bought 99 cavalier, need suggestions for maintenance

[menaztricks]

Just bought a 99 Cavalier, automatic, 2.2l, 70,000 miles.

I have checked all the fluids except for the transmission and they are all full.

Based on the condition of this car it has had a harsh life, (body has a couple dents, door full of scratches and the interior is pretty dusty). However, it seems to be running fine (at least no obvious problems), accelerates ok, no steering problems, a couple little noises I dont like.

I want this car running the best it can, and want to do as much of the maintenance and repair myself. Big problem though, I am a newbie, and my knowledge of cars is limited. The 2 main reasons I want to do this myself are to save money and learn as much as I can about cars.

My goal for this car is to make it reliable, get a good amount of mpg, and make it last as long as I can. It is a family car, I am not concerned with higher than normal speeds, this car wont be racing anyone.

This is what I plan on doing and appreciate any suggestions.

Replaced air filter (bought whatever brand checker auto parts sells, if anyone can recommend a better one for next time or if its ok)

Use either AC Delco platinums or Bosch platinum +2 spark plugs (any preferance between these?) I am leaning more towards the Bosch.

Bosch wire sets

Change oil for a good synthetic (still not sure which one)

Change oil filter

Change fuel filter

Purchased Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant and Fuel Injector Cleaner, but havent used it yet (anyone know if its any good?)

Plan on flushing cooling system

Drain transmission fluid

Taking it to brake masters have them check brakes.

Want to do a chassis lubrication, but to be honest, I am not sure what exactly I am supposed to lubricate.

Lubricate hinges

Will maguiers vinyl/rubber cleaner and conditioner for interior

Is there anything I should use on the weatherstripping? Its kind of dry and grayish looking right now.

Anything else I am missing or something I should check?


Absolutely any advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[KustmAce]

Ok...here we go:

I have checked all the fluids except for the transmission and they are all full.

When you check fluids (pwer steering, tranny fluid, coolant) your not only checking level, but quality. So just because they are full, doesnt mean they are good.

Replaced air filter (bought whatever brand checker auto parts sells, if anyone can recommend a better one for next time or if its ok)

If you just want a new air filter, just make sure you use the right one. Theyre all pretty good. When I had my stock airbox I went with Fram though.

Use either AC Delco platinums or Bosch platinum +2 spark plugs (any preferance between these?) I am leaning more towards the Bosch.

If yours even need replacing, stick with the stock AC Delcos.

Bosch wire sets

Just get some OEM replacement wires if you want to do that.

Change oil for a good synthetic (still not sure which one)

Find out what the previous owner was running, and stick with that.

Change oil filter

I used Fram.

Change fuel filter

You sure it needs it?

Purchased Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant and Fuel Injector Cleaner, but havent used it yet (anyone know if its any good?)

Haven't used it, but good luck.

Plan on flushing cooling system

Again, your car is a 99, with 70k. It has Dex Coolant in it, which is good for at LEAST 150k miles. So don't worry about the coolant.

Drain transmission fluid

And fill it back up again, right? Probably doesn't need it though at only 70k.

Taking it to brake masters have them check brakes.

Have them check alignment and rotate the tires while they're at it.

Want to do a chassis lubrication, but to be honest, I am not sure what exactly I am supposed to lubricate.

Then have a shop do it, because thats one of those things you dont need to be trying if you dont know what your doing. Besides, do you have a grease gun handy?

Lubricate hinges

Okey doke.

Will maguiers vinyl/rubber cleaner and conditioner for interior

Is that a question? And Meguiars is good, so clean it up real nice.

Is there anything I should use on the weatherstripping? Its kind of dry and grayish looking right now.

As long as there aren't HUGE cracks in it, it will be fine.

Anything else I am missing or something I should check?

I would suggest taking it to a shop you trust and having them run a full inspection on everything, instead of nitpicking details. Do a full engine scan, check all fluids, all boxes, tires, brakes, alignment, the works.

Then do the detailing on your own.

Just remember, its only a 99, not everything is going to be kaput yet. Not to mention all that stuff you listed would run quite a pretty penny. Especially the coolant and tranny flushes.

Like I said though, just take it to a shop and have them check everything else.

[menaztricks]

When you check fluids (pwer steering, tranny fluid, coolant) your not only checking level, but quality. So just because they are full, doesnt mean they are good.

I am looking up info on that right now, thanks.

If you just want a new air filter, just make sure you use the right one. Theyre all pretty good. When I had my stock airbox I went with Fram though.

Fram is the brand I put in, just checked that right now.

If yours even need replacing, stick with the stock AC Delcos.
Just get some OEM replacement wires if you want to do that.

I'm checkin to see if I really need them tomorrow, but based on the impression I got from the owner, I'm almost sure they do.

Will it run any better if I use the better parts or would it be a complete waste of money, because I really dont mind spending a bit extra for something that will make some improvements and last longer.

Find out what the previous owner was running, and stick with that.

I would love to do that, but the prev. owner was not very good at providing me that kind information.

You sure it needs it?

I'm not sure, but I've been told it should be replaced every 30,000 miles, and I dont think it has been done.

And fill it back up again, right? Probably doesn't need it though at only 70k.

Of course

Then have a shop do it, because thats one of those things you dont need to be trying if you dont know what your doing. Besides, do you have a grease gun handy?

No I dont, my plan was to buy one in case I gave that a shot, but I really dont think I'll be doing that until somebody can show me what to do.

I would suggest taking it to a shop you trust and having them run a full inspection on everything, instead of nitpicking details. Do a full engine scan, check all fluids, all boxes, tires, brakes, alignment, the works.

Havent really found a shop I trust yet, for years we've been taking our cars to places like econo lube, jiffy, brake masters, etc.. Most of which have attempted to do jobs that I knew for a fact were not necessary. I'm going to see what shops I find and follow your advice.

Just remember, its only a 99, not everything is going to be kaput yet. Not to mention all that stuff you listed would run quite a pretty penny. Especially the coolant and tranny flushes.

I wouldnt really worry about it so much, if I wasnt under the impression that this car wasn't very well taken care of. I'm pretty much thinking if somebody didnt take the time to at the very least dust the inside and wash the outside, they didnt care for whats under the hood either. Since I wasnt provided with any records whatsoever of maintenance, as a precaution, I was assuming very little work had been done and probably needed all the maintenance that should have been done in 70,000 miles.

thanks for the reply

[KustmAce]

No problem. I work in a shop and Im speaking from experience when I say all that.

As for the quality question you had, from my experience, more money doesn't always equal the highest quality product. I am not 100% familiar with the best spark plug brands. But I know Bosch and AC Delco are good, I have the latter in my car now. Really up to you though.

One other thing I forgot to mention though, if you want to check all the fluids yourself, do not open the brake fluid. Bad things can happen if you do. Just a word of warning.

Feel free to ask is you have any more Q's.