High Mileage Mazda3 questions?

[quicksilver8907]

Hey guys I'm new here. I have a 2005 Mazda3 S2.3.
I bought it in 2009 with 20,000 miles and it currently has 194,000. Most of those have been highway miles. I have taken very good care of it with regular oil changes, brake maintenance and have replaced the ac compressor as well as the front struts and shocks. I am at the point where I depend on my car a lot to get me to and from job sites which may be hundreds of miles away. So I am debating whether I should buy a new car to put miles on that I know will be reliable or if I should keep my beloved Mazda. If any of you have any tips on things I should replace on the car to keep it running great I would greatly appreciate it. I was thinking of replacing the timing belt, water pump and thermostat just as preventative maintenance but let me know what you guys think. Is there anything you guys see fail more often at this mileage? Thanks for the wonderful forum!

 

[concept]

Is it an auto or manual trans? How often have you changed the fluid?

 

[quicksilver8907]

It's an automatic transmission. I have had the transmission fluid changed pretty regularly. Probably every 60k or so. I have my oil changed at the valvoline instant oil change place and I keep up with their recommended services.

 

[concept]

What does your owner's manual say about timing belt maintenance? Is it a chain or belt? If it's a chain, you may not have to do anything. My sister sold a 323 wagon with over 300,000 miles on it and it was still running great. Sometimes a water pump gasket will start seeping, even when the pump itself is good. Many people have the pump replaced when the timing belt is replaced (historically, 60K - 90K miles). If you have the original water pump, it may be a good idea to have it changed, especially if you have a timing belt that is long overdue.

CV boots eventually crack and leak grease. The result could be a clicking noise when rounding a corner. The boots should be checked when the oil is changed or brake rotors and/or pads are replaced. This is a good time to have the brake fluid flushed/bled.

 

[quicksilver8907]

Thanks for the help.

 

[quicksilver8907]

So took it to my mechanic, he said belts, water pump and everything looked good. Just replaced read shocks, engine tuneup and new spark plugs.