I have changed the water pump, but I ran the car real hard when I first got it. The thermostat went out and that was a bit too complicated being that I had to take off a rail that ran from the front above the water pump to the back to the heater core hoses. Then, I had to remove the air filter assembly. This was due to actually reaching the bolts. It's kind of in a tight spot; not something you want to do on a really hot day in the sun. I did have a fuse popping for the climate control module in the dash and changed the module out. Not too hard there since the dash snaps in and out of place. Otherwise, no other problems.
Overall, the car is a comfortable ride without leather seats (which leave not room for breathing and make you stick to them anyway). I saw one that a guy rolled when he was drunk and it barely did anything to the roof, or anything else for that matter. Just a slight crush in the four corners and it didn't even bust the windows. The transmission is strong along with the C/V joints... I know, I've given them heck. The engine is only the 3.1, but it still make ample power when it's not loaded down with luggage or people; this due to it's light weight. Trunk space is generous. The roof offers a little lack in height as complained by a friend of mine complaining of hitting his head a lot getting in. Watch your head! The suspension could use a little stiffening because of rolling in curves a slightly. It could also use an inch of lowering for center of gravity. That aside, it has great ground clearance if you live on a dirt road or have a brother who does. Acoustics are awesome in this car as I demand great sound quality in my vehicles. I have (with a little improvising) fit 6 1/2 3-ways in the doors, 6x9 3-ways in the rear deck, and 2 12" JBL speakers in the trunk in a box. It seems to seal a lot of the bass in the car with little to no rattle, but when you are in the car, the sound is channeled perfect to sound loud! I have gotten a lot of comments from my friends. Customizing (yes, a family car, heh) is fairly easy if you or someone you know has the knowledge of how to take off panels and the rear seat and deck. I give this car an overall rating-from 1 to 10-an 8.5. It could use improvements, but does most of what I expect it to do.
I once had a 1993 Chevy Lumina. The 2 door EuroSport. I did not care for this car for the following reasons. It was considered a sporty car so insurance was as much as the
payment, it had many mechanical problems, the air conditioning didn't work and I couldn't afford to have it fixed, and when I finally got fed up enough to sell it to a
friend of mines cousin, he's now been driving it for 2 years and he swears the only thing he's had to do other than oil changes was the front brakes. Talk about frustration.
I've driven a '97 Lumina for the past couple of years; with over 110k miles, it runs better than ever! People underestimate the performance of these cars... Maybe my engine is just well-balanced from the factory, but I have been very successful at the stoplights. I recently annihilated a '99-up V6 mustang, and yes, he was definitely racing. I've also legitimately beaten an '02 Civic SI 5-spd, '01-ish 1.8T Audi A4 (a bit closer on that one), and plenty of the typical rice. Truly not a fast car, but surely fun to take out ove competition.
To comment,2nd one, 21st Jan 2003, 01:02.
U might have a California car! My 96 was from there with overly smog-ed accoutrements it was made up for with a 3.1 front final ratio. All other's with the 3.1 mill have 2.9s. Taller yes, but I still get 35 Highway with the low set. I also dumped that intake & went Paper from Walmart for $18. I just blow it out from the inside of it. No need for oil like K&Ns. Sounds great & when that cruse kicks back in you know it!
These R simply wonderful machines & so Under rated.
Luminas are awesome sleeper!
The 3100 can easily take out many cars, especially those Hondas...
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