Ok, had to look it up. Venture killed off by the Uplander in '05, which was in turn killed off by Traverse in '08. Edmunds (and others) pretty much panned both, although it sounds like Uplander was the worse of the two. Nothing horrible (other than crash results), but generally unloved. Might work, but getting long in tooth, aforementioned rust issues, and whatever it is about lower intake manifold gaskets and Dexcool.
Need to rant
- Thread starter supton
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Originally Posted By: supton
The struts have 133kmiles on them
Which makes them way overdue.
The struts have 133kmiles on them
Which makes them way overdue.
Our Civic went 173k and the struts were deemed fine every year we had it. It's not as if this vehicle goes off-road or something; it lives on the highway. I get the impression that most don't do struts. Ever.
Besides, I went 133k on the original struts; I would have thought these high-dollar struts would have lasted longer. I guess not.
Besides, I went 133k on the original struts; I would have thought these high-dollar struts would have lasted longer. I guess not.
Alright, I'm going to have the struts replaced. I fear I'm throwing money away, but it seems like the cheaper "bad" decision than buying a new car. [Am guessing it'll go like this: windshield this spring, wheel bearings this summer, more suspension work next fall. Fenders and a door maybe then too?]
[Not interested in buying someone's worn-out $5k vehicle. Let alone anything cheaper. Too much money, too much risk.]
[Not interested in buying someone's worn-out $5k vehicle. Let alone anything cheaper. Too much money, too much risk.]
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: supton
The struts have 133kmiles on them
Which makes them way overdue.
I don't think so, unless they actually are performing badly, like providing no dampening, they can go the life of the vehicle. 1 out of 4 original struts has died so far on my Neon. One of the rears went, and I replaced the pair of them, but the other rear one still bench tested fine.
I think OEM struts can last far longer than replacements though, as Supton has found.
Originally Posted By: supton
The struts have 133kmiles on them
Which makes them way overdue.
I don't think so, unless they actually are performing badly, like providing no dampening, they can go the life of the vehicle. 1 out of 4 original struts has died so far on my Neon. One of the rears went, and I replaced the pair of them, but the other rear one still bench tested fine.
I think OEM struts can last far longer than replacements though, as Supton has found.
I've heard lots of horror stories of VW. Repair this, replace that. I probably wouldn't own one, but then again I don't really know anyone who does.
^ I agree. On my old '93 Mazda, I replaced all struts and front mounts, lower control arms and tie rods at 177k (drove it until 345k) - hoping to get it back to 'factory' handling. Used KYB GR-2 struts. Didn't notice A THING different handling/driving wise. Did the work myself at least, so I wasn't out too much $$.
If they're not obviously bad - I think they're fine, especially on a commuter.
If they're not obviously bad - I think they're fine, especially on a commuter.
50mpg. I suggest buying a service manual and learn to turn a wrench. If the drivetrain is stellar then do the math. What would it cost you to fix it vs buying a used vehicle with an unknown history and perhaps it was the previous owners nightmare and you just assume their service issues.
None of the issues you listed are really hard to do,once you decide,and set your mind to doing it.
As far as tools go many auto parts stores have a rental or loaner program,so you don't actually have that large expense to incur.
Teach yourself. If your going to drive used vehicles sooner or later parts wear out.
None of the issues you listed are really hard to do,once you decide,and set your mind to doing it.
As far as tools go many auto parts stores have a rental or loaner program,so you don't actually have that large expense to incur.
Teach yourself. If your going to drive used vehicles sooner or later parts wear out.
I can't feel a difference, but I've become much of an appliance operator. I tried the bounce the fender trick, but can barely get it to move. In the end, it's the inspection shop's word. FWIW, my mechanic indicated to me that 150k was a good lifespan for the Koni's I have; dead at 133k might be "acceptable" given NH roads.
Originally Posted By: Clevy
50mpg. I suggest buying a service manual and learn to turn a wrench. If the drivetrain is stellar then do the math. What would it cost you to fix it vs buying a used vehicle with an unknown history and perhaps it was the previous owners nightmare and you just assume their service issues.
None of the issues you listed are really hard to do,once you decide,and set your mind to doing it.
As far as tools go many auto parts stores have a rental or loaner program,so you don't actually have that large expense to incur.
Teach yourself. If your going to drive used vehicles sooner or later parts wear out.
No. Thanks.
I attempted to do the rear brakes on this car. Took me about 3 hours to do pads, rotors and fluid flush. And in the end, the calipers were bad, so I paid a mechanic to pull it all apart. Then watched him do an hour plus to get the stupid system bled properly--that would have taken me days.
The last thing I need to do is attempt this job in my snow-covered dirt sloping driveway.
50mpg. I suggest buying a service manual and learn to turn a wrench. If the drivetrain is stellar then do the math. What would it cost you to fix it vs buying a used vehicle with an unknown history and perhaps it was the previous owners nightmare and you just assume their service issues.
None of the issues you listed are really hard to do,once you decide,and set your mind to doing it.
As far as tools go many auto parts stores have a rental or loaner program,so you don't actually have that large expense to incur.
Teach yourself. If your going to drive used vehicles sooner or later parts wear out.
No. Thanks.
I attempted to do the rear brakes on this car. Took me about 3 hours to do pads, rotors and fluid flush. And in the end, the calipers were bad, so I paid a mechanic to pull it all apart. Then watched him do an hour plus to get the stupid system bled properly--that would have taken me days.
The last thing I need to do is attempt this job in my snow-covered dirt sloping driveway.
Originally Posted By: Donald
VWs are great cars but over engineered. More costly to repair than they need to.
I had a 2000 Passat and it was on the dealers shop 36 times for defects, not maint.
Your quote reminds me of what my neighbor told me the other day. She has a husband whom cheated on her at least 4 times in the last 8 years of their marriage. She says that he "is a very good man", then complains about how hurt she has felt for his cheating.
VW's are IN FACT not over engineered like you wrote, and if anything, they are UNDER engineered and the reason is self-evident: They make one of the least dependable cars in the world. The OP's, yours, mine, nearly everyones VW are [censored]. So do you really think "VW make great cars"?!?
VWs are great cars but over engineered. More costly to repair than they need to.
I had a 2000 Passat and it was on the dealers shop 36 times for defects, not maint.
Your quote reminds me of what my neighbor told me the other day. She has a husband whom cheated on her at least 4 times in the last 8 years of their marriage. She says that he "is a very good man", then complains about how hurt she has felt for his cheating.
VW's are IN FACT not over engineered like you wrote, and if anything, they are UNDER engineered and the reason is self-evident: They make one of the least dependable cars in the world. The OP's, yours, mine, nearly everyones VW are [censored]. So do you really think "VW make great cars"?!?
That is just a shame you have an inspection that fails struts.
Here, most people just drive in a rough riding car with blown struts, and in no way do you have to replace them for being shot.
The car would be much cheaper to own in places where you don't have to replace items such as those.
Here, most people just drive in a rough riding car with blown struts, and in no way do you have to replace them for being shot.
The car would be much cheaper to own in places where you don't have to replace items such as those.
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
That is just a shame you have an inspection that fails struts.
Here, most people just drive in a rough riding car with blown struts, and in no way do you have to replace them for being shot.
The car would be much cheaper to own in places where you don't have to replace items such as those.
+1
That is just a shame you have an inspection that fails struts.
Here, most people just drive in a rough riding car with blown struts, and in no way do you have to replace them for being shot.
The car would be much cheaper to own in places where you don't have to replace items such as those.
+1
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