97 Cavalier 2.2L/Auto Average Lifespan???

[Frank G]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on whats the Average Life expectancy of a 1997 2.2L Auto Cavalier.

Now I know this is a rather vague question with tons of factors but I was thinking of replacing my Great Running 1997 Cavalier with a newer one with less miliage (either an 03 or 04, newer body style) BEFORE the expensive problems start.

As of now I have 111,000 miles on it, I replace the Tranny Fluid/Filter Every 30K and oil/Filter every 3,000 miles and New plugs wires every 30K,
Replaced the Waterpump, Fuel Filter, Belt Last year. Full front and rear break job last month.

The Cavalier runs great and only puts on highway miliage approx. 25,000 miles per year at about 75 mph (65 miles to work). So what is the average life expectancy for a 2.2L Auto Cavalier.

Am I foolish to replace a great running car before the problems or might it be worth it before I need to replace a Tranny or an engine.

Opinion wanted!!! Thanks Alot,

Frank G
1997 Cavlier
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1986 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

[hopeless4life]

If you maintain them they are fine and you seem like you are doing just that. Personally though I would move up to the 03/04 with the 2.2 ecotec, aparently much more reliable.

[Knifeblade]

I agree with hopeless, you are manitaining your tranny above average for a normal owner, but have you thought of the synthetic tranny fluids yet? From what you describe, I'd hold on to it for awhile, but I'd check out synthetic lubes now.

[vintweed]

i have 240,000 kms on mine without maintaining it so well mine's a 95 2.3 quad 4 which is suppose to be a "bad" engine...but so far, other then normal things it still goes strong...i bought it at 91,000 kms in dec.02 and now have 240,ooo...so, i'd say there great little cars

[cousincletus]

I go to auto auctions and see lots of older Cavaliers with well over 200,000 miles on them. Had a 1993 that I traded with over 150,000 miles and still ran well. Only engine problem was a head gasket. No problems with the transmission (3 speed auto). I would keep it unless you just want a new car (and pymt.) and keep on maintaining it well. I plan on keeping my 2002 for at least 10 more years as I am sick of car payments.

[Random Hero]

Originally Posted by hopeless4life

If you maintain them they are fine and you seem like you are doing just that. Personally though I would move up to the 03/04 with the 2.2 ecotec, aparently much more reliable.

I heard somewhere that the ecotecs are capable of handling like 900 horsepower without beefing up the crank and whatnot

[4dr92cavi4cyl]

Originally Posted by Random Hero

I heard somewhere that the ecotecs are capable of handling like 900 horsepower without beefing up the crank and whatnot

Not without beefing up the crank, pistons, rods, etc. No Way!

I've had my 92 for 5 years now, besides an engine change at 181,000 miles and other maintenance it's been great! I'm closing in on 200,000 now and haven't had any tranny problems which is amazing considering how I drive it and that I have only serviced the tranny three times. Almost all the other problems I have had have been my own doing. Just keep maintaining yours like you have and it will probably last you another 5 years, beats payments!

[Classicrocjunkie]

heh... your tranny would be long gone before you even hit 400 h/p..

[Frank G]

Thanks for the advice, I probably will keep it for a couple more years (or at least 1 more )

Maybe by next year I can find a cheap lower miliage 2003 or 04.

Thanks again,
Frank G

[KJRich]

My dad and I both had Cavy's that went over 200,000 and that was running regular dino oil, too.

[Frank G]

Originally Posted by KJRich

My dad and I both had Cavy's that went over 200,000 and that was running regular dino oil, too.

Thats good to hear, I bought this Cavalier w/ 65,000 miles on it, So to switch over to Sythetic probably wouldnt have been the best decision. If I buy one with less than 30,000 miles I will use only sythetic but not on this one.

I used regular Penzoil 5W30 but just switched over to the Quaker State High Mileage Formula 2 oil chages ago. I do my regular 3000 miles oil/Filter chages. When I bought this car I figured I could get another 60,000 miles (120,000miles total) on it and now that I am aproaching that(110,000) I am hoping for another 30,000-40,000 miles.

We shall see!!!

Frank G

[cousincletus]

Now I kinda wish I would have kept my old '93 Cavalier. It was one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.

[hopeless4life]

GM did up a new chevy cobalt, they turboed a 2.2L ecotec, yes the 2.2 not the 2.0. They turboed it, changed the cam gears, camshaft and other odds and ends, They kept 65% of the engine internals stock, and only beefed up the tranny slightly, It has 535 Hp. That says a lot right there about that 2.2l ecotec

[Boomsly]

Moms 98 2.2 sunfire has 240,000km on it bought it back in 99 the biggest problem we've had with it was the AC fan blew. $100 later and everything was fine again. The cars been great.

[EnjukuRacing240sx]

well i can tell you the life of mine... after racing the hell out of it, it finally spun a bearing at 110,000 miles...