Hi all .. I just bought myself a Cobalt SS. I'm loving it, but rather than fork out for steelies and snow tires, I'm thinking about just buying a circa 90 Cavalier as a winter beater. I don't really know anything about the old ones, though. I'm looking to drop no more than $600 (canadian) on the car (as is), and then I plan to have to spend a bit more to get it to pass a safety/e-test.
There's no shortage of cheapy j-body beaters out there, but I'm not sure what to look for..... Should I be looking at a 4 or 6? I don't care about mileage, I'm more concerned with which is going to be more reliable/easier to fix when it breaks. Auto or manual? Again, don't care, I can drive either... what's easier to maintain?
Any general tips for these cars? Years/models to avoid? What things should I look at specific to this car in terms of passing a safety... any 'chronic' areas? Exhausts, brakes, fuel lines, suspension? Thanks for any advice.
Wasn't meant as an insult.... just a fact. There's so many of the things out there, anywhere from really nice ones like a lot of you guys have, to junky old beaters for 500 bucks.
Yes well, even with that shot below the waist I can tell ya the 4 cyl with a stick is the easiest to maintain.
"oh rather then buying some steelies ill just buy another car instead" how about you give me your SS and ill give you my Z
Guys it wasn't meant as an insult at all. I didn't say all J-bodies were crap... many of you have j-bodies for winter beaters too. Just figured you might have some constructive advice. Anyway sorry, I'll try elsewhere.
just look over the whole car for rust, check all of the exaust pipes, make sure it runs, listen for any noises, be sure to get one thats in good shape, some cavis are known for throwing the 3rd bearing or head gasket leaks, pick the car thats in the best shape, i think we are all just messing, cavaliers are economic based vehicles which can look cool as all hell and be fast as all hell
