Should I buy a Cavalier? Couple questions before I do...

[LiquidCell]

Alright, this guy I used to work with has a (in nice condition) 2000 Cavalier (4 door). Here is what he said it has:

-New engine with 30,000-35,000km
-100,000km on the body
-Dual Exhaust System
-Aftermarket headlights/taillights (don't really care but whatever)
-Tinted Windows

My question is, are Cavaliers reliable? do they have alot of mechanical problems? I know he used to have a full aftermarket stereo (****** sony xplod subs but w/e) and he had his alternator die on him a couple of times, I am guessing this is because of the stereo and he didn't have a battery/capacitor added onto it...

He also had a problem with the tires before, I don't know what the problem was, I am going to assume that it was his alignment...

I am going to check it out and hopefully testdrive it on friday @ around 5pm-6pm

Any advice on if I should get a Cavalier or not would be appreciated!

Thanks
-Dave-

Also, the LOWEST quote that I got using kanetix.ca (don't know how accurate these quotes are) was from Certas, without collision they want $275.00* (gonna guess the star will rage from $25-$50 higher than what they're quoting), so I should expect the quote to be anywhere from $275.00-$325.00/month

[dasaylay]

Get him to show you some receipts for the new engine, where it was done, but also, why would a new engine be needed for a 6/7 year old car so soon?

[saku]

at the first place, drive the car to chevrolet local dealer and do a complete inspection. It will cost you $80. They will tell you how good is the engine and its components. I, myself did the same checkup last week at 3rchevrolet, who recommended me to change timing belt and steering components. I used their report to negotiate the price with the seller. Hope it helps.

[VivienM]

Don't get a Cavalier, unless you think your life (and that of your passengers) is worthless. The Cavalier is a complete death trap - for example, go to hwysafety.org and look at the post-crash test pictures. Probably the least safe car on the road. Also, you may want to look at that series the Toronto Star did a few months ago about this drunk driver who killed a couple of people: it's not a coincidence that the victims were in a Sunfire (same as Cavalier)...

I like GM. They make some decent things. The J body (Cavalier/Sunfire) is NOT one of those.

[bluedcfive]

Alright, this guy I used to work with has a (in nice condition) 2000 Cavalier (4 door). Here is what he said it has:

-New engine with 30,000-35,000km
-100,000km on the body
-Dual Exhaust System
-Aftermarket headlights/taillights (don't really care but whatever)
-Tinted Windows

My question is, are Cavaliers reliable? do they have alot of mechanical problems? I know he used to have a full aftermarket stereo (****** sony xplod subs but w/e) and he had his alternator die on him a couple of times, I am guessing this is because of the stereo and he didn't have a battery/capacitor added onto it...

He also had a problem with the tires before, I don't know what the problem was, I am going to assume that it was his alignment...

I am going to check it out and hopefully testdrive it on friday @ around 5pm-6pm

Any advice on if I should get a Cavalier or not would be appreciated!

Thanks
-Dave-

Also, the LOWEST quote that I got using kanetix.ca (don't know how accurate these quotes are) was from Certas, without collision they want $275.00* (gonna guess the star will rage from $25-$50 higher than what they're quoting), so I should expect the quote to be anywhere from $275.00-$325.00/month

no, dont buy it

[Pipes]

All depends on how much money he wants for it. If it's cheap, and you get it checked out by a mechanic, go for it. It's one of the cheapest cars to insure and maintenace for it will be among the lowest as well, since parts for them are dirt cheap and plentiful. But ya, definitely get it checked out and ask for receipts. A new engine at 100k is not normal for any car.

[stevethewheel]

Although you didn't mention the price I'd stay away from this one.

Any car with that much of a story is someone else's accumulated trouble waiting to fall into your lap.

[GuiltySpark]

2000+ engines are quite reliable. They are old technology (ohv) but are pretty stout. I'd REALLY look into the engine replacement. Get receipts. get a mechanic to look at it and see about a warranty on the work/engine.

If this isn't very cheap, pass. My fiirst thought with a replaced engine is that it was abused or otherwise not taken care of....not nescessarily the case, but a definite de-value to the car.

[LiquidCell]

the guy wants $5000.00 even for the car...

Thanks for the advice, and yes I was going to get it taken to a mechanic. He said he does have the receipts for the engine and all of that, he works @ GM (Answering e-mails all day) and I am guessing he got a deal on the new engine and all of that since he works for GM.

Thanks again...

[Whitedart]

the guy wants $5000.00 even for the car...

Thanks for the advice, and yes I was going to get it taken to a mechanic. He said he does have the receipts for the engine and all of that, he works @ GM (Answering e-mails all day) and I am guessing he got a deal on the new engine and all of that since he works for GM.

Personally, I would pass on this one. Any car that has needed an engine replacement at 65-70 k was likely really abused.

Cavaliers are not known to be a reliable car to start with, and with the mods done to this one, I can also see electrical problems arising. Spend the funds to have a good mechanic check it over before purchase and follow his advice.

[LiquidCell]

I was looking @ a used car dealership called MuradAutoSales...

Saw a 2001 Sunfire there that had 107,000km...

Price was $5990+PST&GST, might check that out... not much for the colour (beige) but I'll see...

[cipher]

Cavalier's are cheaply made from cheap materials...I would never buy one...especially a used one. The one you describe....

-New engine with 30,000-35,000km - He did enough damage to the engine to need it replaced...most engine should last more than 6 years...
-Dual Exhaust System - Most likely this guy thinks he's got a performance vehicle...and has abused the hell out of it.
-Aftermarket headlights/taillights (don't really care but whatever) - definitely a ricer....and ricers are not kind to their cars.

DON"T BUY IT!!!!

[Toronto]

Don't buy a cavalier. The price can be found even cheaper than $5000 if you look though. When I was looking for a car, Cavaliers were all really cheap. The salesman told me because they start to break down around after a couple years. Very unreliable.

[galanz]

Cavalier's are cheaply made from cheap materials...I would never buy one...especially a used one. The one you describe....

-New engine with 30,000-35,000km - He did enough damage to the engine to need it replaced...most engine should last more than 6 years...
-Dual Exhaust System - Most likely this guy thinks he's got a performance vehicle...and has abused the hell out of it.
-Aftermarket headlights/taillights (don't really care but whatever) - definitely a ricer....and ricers are not kind to their cars.

DON"T BUY IT!!!!

+1, I was just about to post exactly the same thing.

[baboo]

Don't buy it. For 5k, it's not worth it.......