ABS light came on once, but then after I restarted the car, it went away.
Passenger seat does not go up or down.
TSB - for O-ring installation in transmission to prevent a leak.
Other than that, I have just done the oil changes, brakes, and filter changes and she runs like a champ.
Tips: Adjust the trunk stops downward so the trunk does not rattle.
Make sure you get all the TSB for your year.
Go for ceramic pads to prevent all that black factory brake dust!!! (Hated having to step on the brake after I was finished cleaning my wheels!!)
I was skeptical about buying the car since it was a pre Damlier-Benz break up baby, but I have to say, it's a solid running little sports coupe.
The suspension is great around corners. I've done close to 70mph in a tight corner where I usually whip my motorcycle through, and it performed very well and did not break loose (maybe because of the Toyo Proxes I have gripping the road).
It has ample acceleration for its size, and you could not ask for better braking (I would compare it close to sport bike brakes!!).
I'm only 24 and a speed freak, but I think the base 215 horses are just enough to get into trouble. If I were to have purchased the SRT version, I know I would have the thing wrapped around a tree (Glad I'm too cheap to get that one)!
The interior is cheesy as hell, but most people see the outside while you are cruising by soo... I hate the grainy dash and other black interior parts.
As far as the maintenance, it gets pricey when you go for factory parts. Brake pads were $280 for a complete set and the air filters were $121 for two from the factory, but if you go online (Akebono brakes $150 for a full set of ceramic pads with sensors on the front two, and autozone carries K&N air filters for $37 each; they last for the life of the car, why not!).
Oil changes have been free for me since I have only had the car for 10 months, but I heard they run about 140 if you go to the factory. Once again, every man should know how to change the oil in a car, it helps you understand the vehicle a little bit better, unless you don't feel the need to save money!
The engine compartment gives PLENTY of room for me to work on it if I ever have to.
It uses premium, but if you think about it, its only $5 max more than filling up with regular 87 (.37 cents times 10 gallons = $3.70cents/ never thought of it like that did you!!).
I have no complaints so far, I purchased an extended bumper to bumper and emission warranty though AA auto, so I'm careless until I hit that 70K mark.
The tires are a bit pricey (depends on what you get) I'm already up for replacement after 23,000 miles on the Proxes from a few burnouts and doughnuts (in the safety of a parking lot of course!). I haven't taken it above 115, and nor do I plan to (I have a motorcycle for that).
I am the poster of the original thread. Now at 63,015 miles later, I must say in these past 6 months my car has been in the shop at least 4 times.
I had a steering damper leak where the whole damper was replaced ($800 for just the part), the transmission started leaking (at about 60K miles) in the upper right hand corner due to a "gasket", but I did get the TSB done for some electrical part on the tranny so I'm not sure which item caused it (noticed this when I was doing a brisk 75-85MPH and saw an trail of smoke in the rear view mirror and thought, that's not my car... pulled over and you guessed it, it was my car... tranny fluid leaking on the hot exhaust).
The Secondary Air injection code (P0410) came up when check engine light came on around 50K miles. This has to do with water draining back into this pump, which can freeze during the winter and destroy or damage the pump.
Heated seat elements needed to be replaced (they were broken when I got the car but didn't realize it).
Ignition started to bind around 55K miles. Dealer says base idle needed to be adjusted at the current mileage 63,015. I honestly believe it's a Cam Position Sensor, which can cause rough idle, the car to shut off while driving, or a non start condition (you may be able to start it after you cycle the key on and off though. It still can be the CPS).
Be prepared to spend about $500 with coolant change, fuel filter change, and oil changes if don't all at once.
Overall I'm not too upset at these fixes because they were covered under an extended warranty (Through Warranty America who I don't recommend) and because ALL cars are going to have problems at some point... just trying to figure out whether I should hold onto this or just get a 2001 Infinity Q45 Anniv Ed.
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