The new cavaliers can be had for a song.. I think they made them up to 2005..
(Just kidding, go buy a toyota and be done with it)..
(Just kidding, go buy a toyota and be done with it)..
My car. I'm done.
- Thread starter Nick R
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I haven't been keeping up with your car woes, Nick, but I understand that you want to be done with this car.
But just out of curiosity, have you just rigged up a scanner to see what the CEL is saying? It could be something really simple causing all your problems, like a TPS or something?
But just out of curiosity, have you just rigged up a scanner to see what the CEL is saying? It could be something really simple causing all your problems, like a TPS or something?
Originally Posted By: scurvy
If you've got the space for it, you might be able to salvage back some money by parting out the Cavalier (originally spelled with 'av' replaced with 'rap'). Surely someone will want doors, the transmission or wheels.
^ This. You've put so much time, effort and $ into this thing, have the last laugh and part that sucker out.
If you've got the space for it, you might be able to salvage back some money by parting out the Cavalier (originally spelled with 'av' replaced with 'rap'). Surely someone will want doors, the transmission or wheels.
^ This. You've put so much time, effort and $ into this thing, have the last laugh and part that sucker out.
If the body is good i might look for a good used engine and any other parts it needs,i imagine they would be low dollar for this car.
It should take less than a day and you can use the new parts you bought as spares.Sometimes a used good engine can make life okay once again.
It should take less than a day and you can use the new parts you bought as spares.Sometimes a used good engine can make life okay once again.
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
This is why I just do not mess around with used vehicles anymore. I buy new and keep until the warranty is out and then generally sell. You are going to pay no matter what you do. Either car payments for a while or for repairs on something every few months. Just no avoiding it.
Wow... repairs every few months, no avoiding it? That's really bad luck.
An honest question... Are you sure that the problem may not be... you?
This is why I just do not mess around with used vehicles anymore. I buy new and keep until the warranty is out and then generally sell. You are going to pay no matter what you do. Either car payments for a while or for repairs on something every few months. Just no avoiding it.
Wow... repairs every few months, no avoiding it? That's really bad luck.
An honest question... Are you sure that the problem may not be... you?
Can I ask very uncomfortable question? Nick, you did major engine work on this car (successfully too, at least at initial glance). Why not retrace your steps and re-do it again? May be you missed something trivial? If you had not done this job yourself, I would not have suggested this approach.
- Vikas
- Vikas
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input and everything. No, we most likely won't be fixing it. At this point, I don't even want it to be fixed. I'm moving on. My parents and I have come to the agreement that the best solution is to get a new Focus. The only options I really care about are Automatic, and Cruise Control. Sync, cool and if it ends up having it, great. Right now there is something like $3000 cash off. plus we get the X-plan through my aunt who works for Ford, and likely a $500 trade in on the cavalier. Stripping it for parts isn't a bad idea, but we just don't have time for anything like that.
Dad just made Chief Petty Officer, so he is going through the "Training" and "fraternity-like hazing" they go through till he gets pinned in mid september. He literally has no days off till september 16th. Mom works and couldn't do anything anyway, I'm working almost full time hours till school starts. Nah, we are just going to get a focus most likely. New car I can keep for a long time, full warranty. A certified pre-owned focus is actually as much or more expensive than a new focus after all the discounts.
Dad just made Chief Petty Officer, so he is going through the "Training" and "fraternity-like hazing" they go through till he gets pinned in mid september. He literally has no days off till september 16th. Mom works and couldn't do anything anyway, I'm working almost full time hours till school starts. Nah, we are just going to get a focus most likely. New car I can keep for a long time, full warranty. A certified pre-owned focus is actually as much or more expensive than a new focus after all the discounts.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Can I ask very uncomfortable question? Nick, you did major engine work on this car (successfully too, at least at initial glance). Why not retrace your steps and re-do it again? May be you missed something trivial? If you had not done this job yourself, I would not have suggested this approach.
- Vikas
If we had time, and I had the willpower or desire. I've lost all desire to fix this car, I'm just tired of fixing it. It's been one thing after another. It just isn't worth it to me anymore.
Can I ask very uncomfortable question? Nick, you did major engine work on this car (successfully too, at least at initial glance). Why not retrace your steps and re-do it again? May be you missed something trivial? If you had not done this job yourself, I would not have suggested this approach.
- Vikas
If we had time, and I had the willpower or desire. I've lost all desire to fix this car, I'm just tired of fixing it. It's been one thing after another. It just isn't worth it to me anymore.
Life's full of choices. I think your choice to buy dependability is a good one. Lot's of bucks off is the cherry on top. Good luck with your schooling.
Congrats to your Dad for making CPO. I married into a Navy family and understand that making Chief is a big deal. But regardless of how hip, cool, and with-it all the in-law Navy tell themselves they are, I still get dumb looks when I use Air Force Speak.
