Howdy grandall! Welcome to the board!

Answers to all of those questions are at the other end of the "search" button.

There is NO END of mods you can do discussed here. Browse away... One of the first ones to consider is the rear door opener, which makes cargo-access life a bit easier.

The best product for the plastic (IMHO) is Refinish Restorer. Search for it and you will find out where to get it and what other people's results have been (excellent).

Good luck!