Celticsfan

So, im in the market for a cheap 4 banger with good gas mpg, i found a 94 geo prism on craigslist all it needs is a motor mount and power steering pump, only has 88k on it for $1200 is this a good deal? Can i expect this to run for a while w/o major probs?

Celticsfan

bump..

highlandlake

Don't know where you live but Celtics fans live in northern new england. Wait I just saw that you live in CT, then check carefully for road salt rust on a car this age. Those problems are far more trouble than the car is worth. Next, look for any signs that the car has been maintained regularly. 88K miles isn't much, but if neglected for the last 14 years, than it's no better than a car with 250K miles. Check for signs/marks of coolant flushes, a well used oil drain plug, and clean transmission fluid if automatic. Any new brake parts visible? I guess look for any signs or records that the car hasn't been ignored. One major repair due to neglect could cost you 2/3 the cost of the car. The $1,200 then doesn't look so good after handing over the VISA to a mechanic for another $800 on top of fixing the steering and motor mount.
That car is just at that age...........my gut feel would be to spend more money on a newer car. The '99 to 2002 Prisms are awesome and can be bought for about 3K in nice condition.

__________________
'65 Chevy Malibu SS
'06 Pontiac Vibe (a dead deer fits nicely in the back)
'04 Ford Escape
'57 Chevy 210 post sedan
'51 Ford F2 pickup
Recently gone but not forgotten - 68 Chevelle, '97 Rodeo V6 4WD.

Celticsfan

well i test drove it felt fine, responsive, the steering pump is fine after a few min and the engine mount wasnt bad, it was responsive had the usual dings but for $1000 ill probably go for it. If it needs expensive repairs ill junk it before i waste my money with it...
thanks

Celticsfan

so how these drive in the snow? Any thing is better than my TA

highlandlake

The Prizms do very well in the snow. But not with 'all season' tires. I've put studded snows on mine for the last five years. It goes anywhere, the only downside is that the front airdam is low to the ground - so don't try to bust through the berm the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. But other than that, it is well balanced with good traction.

__________________
'65 Chevy Malibu SS
'06 Pontiac Vibe (a dead deer fits nicely in the back)
'04 Ford Escape
'57 Chevy 210 post sedan
'51 Ford F2 pickup
Recently gone but not forgotten - 68 Chevelle, '97 Rodeo V6 4WD.

Celticsfan

ok cool, the snow tires on all 4 wheels? in the front? im used to driving a rwd so i dunno

highlandlake

Here in Maine if you use them at all, you have to put studded tires on all four wheels to pass state inspection. And they must be removed by April 1st. But the result is awesome traction, cornering and confidence on both icy and snowy roads.
If you don't want to pay for four all around, then put two good snow tires up front at the least. These cars have common size wheels, so the tires aren't hard to find or very expensive compared to SUV tires. I think it's a blast to drive in the snow. Sucks to drive on ice though - unless I'm on the Zamboni.

__________________
'65 Chevy Malibu SS
'06 Pontiac Vibe (a dead deer fits nicely in the back)
'04 Ford Escape
'57 Chevy 210 post sedan
'51 Ford F2 pickup
Recently gone but not forgotten - 68 Chevelle, '97 Rodeo V6 4WD.

johnholl

I wasn't impressed with the winter performance on my 99. My wife hit a house after the prizm sailed of the road. anywho!....It was totalled...and guess what? The CARFAX report the insurance company gave me showed 2 insurance claims were filed before we bought it in 2005..

So my advice is spend the money for the car fax on any used vehicle. I do think $1200.00 is a little steep

highlandlake

I agree with John, on two of his points. $1,200 is a bit much for this car, with known issues. Around here that type of car would go for 600-$800.
Also on Carfax - it tends to be helpful information. But Carfax will make no guarantee about the accuracy or completeness of the information they provide. Especially the completeness. I learned that after I plugged in the VIN's on two cars that I owned, and knew the background of. Carfax missed one title transfer (to me after 3 years had elasped since purchase!!) and on another vehicle it missed several known dealer warranty and recall service events. When I complained to carfax - they say 'too bad -we don't say we are obligated to get all information'. But Carfax is better than nothing.
Now as for the winter performance of a '99 - all I can say is perhaps the tires weren't matched to the season conditions. I've driven no less than 15 different vehicles through entire Maine winter seasons, and the Prizm is one of the best as far as balance, ABS braking, handling and visibility during poor weather conditions. My own wife, who isn't the best of drivers due to speeding and impatience, has put over 50,000 miles on our Prizm and it never left the road. We get icy weather more than half the year too.
I would buy another '99 to '02 Prizm in a minute, and would expect to pay between $1,500 ('99) and $3,000 ('02) for one in very good condition and a solid maintenance history.
Have you made a decision yet on what to buy?

__________________
'65 Chevy Malibu SS
'06 Pontiac Vibe (a dead deer fits nicely in the back)
'04 Ford Escape
'57 Chevy 210 post sedan
'51 Ford F2 pickup
Recently gone but not forgotten - 68 Chevelle, '97 Rodeo V6 4WD.

Celticsfan

ya...im going for it, got it down to $1000 so we'll see