Congrats to your Dad for making CPO. I married into a Navy family and understand that making Chief is a big deal. But regardless of how hip, cool, and with-it all the in-law Navy tell themselves they are, I still get dumb looks when I use Air Force Speak.
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Not a happy ending indeed, but thestory sort of parallels human life. Did you know 90% of of a person's health care dollars are spent in the last 1 -2 years of life?
Steve
Steve
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input and everything. No, we most likely won't be fixing it. At this point, I don't even want it to be fixed. I'm moving on. My parents and I have come to the agreement that the best solution is to get a new Focus. The only options I really care about are Automatic, and Cruise Control. Sync, cool and if it ends up having it, great. Right now there is something like $3000 cash off. plus we get the X-plan through my aunt who works for Ford, and likely a $500 trade in on the cavalier. Stripping it for parts isn't a bad idea, but we just don't have time for anything like that.
Dad just made Chief Petty Officer, so he is going through the "Training" and "fraternity-like hazing" they go through till he gets pinned in mid september. He literally has no days off till september 16th. Mom works and couldn't do anything anyway, I'm working almost full time hours till school starts. Nah, we are just going to get a focus most likely. New car I can keep for a long time, full warranty. A certified pre-owned focus is actually as much or more expensive than a new focus after all the discounts.
I might get emotional here. You describe exactly what I went through at your age. I had an older vehicle and rebuilt the engine myself. It didn't fair so well either (the first time around) and I blew the head (overheated) then later had a rod go through the block, fire, and what a mess that turned out to be. I was working part time, school full time, and constantly fixing my truck so I could get to and from and it had no A/C or heat. I couldn't afford something else, so I was stuck. My dad, who was fully capable of helping me with the work, refused to do so - which later, I fully understand that he was trying to force me to handle my own problems independently. Anyways, I digress. Your story pulls at me because of the relation.
Don't struggle your entire time at college working and being stressed out about transportation. Cut the strings now. Make the best financial decision you can and take in the wisdom of others here and your parents. I think your on the right track and, obviously, you're a bright guy. Good luck with it.
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the input and everything. No, we most likely won't be fixing it. At this point, I don't even want it to be fixed. I'm moving on. My parents and I have come to the agreement that the best solution is to get a new Focus. The only options I really care about are Automatic, and Cruise Control. Sync, cool and if it ends up having it, great. Right now there is something like $3000 cash off. plus we get the X-plan through my aunt who works for Ford, and likely a $500 trade in on the cavalier. Stripping it for parts isn't a bad idea, but we just don't have time for anything like that.
Dad just made Chief Petty Officer, so he is going through the "Training" and "fraternity-like hazing" they go through till he gets pinned in mid september. He literally has no days off till september 16th. Mom works and couldn't do anything anyway, I'm working almost full time hours till school starts. Nah, we are just going to get a focus most likely. New car I can keep for a long time, full warranty. A certified pre-owned focus is actually as much or more expensive than a new focus after all the discounts.
I might get emotional here. You describe exactly what I went through at your age. I had an older vehicle and rebuilt the engine myself. It didn't fair so well either (the first time around) and I blew the head (overheated) then later had a rod go through the block, fire, and what a mess that turned out to be. I was working part time, school full time, and constantly fixing my truck so I could get to and from and it had no A/C or heat. I couldn't afford something else, so I was stuck. My dad, who was fully capable of helping me with the work, refused to do so - which later, I fully understand that he was trying to force me to handle my own problems independently. Anyways, I digress. Your story pulls at me because of the relation.
Don't struggle your entire time at college working and being stressed out about transportation. Cut the strings now. Make the best financial decision you can and take in the wisdom of others here and your parents. I think your on the right track and, obviously, you're a bright guy. Good luck with it.
Having to do a 60 miles commute to college, it is a good idea to get a reliable car, especially before winter time.
But I will second some members here by suggesting a not so old used car (2006+). It will be reliable but not too expensive for your financial situation right now.
I know you are a lot into domestic cars, so I would suggest saturns and pontiac cars, as they seem to be quite cheap and reliable (Personally, I am starting to look at thess cars, as I may need to buy one in a few years when my step-daughters will go to college).
If you agree to get loose a bit on the domestic front, I strongly suggest looking at the 2006+ Elantra, they seem to be a real good deal (but I won't go with the Accent, too light therefore unsafe during winter storms).
As for new car, did you really need a compact car while most of your drive will be alone in the car? Did you look at the new Fiesta? It has a lot of neat features for a subcompact car, especially on the safety side (like the electronic compensation against side wind) which could be a big plus during winter driving (don't forget to get some winter boots for the car).
Good luck in your search and try to keep an open mind.
Be safe on the road, that is the most important.
But I will second some members here by suggesting a not so old used car (2006+). It will be reliable but not too expensive for your financial situation right now.
