13th Aug 2009, 17:01
Ted,
Why are you dumping all of this money into this thing when you could have a nice Camry or Accord instead? You'd have a much nicer car with no problems.
20th Sep 2014, 02:34
I disagree. I have owned 3 Civics and 2 Accords, and every single one has failed me before 200xxx miles.
If the car is not cared for correctly and on time, it will not last. I have a 1995 Achieva with 290xxx miles. Ours was owned by my grandmother brand new off the lot.
She took care of it (oil change and tune ups). The only major thing was the alternator. All cars should have full maintenance at 100xxx, no matter what you have heard. Every fluid flushed, every filter changed.
I have no complaints with the Oldsmobile. I have had one Honda last 240xxx till the motor blew. And I've had a Saturn get 65xxx and the transmission blew. It all depends on care.
8th Aug 2009, 00:39
This is Ted with an update.
I had the lower intake gasket fixed on May 7, 2009, and there was no damage to the engine. The cost was $750.80. I also had the passenger side ball joint and both front bushings replaced for $250 on May 12, 2009.
Its runs smooth now (almost like nothing happened!).
Other things that happened since the Achieva hit the road again:
Passenger side tire blew on May 8, 2009. Patched for $15.
Passenger side headlamp burned out on May 28, 2009. New bulb for $13.
Drivers side headlamp burned out on June 24, 2009. New bulb for $13.
Oil changed on July 28, 2009. Paid $30.
185,000 Kilometers reached on August 4, 2009. 6000 Kilometers since the lower gasket repair.
Rear view mirror fell of because of standing in hot sunlight at a car show on August 7, 2009. Bought a glue kit for $5, and fixed it in 20 minutes!
I will continue to update. I love this car.
-Ted.