Yep, I know I know, I'm the evil man for being a Ford guy. My friend's sister is looking to purchase a 1994 Sunfire. Now, I have almost zero knowledge of J-Bodies. I know of problem areas to look out for in certain cars that I'm interested in. They asked me to come along because I'm mechanically inclined enough to know if something is majorally messed up. Can you guys tell me what specific problem areas to inspect for? Is there a specific area the '94 Sunfires are notorious for giving problems in? Is it an interference motor? Any and all help is greatly appreciated, I'm going to look at the car tonight with them. Thank everyone!! -Kris
Sorry, Sunbird. Thanks. Head gasket; easy way to tell if they are failing? Also, is it an interferance motor?
It may be, but typically it's nothing to worry about as these motors have timing chains, not belts.
2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd
sunbirds came with either a 2.0/2.2 sohc. witch tend to blow a headgasket at around 130,000 and 3.1 v6 witch tend to last longer than the trannys. over 250,000
Yeah, I went and looked at it, it had Temp tags that expired on Aug. 18th. I asked the guy how long he had the car for and he said a year. (?) Whatever, maybe he had it in storage. I asked what kind of work had been done to the car and I swear he says "everything on the car is new, turns out it was just a sensor". Riiight. He then tells me the radiator is on 6 months old. I took a picture of this radiator, it has more corrosion on it than the Titanic. The guy seems shady.
www.carfax.com -tells you the truth about any "minor body work"... i didnt do that.. i bought my z24.. and i recently found out a horse sat on my car.. so you never know!
check the engine compartment! -anything weird? outa place? smells funny?
tire tread wear! -see how he treated his car
check the breaks! -take a little mirror and a flashlight if you cant easily see the pads.. feel the rotor and inspect the age of the calipers
look over the components - check engine for oil leaks.. tranny fluid leaks...
"Z24 Dustbunny"
Chase Powers wrote:www.carfax.com -tells you the truth about any "minor body work"... i didnt do that.. i bought my z24.. and i recently found out a horse sat on my car.. so you never know!
check the engine compartment! -anything weird? outa place? smells funny?
tire tread wear! -see how he treated his car
check the breaks! -take a little mirror and a flashlight if you cant easily see the pads.. feel the rotor and inspect the age of the calipers
look over the components - check engine for oil leaks.. tranny fluid leaks...
carfax only works if something has been reported to the insurance. many things that happen to our cars arent reported because our cars arent worth that much money.
i wish i could help with info on your 94, but im a 3rd gen guy so my knowledge begins with 95
but you might want to look around if the guy is lying that bad right to your face.
She's gonna be looking forever...
