Transmission Synchros were blown at 77000 when I test drove the car at the used car dealer. He dropped the tranny and put a reman in. Still had weak shifting, bound and clicked. Still working on that, I can put english on the shifts to avoid the binding, but still...
The left rear had a spent bearing, dealer changed it too.
Check Engine Light went on at 85000 and the dealer hasn't figured it out yet. But, we both agree now that it is probably the mass airflow detector and they are changing it. Cost is probably about $250 for labor and parts - maybe less. The dealer is putting a reman in we can pull out if the CEL doesn't go off.
Alignment has been a continuing problem as the car seems to pull to the left despite two alignments in under 10k miles.
The left front headlight burned out at 87000. I changed it myself, but the set of two head lamps cost $40! Thought that seemed at bit high.
This car is absolutely superb. I give it great marks on handling and performance. The engine on the 1.8 is quirky in that it performs differently in variable weather conditions. Despite this, the four cylinder turbo is a flexible platform that allows for zippy driving when needed as well as more gas conservative behavior when needed as well (30 mph highway at speeds of 75mph to 80). Further, the cabin features are well thought out for a car that is 5 years old. All in all, I am radically impressed. While I know I will have to shell out some more money on the timing belt shortly, I will gladly do it.
"I can put English on the shifts to avoid the binding."
What does that mean?
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