This forum wouldn't let me use the screen name I usually have and every option I thought of with no number, spaces, capital letters...it kept telling me my sreen name was invalid. So, I tried my screen name being 'invalidscreenname' and it worked. Go figure.
A little background on me...I am typically a DSM guy (have 4). I also am a LS1 F-body guy (have 02 WS6). I have a 91 RS 3.1 cavalier wagon I used to drive but it needs more work than I have time for right now. I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I've done timing belts on DSM's, clutch jobs, trans rebuilds, brakes, oil changes (changing oil on my sister's 02 cavalier sucked)... all the fun stuff. So, I can fix most things myself with a little guidance.
My little sister is in a tight spot and needs a car now. The parents took away the 97 cavalier convertible they bought for her. I let her borrow my car but it's stick and ummmmm.... yeah. I spent a couple days teaching her to drive stick and after driving it for over a week she says she's getting better because she only kills it about 7 times a day now. So, I am searching like crazy for a car to buy for her to drive. I came across this forum and lurked for a bit, and it looks to be a pretty big forum so I decided to register and get some info and opinions.
Here's what I've found and I hope you'll help me decide. Both cars have pretty much the same asking price. About 1600.
First up is a 00 2 door, 125K miles, Auto (of course), new fuel pump, new fuel filter, new timing chain kit, exhaust system had components replaced, good brakes, good tires. One of the previous owners might have been a smoker cuz a seat or door panel has a burn. The guy is a mechanic and he said a customer brought it in due to a timing chain guide going out but didn't want to pay to fix it so he bought it from them and fixed it.
Next up is a 96 Z24, Auto (of course), 107K miles, new battery, new alternator, good tires, good brakes, sunroof, new battery, non smoker car, said he uses Mobil 1 for oil changes, no issues, has small dent in front passenger fender but the door still opens ok.
So, which one do you think would make for a better DD/ easier for me to fix if something goes bad?
I know to jack up the car and wiggle the wheel to check for tie rods and ball joints. I have a compression tester. I'll take the car for a spin. Check the spare wheel well for rust. Smell the trans fluid and see if it's still red. I might bring some ramps with me and drive the car up to look at the axles/ axle boots, check for oil leaks. Any other ideas?
Thanks to all.
I'd say go with the 2000. Im assuming it has the OHV instead of the Ecotec. The only real problems with the OHV are phantom overheating problems, some people have it and some dont. The 2.4s like to toss rod bearings do to the insufficient oiling system so i would be very wary of buying a higher mileage 2.4 without knowing its complete service history.
Off topic/ What name do you usually use?
Tinkles
2003 Cavalier 1SV
Bagged and Blown
FLASH1970 is usually what I use.
I just looked at an 02 LS 4 door with 103K on it. Test drive went ok. Not much pep. Everything else wasn't bad. Compression test showed 90-120-80-didn't bother. Onto the next one.
My sugestion is find a cavy with an ecotec motor, it could be an 02 ls sport coupe or any 03-05 cavalier has the ecotec motor, they come with a 4 speed auto ranny, are reliable and easy to work on. Good luck!
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