i changed mine out, after i bought my car at 80k.
it's an 00 csvt, and had the white plastic. i ordered a new one from dealer and was the same white plastic, which i figure lasts at least another 80k.
for those thinking of doing this, i'd say DIY, it's pretty easy other except for the part taking off those clamps on the hoses. and i had plastic bags to catch the coolant from the hoses so didn't make much of a mess.. and wore latex gloves.
anyone still have probs temp getting too high after changing waterpump/thermostat? mine will go almost all the way right close to end of normal range..then i'll put the a/c on to turn on the fan.. only does this when i drive for a while, on local roads. i'd change the ECT sensor, but i don't think that's the problem since my gauge works fine up and down.
