Items to look at with a 100K commuter car

[billschroeder5842]

Hey all, I'm considering doing a "daily driver-- light" on my '91 with 92k on her. My commute would be 50 miles a day with a 50/50 highway and city.

The car is in excellent condition with a lot of reliability work done (the list is pretty long) over the 9 years of ownership (except water pump or steering) and I feel confident. However, I only drive about 150 miles a month and now I'm considering doing that mileage by Wednesday of the first week of the month.

I do have a RAM 1500 but the ZR1 is just so much fun and it would make the comute much better. I plan on using the RAM on "foul weather days" but Texas days are notoriously unpredicable so I will get caught off guard.

So, what is the problem areas that typically pop up with 100k plus and or any suggestions on preventative maitenance? I'm happy to "get ahead" on items.

Thanks!

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Bill,
I would have few, if any, concerns for that usage with your current mileage.

Robust routine maintenance and observation are paramount, but the ZR-1 will handle that for many more years. I would expect it to easily reach 200-250 k miles with relative ease. Just scan those gauges frequently and avoid "get there - itis" if something is amiss.

The joy of driving it will be certainly well worth it.

There are some concerns however.

On a rainy day, do not roll down the window to pay a toll or at a drive through else your pants may look like you had an off - center accident.

On hot days you likely need the painted top or a liner for the transparent top in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Be prepared to not have a stroke when a door gets nicked or a stone chip happens.

Don't expect it to remain in concourse condition absent hours each weekend cleaning it back up.

Allow extra commute time. This will accommodate the frequent admiring car nuts enough time to gaze at your car and ask you questions about it.

EVERYONE will want to challenge you at a stop light. Discipline may enable you to keep your drivers license.

You will leave for work early each day for the fun drive, as well as leaving early for the return trip for the same reason. You may seek out longer routes as time goes by.

Most all Corvettes and collectables age far better with regular usage as opposed to spending time under cover. That usually far offsets the usage induced needs.

Many collectable owners who see you driving the ZR-1 in that fashion may find themselves dreaming and ultimately doing the same.

In summary; Go for it and have FUN!


Marty

[billschroeder5842]

Thanks Marty for the boost of confidence. I'm going to give this a try (being smart) and see how it goes. I drive on forecasted nice days and never set out in the rain or storm on purpose.

[secondchance]

If the car has OEM radiator, I strongly recommend replacing with a high quality all aluminum radiator. Plastic tank on the passenger side of OEM radiator typically fail around 80,000. Had it happen to me twice.

[billschroeder5842]

Originally Posted by secondchance

If the car has OEM radiator, I strongly recommend replacing with a high quality all aluminum radiator. Plastic tank on the passenger side of OEM radiator typically fail around 80,000. Had it happen to me twice.

Thanks for the advise and I changed out the radiator in March '23 and about 3k miles ago. All fresh fluids. I also put Jerry's gaskets hoses on several years ago.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Check the windshield wipers.
Some have never been used.
Also the spare if it has not been deleted.

Marty

[rush91]

Have you done the fuel pumps??

Mine crapped out 2 weeks ago, my Z has around 65k on it......Thank God I was at home when that happened.

[rush91]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

Check the windshield wipers.
Some have never been used.
Also the spare if it has not been deleted.

Marty

This as well......My 30 year old doughnut has saved me twice.

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by billschroeder5842

Thanks for the advise and I changed out the radiator in March '23 and about 3k miles ago. All fresh fluids. I also put Jerry's gaskets hoses on several years ago.

Glad to hear that you have already replaced the radiator. Silicone hoses are great. Just remember to check and tighten all hose clamps at least once a year. Somehow silicone hoses have tendency loosen the clamps and will leak minute amount of coolant. It took me awhile to figure out why the coolant was disappearing mysteriously.