2000 Sunfire GT
2000SunfireToronto
12-26-2005, 11:20 PM
I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT with 2.4 L4 engine that, generally, I have been very happy with, would recommend to others, and would like to continue to get as much life out of it as I can.
After about 6 years, it has a little over 111,000 km, still drives great, and I have minimal issues with it. But I would like to share it's history with you and hopefully you can provide some tips, insights, etc.
The first 4 years that I've had this car, I drove it the most and commuted to and from work every day. During the past 2 years, I took the subway to work and only drove it from time to time. Now I drive to work every day again, though only a short 15 minute commute, and want to maximize it's life as best I can.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance and the reliability of this car. But here's a quick rundown of the issues I have had. I'm no auto buff (and this is the first car I've owned) so please bear with me...
March 2003
84,919km
Replaced strut assemblies and upper strut mounts
April 2004
94, 053km
Window trac became stuck as got flooded with water. Replaced window trac and motor.
August 2004
99,362km
Repair to Air Blower Motor - Resister
October 2005
109,436km
Replaced serpentine belt (what is this anyway?) and replaced front lower control arm bushings.
Current Issue to be rectified:
Key lock gets stuck in cold weather and need to use key instead of remote to unlock. Has been doing this for a few years but this year has become worse. Recommendations? Should I just take it in or is it as simple as lubricating it? What do you recommend?
After reading the above, is this typical experience among 2000 Sunfire drivers? I know there are some horror stories but I'm sure there is a silent majority that has had similar or better experience.
Finally, what recommendations do you have so that I may maximize it's future life?
After about 6 years, it has a little over 111,000 km, still drives great, and I have minimal issues with it. But I would like to share it's history with you and hopefully you can provide some tips, insights, etc.
The first 4 years that I've had this car, I drove it the most and commuted to and from work every day. During the past 2 years, I took the subway to work and only drove it from time to time. Now I drive to work every day again, though only a short 15 minute commute, and want to maximize it's life as best I can.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance and the reliability of this car. But here's a quick rundown of the issues I have had. I'm no auto buff (and this is the first car I've owned) so please bear with me...
March 2003
84,919km
Replaced strut assemblies and upper strut mounts
April 2004
94, 053km
Window trac became stuck as got flooded with water. Replaced window trac and motor.
August 2004
99,362km
Repair to Air Blower Motor - Resister
October 2005
109,436km
Replaced serpentine belt (what is this anyway?) and replaced front lower control arm bushings.
Current Issue to be rectified:
Key lock gets stuck in cold weather and need to use key instead of remote to unlock. Has been doing this for a few years but this year has become worse. Recommendations? Should I just take it in or is it as simple as lubricating it? What do you recommend?
After reading the above, is this typical experience among 2000 Sunfire drivers? I know there are some horror stories but I'm sure there is a silent majority that has had similar or better experience.
Finally, what recommendations do you have so that I may maximize it's future life?
mike_05_sunfire
12-28-2005, 12:51 AM
I would say that the best way to get the most life out of your car, or any car, is regular maintenance (oil change, tune up, tire rotation etc) this way you should be able to prevent problems before they become problems. Also to answer your question, the serpentine belt is the belt which runs from your crank and drives certain accessories like power steering, alternator etc. if you look under the hood you will see a flat belt which will have what looks like grooves on the underside.
Hope this helps and welcome to AF.
Hope this helps and welcome to AF.
2000SunfireToronto
12-28-2005, 10:16 AM
Thanks for the welcome, Mike, and your reply.
As far as the repair history is concerned, I'm most concerned about my suspension/struts... also the bushings that were replaced relate to the front end suspension, right? Since I had to put a lot of money in those areas, my hope is that the work that has been done is done and I shouldn't need to worry about it going forward. Or should I?
In regards to the serpentine belt, what would have happened to require any replacement? This doesn't sound like anything that could have been helped.
As far as the repair history is concerned, I'm most concerned about my suspension/struts... also the bushings that were replaced relate to the front end suspension, right? Since I had to put a lot of money in those areas, my hope is that the work that has been done is done and I shouldn't need to worry about it going forward. Or should I?
In regards to the serpentine belt, what would have happened to require any replacement? This doesn't sound like anything that could have been helped.
Velvet's Fire
12-28-2005, 10:48 AM
I also have to use my key to open my drivers side door in the cold weather - mine is a 2003 Sunfire GT..anybody have any recommendations for alleviating this problem?
Magicman03
12-28-2005, 02:10 PM
Mike that is one of the most intelligent replies I have read.... So many people forget how important regular maitenance really is. As far as I am concerned oil changes are the life of the engine no matter how hard you drive your ride.
TheGuyz
12-28-2005, 06:43 PM
The belt sometimes gets worn and cracks, bets to get repalced when caught rather then stranded on side of road, as it is a cheap maintenance item.
