I'm going to be driving ~2000 miles in August and I'm wondering what I should have inspected, or what maintenance I should do. I'm currently getting 20mpg in mostly city driving, which isn't horrible but I got 22-23 when I bought the car @ 37k.

I just did the front passenger wheel bearing, resurfaced both front rotors and put new pads on, and replaced the struts all around. A while ago my MAF went so I replaced it with a 2k1 MAF with the IAT from my old MAF. I did the standard 60k maintenance as specified by the manual.

I'm thinking doing the plugs now might make sense, and one of the threads mentioned that I should replace the rear valve cover at the same time since it's in the intake manifold which needs to be removed to get to the rear plugs. I see some recommendations for sea-foaming the engine too, but I've never done that on any of my cars so I dunno.

edit: I have the 6spd manual transmission

 

Check out your owner manual maintence schedule section....

 

i wouldnt change the valve cover gasket if it isnt leaking

 

If I had the upper intake removed to change the plugs, you're dang right I would change the VC gasket.

 

an oil change
i thought plugs didn't need to be changed until 105K

 

Idk if I would sea-foam just because I have read a few people got a random SES light or something, and you just don't need that on your mind for 2000 miles.
I replaced my plugs at 78k ( coulda waited longer) and ONLY replaced that valve cover (with an 04) because there was a leak (Obviously the gasket too).

 

i would just change out all fluids, im not sure if a rad flush and tranny flush are part of the 60k maintenance..

 

If it were me I would change the tranny fluid to Redline, do the plugs and the 04 valve cover. Forget about the seafoam, like you I've never used it on any car I've owned and don't intend to (snake oil).

Of course check all your other fluids, belts, hoses and brakes for wear. Oh yeah, don't forget to clean the inside of your windshield and apply some Rain-X. You'll probably be spending a lot of time behind the wheel during the hours of darkness and a clean windshield is a must.