Really good topic. The same thoughts have crossed my mind too. At the moment, I've been doing or considering the following. Feel free to highlight what I'm doing wrong. I know some people are extremely anal about some aspects & will recommend I do a lot more, more frequently, but I feel the below has been (or will be) adequate.
Oil & oil filter change - 6months to yearly (this is considering I'm not even close to 5000km a year & oil quality is quite good these days)
Fuel filter - same time as the oil change (mainly due to increased frequency of old fuel in the tank)
Battery - as mentioned, I have a trusty CTEK too (handy birthday present)
Spark Plugs (copper/platinum/iridium) - depends on the plugs (+ general usage conditions), I use copper & have an MSD but in all fairness, my plugs have lasted 2yrs so far. I do check plugs when doing oil change etc.
Air Filter - I clean this when changing oil/filter etc
Transmission Oil - I don't change this by mileage, but I'm anticipating it'll be done every 2 years (maybe even a bit more) considering it'll do less than 10,000km in 2years.
Engine Coolant (Toyota Red) - I use Nulon red which is meant to last over 100,000km. Given I recently changed all my hoses & serviced my radiator, I don't anticipate changing coolant for a fairly long time.
Thermostat - Probably not for many years unless it causes problems (I changed mine during the rebuilt)
Brake Fluid - Depends on fluid, but maybe every 2-3 years.
Brake Pads/Discs - As required (brakes last a ridiculous amount of time considering I don't use them often)
Clutch Fluid - Depends on fluid (like brakes), so maybe every 2-3 years.
Power Steering Fluid (where applicable) - Probably as often as coolant
Major service components:Accessory belts (alternator, A/C) - On inspection/demand
Timing belt - Probably every 10 years @ the rate I'm going, funny cos most built engines die before the timing belt is due, which is usually the point in which I replace
Water pump - On demand, but changed when I did an engine rebuild
On a final note, I should highlight how I treat my car in light of its low usage. Driven like Paul's, 2-3 times per month. Less than 5000km a year. Street driven, a bit of fun boost here & there, but no prolonged hammering (it's somewhat retired from abuse - already done its bid for king & country).
Parking/storage - indoors away from the elements (sunlight, water or any salty air), stable room temperatures.
Cold starts - Wait a few seconds for oil pressure to build/flow, then warm the car up under light load (no boost). Once coolant temperature has stabilised in the 80's for a few minutes, then I wake up the turbo. I feel it's important NOT to do quick start & shutdowns on the car without taking it for a nice drive (to avoid fouling the plugs etc)
Fuel - I seldom fill the tank. I typically go halfway so I can use fresh fuel as often as possible. Only exception is when planning for a longer drive of course.
Driving frequency - I generally do not to let it sit/sleep for over a fortnight, so the seals etc etc don't cake.
Washing/vacuum - I wash it 1-2 times a month given it's rarely dirty (only a bit dusty sometimes). But as part of this MR2 ritual, I always check fluids (oil, coolant, P/S, clutch & brake). Along with a quick inspection for any leaks or loose ends.
post edited by MR2QIK - 2014/01/31 13:59:30