Don't sell your Cavaliers...

[ypelchat]

In 1993, I bought a used (31K kilometers) 1991 Cavalier RS, with a 3.1L V6.

So far, the repair bills on this car, amount to about $800.00. That includes several sets of brakes, an alternator, and a new fuel tanks. Not bad for a 290 000 Km car. I keep the Cavalier as my winter car. Last winter, the Cavalier started flawlessly, even when the temperature reached as low as -38c.

I bought a new travel trailer, so, last year (march 6th 2006), i bought a slightly used (59 900 Kilometers), looking like new, 2005 Chevrolet Astro AWD, to tow my 17ft trailer... :o(

At the time of purchase, I neglected to buy the GM extended warranty that was offered to me ( I said to myself.. It's a GM. I'm not going to have a problem with this vehicle. I thought my Astro was going to be as good as my Cavalier was, so, why spend the extra money on a useless extended warranty...).

I was wrong...

So far, the Astro has spent 7 weeks in the shop...

Tonight, I called the towing, once again, so they can pick up the dead body of my Astro, and take it to the GM dealership (once again).

Since I bought it, I pumped over 6K$, trying to make this 2005 GM wreckage going. Right now, it's 64781 Kilometers... I spent more than $1.22 dollar/per kilometer in repair costs.

Everything seems to break down in the Astro. I don't drive my vehicles with a heavy hand. I take care of them...

One day, it starts perfectly, the other day, it won't. It will crank forever, but the engine will never run. I relent on using the Astro, cause I never know when I'll get stuck with it. The big GM dealership (where it was bought) doesn't have a clue on what's the problem. They put in a new fuel pump. Checked gas quality. They replaced the computer. They replaced the spark plugs, the spark plug wires and cap, coil pack, EGR, fuel injector, catsytic converter... they replaced everything...

I wish i could remove the Astro's crap computer management systems, and put an old system (just like in my 1991 Cavalier). I'm sure the Astro would start every time. The current automotive computers, may be good for the environment, but they are money bottom less pits. Very cruel to our wallets...

Whenever the dreadful check engine light lits on an Astro, you know it's gonna cost you a shit load of money...

Next thing i'll ask the GM dealership, is to put a new truck on the current key... I paid for it. Maybe it'll fix my problem...

Right now, the damn thing would only start 1/2...

Code P0300 All the time...

Even the check engine light bulb burned, because it was ON for too long...

Will I buy another GM vehicle... HELL NO. This saddens me, as my Astro is looking like a brand new one....

[z24ridin']

Yeah I bought my cavalier with 85K miles on it in GA where it was sitting for a while. No rust or nothing. So far I've put almost 2K into it just getting it running like new again but also went with after market parts. It runs like a pro and has been the most reliable vehical ive had.

[ypelchat]

Originally Posted by z24ridin'

Yeah I bought my cavalier with 85K miles on it in GA where it was sitting for a while. No rust or nothing. So far I've put almost 2K into it just getting it running like new again but also went with after market parts. It runs like a pro and has been the most reliable vehical ive had.

When i bought the Astro, i thought i would eventually sell the Cavalier, in order to keep only one vehicle (thus saving costs on insurance and annual licence registration). But now, I think i'll sell the Astro, and keep the Cavalier.

Update: The Astro is out of the shop.... $482.00

But i'm not out of the wood yet... they discovered the oil pan gasket is leaking...

Yves.