I recently purchased a 2002/2003 model ear X308 with 227,000 miles on the odometer. Engine runs very smooth for the mileage. Carfax shows the following work done in the prior five years: water pump & thermostat replaced in 2017, valve cover seals done in 2018, oil pan gasket replaced twice in one year(this surprised me), wheel hubs replaced @ 199,000, rear axle seals replaced @205,000. The big issues are the U joints/rear suspension, struts and the bearings per my state inspection. Now what immediate services should I do? I'm thinking I iridium plugs, the car runs smooth so should I bother with the coil packs now? Fuel pump as a preventive measure? How long do the thermostats last? Do the oil pan gaskets go bad that quickly or could there be an underlying issue I need to look into? Thanks for the feedback

 

I probably would not mess with the plugs unless there was a misfire or something like that.
Especially if the car funs good as it is. The fuel pump, if not already replaced, would be
something I might look into, however thermostats do not fail often, only 5 years since it has
been replaced, so don't go looking for trouble. Gaskets can be replaced but usually only
if there is a reason such as leakage. The one trouble spot I might have checked is the
transmission. I have mine inspected about every five years so while you are doing the
suspension work, have that looked into.

 

If your transmission still shifts real smooth, I would let a specialist install a transgo shift kit so you have a main pressure regulator that will not screw up your A drum.

Other than that, start hacking away at all the minor issues it has on suspension and keep it in top shape. The REAL achilles heel of the X308 is the weak and nasty to repair HU14 diff, the 5HP24 gearbox and the chain but that should be ok on your model year.