I know you are a lot into domestic cars, so I would suggest saturns and pontiac cars, as they seem to be quite cheap and reliable (Personally, I am starting to look at thess cars, as I may need to buy one in a few years when my step-daughters will go to college).
If you agree to get loose a bit on the domestic front, I strongly suggest looking at the 2006+ Elantra, they seem to be a real good deal (but I won't go with the Accent, too light therefore unsafe during winter storms).
As for new car, did you really need a compact car while most of your drive will be alone in the car? Did you look at the new Fiesta? It has a lot of neat features for a subcompact car, especially on the safety side (like the electronic compensation against side wind) which could be a big plus during winter driving (don't forget to get some winter boots for the car).
Good luck in your search and try to keep an open mind.
Be safe on the road, that is the most important.
College campuses are rough on cars. Your first dent on a new car will hurt like you've been stabbed through your heart and you will want to find the perp to beat him to a pulp.
Professors aren't too forgiving when cars break down.
And, maybe his parents want a new car because they want him worrying about his schooling and not his car. I drove old cars all throughout school, and I was doing a lot of repairs on the weekends. Do I wish I had some of that time back? Honestly, yes.
Now having the time, space and ability to really tear into a problematic car is rare. I've been lucky there too. So my current car is living a bit longer than otherwise it would have due to that.
And, maybe his parents want a new car because they want him worrying about his schooling and not his car. I drove old cars all throughout school, and I was doing a lot of repairs on the weekends. Do I wish I had some of that time back? Honestly, yes.
Now having the time, space and ability to really tear into a problematic car is rare. I've been lucky there too. So my current car is living a bit longer than otherwise it would have due to that.
My vehicle got more dings, scratches, and dents when I became an instructor at a college than it did when I was a student. That's because I was parking in the "administration lot." Students can be destructive, but my experience dictates that they care about their car's appearance as opposed to what I observe in the professor's lots.
Originally Posted By: bigmike
My vehicle got more dings, scratches, and dents when I became an instructor at a college than it did when I was a student. That's because I was parking in the "administration lot." Students can be destructive, but my experience dictates that they care about their car's appearance as opposed to what I observe in the professor's lots.
Give the students an "A" and you won't have a problem.
it doesn't take a college student to know how to put a nail under a tire.
My vehicle got more dings, scratches, and dents when I became an instructor at a college than it did when I was a student. That's because I was parking in the "administration lot." Students can be destructive, but my experience dictates that they care about their car's appearance as opposed to what I observe in the professor's lots.
Give the students an "A" and you won't have a problem.
it doesn't take a college student to know how to put a nail under a tire.
Originally Posted By: steve20
Not a happy ending indeed, but thestory sort of parallels human life. Did you know 90% of of a person's health care dollars are spent in the last 1 -2 years of life?
Steve
True, and in fact (according to my dad who is a retired MD) the vast majority of that 90% is spent in the last 3 months of life for those who find these facts interesting.
Not a happy ending indeed, but thestory sort of parallels human life. Did you know 90% of of a person's health care dollars are spent in the last 1 -2 years of life?
Steve
True, and in fact (according to my dad who is a retired MD) the vast majority of that 90% is spent in the last 3 months of life for those who find these facts interesting.
Quote:
And, maybe his parents want a new car because they want him worrying about his schooling and not his car
Usually it's the opposite that happens, I had few guys in my class that their parents bought brand new cars for exactly the reasons you specified. Guess what, they were flunking most of the classes, because their parents not only paid for their cars, they paid for their tuitions and all other expanses, so that their "junior" can focus on schooling himself instead of working part time, but all these kids did was play video games on their laptops during classes, copy all assignments and spend their free time in the pub, they knew their parents will come to the rescue. They did, usually at the end of semester these kids would bring their parents to talk to the teachers why their child is failing classes
And, maybe his parents want a new car because they want him worrying about his schooling and not his car
Usually it's the opposite that happens, I had few guys in my class that their parents bought brand new cars for exactly the reasons you specified. Guess what, they were flunking most of the classes, because their parents not only paid for their cars, they paid for their tuitions and all other expanses, so that their "junior" can focus on schooling himself instead of working part time, but all these kids did was play video games on their laptops during classes, copy all assignments and spend their free time in the pub, they knew their parents will come to the rescue. They did, usually at the end of semester these kids would bring their parents to talk to the teachers why their child is failing classes
To OP: Check this out:
http://albany.craigslist.org/ctd/1906243467.html
A Corolla in Chev skin, with at least 100K mi left in it. NO need to accumulate over 10K in new debt.
ALso, if the car does need work, you can do most of it yourself--the Corolla is simple.
http://albany.craigslist.org/ctd/1906243467.html
A Corolla in Chev skin, with at least 100K mi left in it. NO need to accumulate over 10K in new debt.
ALso, if the car does need work, you can do most of it yourself--the Corolla is simple.
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