AT looking at your repairs, etc. You have had a low maintenace car so far. Be expected to get a battery as they only usually last about 5-7 years if in good running order, as well as brakes but this is normal replaced items.
Sounds like you have a nice solid car.
With your struts and mounts replaced in 2003, if they where installed then and in 2004, 2005 noticed no suspension issues they shoudl be fine for a few years.
AT looking at your repairs, etc. You have had a low maintenace car so far. Be expected to get a battery as they only usually last about 5-7 years if in good running order, as well as brakes but this is normal replaced items.
Sounds like you have a nice solid car.
With your struts and mounts replaced in 2003, if they where installed then and in 2004, 2005 noticed no suspension issues they shoudl be fine for a few years.
mike_05_sunfire
12-28-2005, 11:46 PM
Thanks for the welcome, Mike, and your reply.
As far as the repair history is concerned, I'm most concerned about my suspension/struts... also the bushings that were replaced relate to the front end suspension, right? Since I had to put a lot of money in those areas, my hope is that the work that has been done is done and I shouldn't need to worry about it going forward. Or should I?
In regards to the serpentine belt, what would have happened to require any replacement? This doesn't sound like anything that could have been helped.
I personally would have no concern with the repairs that you have had to the suspension as these are items that will eventually need work, some sooner than later. I have a 2005 and already I have had to replace the front left strut mount (under warranty of course). As for the bushings, that is what they are suppose to do, wear out, instead of wearing into the actual control arm. If you are concerned that you may have been cheated by a mechanic on the replacement of the struts and mounts, you would notice if they were broken and not replaced because they would be making noise (knocks and bangs). Last thing of the belts on your car like they were tires (made of rubber) with use they wear out and will need replacing, so again no concern just normal wear and tear. Good luck with the car in the future and enjoy it, they are a fun car to drive, this is my first sunfire and I am enjoying it alot.
Cheers :cheers:
As far as the repair history is concerned, I'm most concerned about my suspension/struts... also the bushings that were replaced relate to the front end suspension, right? Since I had to put a lot of money in those areas, my hope is that the work that has been done is done and I shouldn't need to worry about it going forward. Or should I?
In regards to the serpentine belt, what would have happened to require any replacement? This doesn't sound like anything that could have been helped.
I personally would have no concern with the repairs that you have had to the suspension as these are items that will eventually need work, some sooner than later. I have a 2005 and already I have had to replace the front left strut mount (under warranty of course). As for the bushings, that is what they are suppose to do, wear out, instead of wearing into the actual control arm. If you are concerned that you may have been cheated by a mechanic on the replacement of the struts and mounts, you would notice if they were broken and not replaced because they would be making noise (knocks and bangs). Last thing of the belts on your car like they were tires (made of rubber) with use they wear out and will need replacing, so again no concern just normal wear and tear. Good luck with the car in the future and enjoy it, they are a fun car to drive, this is my first sunfire and I am enjoying it alot.
Cheers :cheers:
2000SunfireToronto
01-06-2006, 10:39 PM
I want to thank you all for your replies! They really helped make things clear for someone like me who is far from a car buff but is serious about maintaining my vehicle.
My mind has also been put to ease knowing that my car has been low maintenance and most of the work on it has been a result of normal wear and tear.
My only current concern is my driver's side door lock freezing in cold weather! Sometimes I have to press the button multiple times before it finally opens or I have to resort to using the key.
My mind has also been put to ease knowing that my car has been low maintenance and most of the work on it has been a result of normal wear and tear.
My only current concern is my driver's side door lock freezing in cold weather! Sometimes I have to press the button multiple times before it finally opens or I have to resort to using the key.
vader99
02-16-2007, 12:06 AM
I used to have a problem unlocked my driver door as well with the remote with my 2000 sunfire gt.
I finally took the door panel off and the problem was quite evident. There was a piece of foam on the door frame that was used to keep the metal door lock rod from rubbing/rattling on the door frame. I guess over time the sticky-sided backing on the foam released and the foam slightly moved therefore allowing the locking rod to rest against the sticky backing. When it would get cold out, condensation would form on the metal locking rod and it would stick to the sticky foam part and not move easily enough to use the remote button.
I just pulled the foam and backing off and it has been great ever since. :iceslolan
I finally took the door panel off and the problem was quite evident. There was a piece of foam on the door frame that was used to keep the metal door lock rod from rubbing/rattling on the door frame. I guess over time the sticky-sided backing on the foam released and the foam slightly moved therefore allowing the locking rod to rest against the sticky backing. When it would get cold out, condensation would form on the metal locking rod and it would stick to the sticky foam part and not move easily enough to use the remote button.
I just pulled the foam and backing off and it has been great ever since. :iceslolan
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