1996 Chevrolet Prizm 1.6 from North America

Summary:

An amazing car

Faults:

Wouldn't start one day, found one starter bolt loose and no continuity to ground between the starter and engine block (very weird). I refurbished the solenoid contacts (good for another 10 years), removed rust, and all is well.

When the stone-cracked windshield needed to be replaced, the upper metal had rusted, and needed to be repaired before the new glass could be put in.

The fuel filler tube got rust perforations.

Had to replace one front rotor, normal brake replacements.

New clutch around 110,000

Exhaust leak for the last couple of years, and still on the original muffler and pipes.

I can't think of anything else, no bearings/CV joints ever replaced, just tires, brakes, oil changes and batteries.

General Comments:

I got this car from my wife, who got it from our daughter when she wanted a new car.

I love it. As reliable as an old hammer.

With almost 200k miles on it, the fuel mileage and power is down a little. I recorded 40 MPG on a trip when it had half the miles on it, but am sure it would be lower now.

I don't record the MPG, but I know it is thrifty.

We live in the rust capitol of the world, because road salt is used in the winter and we get lots of snow. Somewhere else - the rust issue would not occur.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2013