I have the same unit (w/o touch and go) and I bought it new in 1998. It has been uncoverd for the past 2 years, need to take care fo that.
Definately get the statinless steel ash sweeper if they have it, I replaced mine a few years back and the new ones need replacing already. Possibly from being uncoverd. I also had to wire the unit that holds the ash catche to the grill, since hte bracket is shot.
Great grill!