Got a Chevy Cavalier, anything to look for?

1. 71

   Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

   I just got me a 2000 Chevy Cavalier. Good shape since it's a Florida car, only 77,000 miles.
   
   Anyone know what to look for in a car like that as far as known problems and so on? I'm going to do the whole oil change, tune up and so on myself. Thanks for any advice in advance.
   
   Oh, "don't buy a Chevy Cavalier" advice does me no good at this time.

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2. 82

   timorousposted 14 years ago

   You might wanna check behind the back seat for used condoms and kleenex
   
   Oh...and you might want to clean the upholstery too.  Just a thought.

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3. 66

   Mishaposted 14 years ago

   Watch for spare parts on the road

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4. 71

   Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

   Yeah I know they have a record of being put together sloppy. I had one once and the transmission went, but not before it got 140,000 on it.
   
   Seems to be good so far, everything is working right. Should be cheap to repair it too.

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   1. 69

      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I am currently selling a 2000 Chevy Cavalier Convertible with 125000 miles on it.  The car runs great.  One thing I have noticed on GM cars is that the fuel, and brake lines tend to rot and leak.
      
      Check the lines as they can be repaired quickly if it is just a small spot.  Otherwise I advise at least checking the lines and replacing them before they start to leak.
      
      The cavalier is a car that can run forever with the proper maintenance.
      
      Good Luck with your new car. 

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      1. 71

         Bill Manningposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, nice to hear that. As for the fuel and brake lines, I'm in Orlando, Florida. That means no rust here. I can scrape just a little bit of surface rust off the lines on this car and be right to shiny metal.

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5. 71

   Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

   On a side note, before I looked at this car I looked at another car at a different dealer. They treated me like a kid and wanted me to take a finance loan on the auto of 28%!! 
   
   I signed just one paper, a rough purchase agreement form. Then after seeing more crap in the paperwork I walked out. The guy has been trying to call me, saying on my voice mail I signed the contract.
   
   I never left a deposit, never took the auto, only signed one paper. So I know it's not legal. But just to be sure and so anyone here knows, there is a law called the 3 day cooling off period.
   
   It states that after signed a contract for an auto you can still cancel it within 3 days if you put it in writing and hand deliver it.
   
   So even thought I'm sure I don't have to, I'm going to do that just to cover all bases. If you ever need legal help with an auto, look up the motor car traders act.

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   1. 69

      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I do not know about FL but in Ma once the contract is signed it is a done deal technically.
      
      
      The three day period is only for contracts you have signed in your home.
      
      Of course once we get the money for the car and I hand over the title the deal is done.
      
      On a finance deal once I receive proof of insurance,  the car is sold, the only thing the customer could do is take it small claims court.  if the dealer dotted the i's and crossed the t's, there is absolutely no way a letter within three days would get you out of the contract.

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6. 74

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   Not much I can say to help Bill, the damage is done.
   
   There are a long list of problems with these things, and all I can say is hope you got a good one.

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   1. 71

      Bill Manningposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi there earnestshub. Yeah I know, but this one does seem to be a good one. I'm hoping to pay it off fast and trade it in for a small SUV or Jeep.
      
      I think what will go first on this one is the Transmission, as that seems to be the weak link with them. But right now it sounds fine. Plus I know not to jam it in reverse unless I'm at a full stop, otherwise that one steel pin will shear.

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      1. 74

         earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Good stuff Bill. Knowing how to use it, and what to look out for is half the battle.

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7. 80

   mega1posted 14 years ago

   since you had one before, you probably already know this - just don't try to tow your house trailer with it! 

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   1. 0

      Robertbloggertposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think you'll be fine with it Bill.
      I'm on my second Cavy a 99 pretty much same as what you got. Mine is the base though 5 spd manual and other than the total crap suspension it's fine. Funny thing is my first one was a 91 and had a much better suspension than the newer. But then my 99 doesn't even have tension bar period.
      
      Also I'm pretty much my own mechanic ( not so much that I like to be or am so broke) because I have found myself to be more trustworthy. But I add this because when I first bought this as with any vehicle I first get. I carried my craftsman toolbox in the trunk the first few weeks. Fortunatly I had no problems, unfortunatly the weight of my toolbox caused one as my back tires started wearing on the inside. New set of tires ( set car came with wasn't great) put on my 91 alloy rims and toolbox back in shed and all is good.
      So just keep the trunk clear I don't think the springs take weight well.

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      1. 71

         Bill Manningposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Hmm, thanks for letting me know this. I have THREE toolboxes in the trunk! I think I'll take them out now. Since I'm in the city it's no big deal to not have tools in it.
         
         On a side note about what I said earlier about the 3 day cooling off thing, I was wrong. Florida does not include autos in that, I was looking at the one from Victoria! 
         
         However I never heard back from them so everything is cool now. They would have lost money if they sued me, trust me.
         
         BTW the car is running great.

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