We bought this 2000 Prism for $3800, it has 76000 miles on it. We are beginning to think we've bought a pile of junk. We have had it less than 2 months. Timing chain/belt, guides, tensioner all had to be replaced, o2 sensor (primary), mass air flow sensor went bad. It still isn't running right. Mash the gas, it won't go. Not all the time, every now and then. Then my oil light flashes on for 2 or 3 seconds, come home and it is bone dry. What the heck is going on? I'm gonna sell it. I can't take the stress!! Please help me with this problem.

With 76k miles, I would change the spark plugs, that fixed my sputtering problem. Not sure about the oil issue however.

Is the pcm mil light on? [check engine]. If so, have the codes read for free at autozone. No oil?! is it leaking or burning. You need to establish this ASAP.

Is the coolent and transmission fluid okay? Does the engine rmp accelerate while in park when you step on the gas? Has the timeing belt been installed correctly as it relates TDC on piston #1?

Check and see if Cat Converter isn't clogged.