Hey, so im new to the 3rd gen scene (always been a 2nd gen) anyways i was just wondering what i should be looking for when i buy a 3rd gen cavi/sunfire. what motors/trans?? problems they have? and everyones favourite..rust, where do they get the most severe rust??

thanks for any help!

dan

Hello and welcome to the Org., if i was you i would get an 02 ls sport coupe 5 speed, or any from 03-05 cavaliers. the reason is because they come with the 2.2 litter ecotec motor wich is a good engine if you plan on modding it, lots of performance parts available for it and easy to work on.

Another option would be a cavalier z24 5 speed years from 2000-2002 also realiable and easy to work on, but these cars come with the 2.4 twin cam motor and have a problem with the oiling system if you like to rev the engine past 5600rpms i believe, they start loosing oil pressure thus causing problems to the engine's bottom end.

Good luck!!


peformance parts for sale!! Click:
http://www.j-body.org/classifieds/engine/62265/

Look for an 03-05 with low miles. Only problems I've had with mine is a ticking noise from the engine. It ended up being lifters. Other than that, my master cylinder broke twice causing the clutch to stick. The second time around (at 69,000 miles) they found the clutch actuator to be leaking as well. Rust... mine has some in the bottom corner of the door towards the back side and it goes somewhat under the car where the side skirts would be.

Good luck and let us know how the hunting goes.