So you bought a used vehicle and the previous owner claims everything is new or recently replaced-- who really knows. Save yourself headaches-- baseline it. It started because I could tell how old the battery was-- it looked like it had several years of service in it. 

What do I mean? Go through and replace most of the inexpensive stuff and some of the more expensive critical things. Examples?

• Battery
• Fluids
• Filters
• Belts
• Hoses
• Spark plugs
• Wires
• Distributor cap
• Ignition coil

These are just some of the things I replaced on my new-to-me Jeep XJ-- I did change more. Why? Because I realized that I would rather baseline the vehicle and know everything was right then to drive along and hope for the best. That "hope-for-the-best" route could lead to breakdowns and annoying piece meal repairs on the vehicle's schedule, not my schedule. Better to nip a bunch of problems in the bud and know how old and reliable everything was by my hands.

I am keeping many of the replaced parts as "absolute emergency" back-ups-- This is a smart move if you will be off roading (beach driving for me) the vehicle and should be carrying spare parts.

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, LowProfileLife, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Auto Maintenance DIY Tip: How to Rotate Your Tires 
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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.