Faults:
Tires are worn badly and out of alignment.
Shocks have gone.
Steering is stiff.
Gears shift improperly.
Windshield wipers need to be replaced.
The motor on the power locks and windows is very weak.
The red engine overheat light flashes on and off frequently.
The car leaks both antifreeze and engine fluid.
The rear hatch door suspension has gone and it freezes in cold temperatures.
The radio sometimes won't turn off.
Needed a brand new starter which was very expensive.
Serious rust all over especially by the tires.
General Comments:
This car was a very inexpensive purchase - $400; from a family member who is also a mechanic.
I had to purchase a block heater for it in -40 degree weather. It has actually started perfectly being plugged in and standing outside in the Canadian elements.
It has been great for a "beater car", although has such a shimmy now on the roads here that I can only maintain a speed of 50km/h.
I have had to fix and upgrade many things on it however, and because of my higher insurance rates it does not seem worth all the trouble; and has been more than I bargained for. I am currently in the process of getting better tires, and if that does not fix the severe shimmy and jerking on the car and it ends up being the tire rods; I will be having it hauled away.
On the plus side however, it has never left me stranded anywhere. The look of it is really cool. The gas mileage is awesome only costing about $80/month to fill. Keeping up all of the oil change changes has kept that part running smoother.
All in all, if you purchase one of these models in better shape than I did, it would be not a bad car for someone that cannot afford much. It is most definitely not good for out of city driving. Also, if driving in the city steer clear of uneven pavement or roads that require driving more than 50 km/h. Just be warned that there may be quite a cost involved in the long run.
27th Jul 2006, 11:44
It has been an education reading these car reviews on the web. I recently read one in which the author indicated that (s)he considered replacing an odometer cable (and a few other items...) to be a minor inconvenience in an otherwise good car.
In contrast, the review that has prompted my comments complained of having to replace shocks, tires, and WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES on a 15-year-old car. These are standard maintenance items. With the miles I drive, I replace tires every three to four years. I try to replace wiper blades twice a year. It's not a problem with the car. It's a cost of ownership. I wonder if this is the writer's first car?