I hope you've changed to TB/WP at some point, as you're way past the maintenance cycle... Even though I don't live in LA, I have driven in and around LA many times. Summers can be very hot... sitting in traffic with the AC on, this is hard on the cooling system! If I was in your position, I'd do the TB/WP if you havent, and replace the rad. If that rad is original, the top is probably turning yellow/brown, a sign the plastic is degrading. As these rads do fail from time to time--- luckily its not an auto, as you dont have to worry about the "pink milkshake" ... Of all the generations, I think its generally accepted the 3rd gens are the most reliable! You do not have alot of mileage on yours, I've seen 3rd gens going strong at 300-400K. I myself have 335k, and I do all the maintanance--- I wouldn't hesitate to go on a 500mile road trip tomorrow. Maybe the std shift may get a little tiresome after a while. All the later gens get much worse gas mileage...

Good luck!