If you ever buy one of these, expect it to literally start falling to pieces at 100k miles. I bought this in 2006 with 64k miles on it, and even though I have been vigilant about having it serviced, once it hit 100k miles, it has all been down hill. Had I known this, I would have got rid of it last year.
We had to replace the CV joints at 80k miles, maybe that's normal. Shop told me that these cars are notorious for needing new cv's frequently.
The first the ac started having trouble around 95k mi, it would only come on sometimes. If you slam the door really hard, it would sometimes Fonzie it into working, but only until you turned the car off. We also started having issues with the pwr windows on the driver's and rear pass. doors.
Around 99k, the check engine light came on, and the car would run really rough at around 45mph. Especially if accelerating or going uphill. I had it checked, shop told me it was likely being caused by a bad sensor.
At 101k mi, the steering started to go. I right before it died, I have actually injured myself trying to get the damn thing to turn.
And now, at 120k the ac is gone for good, the driver's window is stuck about 3" open, and the transmission is shot. In spite of paying nearly $4k for this car 2 years ago, I will be lucky if I don't have to pay someone to haul this p.o.s. away.
Aside from new brakes and cv's we hadn't had really any problems until 100k rolled around. And then all hell broke loose. I would definitely recommend you not purchase one of these things that is nearing 100k miles, unless you intend to trade it in before that dreaded 100k rolls around. It's like a ticking bomb.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
If you ever buy one of these, expect it to literally start falling to pieces at 100k miles. I bought this in 2006 with 64k miles on it, and even though I have been vigilant about having it serviced, once it hit 100k miles, it has all been down hill. Had I known this, I would have got rid of it last year.
We had to replace the CV joints at 80k miles, maybe that's normal. Shop told me that these cars are notorious for needing new cv's frequently.
The first the ac started having trouble around 95k mi, it would only come on sometimes. If you slam the door really hard, it would sometimes Fonzie it into working, but only until you turned the car off. We also started having issues with the pwr windows on the driver's and rear pass. doors.
Around 99k, the check engine light came on, and the car would run really rough at around 45mph. Especially if accelerating or going uphill. I had it checked, shop told me it was likely being caused by a bad sensor.
At 101k mi, the steering started to go. I right before it died, I have actually injured myself trying to get the damn thing to turn.
And now, at 120k the ac is gone for good, the driver's window is stuck about 3" open, and the transmission is shot. In spite of paying nearly $4k for this car 2 years ago, I will be lucky if I don't have to pay someone to haul this p.o.s. away.
Aside from new brakes and cv's we hadn't had really any problems until 100k rolled around. And then all hell broke loose. I would definitely recommend you not purchase one of these things that is nearing 100k miles, unless you intend to trade it in before that dreaded 100k rolls around. It's like a ticking bomb.
- Shai R., Tampa, FL, US