I have run into two vacuum pump issues in the last year. One left me stranded when the car wouldn't start (oil clogging the fuel shut off valve at the ignition switch). If the car has not had the vacuum pump rebuilt, I would consider it before a long trip.

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1975 240d/4 Speed "Old Blue"
1985 300d/4 Speed "DaWhite"
2000 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner