The rear suspension springs broken at 80,000 miles. $500.
Front brake calipers had to be replaced at 110,000 miles. $500.
Water pump needed adjustment at about 90,000 miles. $200.
Two of the three instrument cluster illumination lights burned out. $150.
Faulty speed sensor frequently stuck the transmission in first gear at 100,000 miles. $150.
Significant loss of engine power solved by replacing ignition wires at 130,000 miles. $150.
Worn battery was replaced.
Ignition key lock worn at 130,000 miles, key can be removed with engine on, which blows the tail lights fuse.
I'm generally very happy with this car's economy and reliability. Only the speed sensor problem was seriously crippling, otherwise the car has always started and run fine.
It was a station wagon for barely $12,000, and spending an additional $2-3000 in maintenance and repair over nine years and 140,000 miles seems very reasonable.
As it is, the car drives fine and usually gets 29mpg, with the occasional 31mpg on the highway.
All I can say is: you must not have any mechanical skills, and someone saw you coming! Because you spent a lot of money on things that should not have cost that much.
Still, with what you did put into it, it sounds like it turned out to be a good vehicle. I am considering the purchase of one with the gas prices that way they are. I think I'll jump on it.
I just paid 900$ for my tracer station wagon,it runs rough
and needs some TLC. i bought the car at a salvation army auto sales. the car is very clean inside and out. i plan to restore the wagon and use it as a second car.
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