There's thousands (yes thousands) of them on back-order from the dealer. The usual thing that happens is the stalk innards burn out and them the fog lights don't turn off and you battery goes dead. Keep an eye out if you have the lights.