Faults:

I purchased the car in July 2002 and thought I got a great deal. A year later, I have had 3 oil leaks fixed for over $600 and the power window motor replaced for over $450. While the car was in the shop the last time, I had them look at an oil leak I thought they did not fix correctly the first time and they informed me it was another leak that will cost over $660 to fix. So, in addition to my car payments, I have put in over $1100 and have another $660 coming my way.

General Comments:

I love the design of the car and the ability to haul all of my friends. It is easy to get in and out of, so my grandparents can access the car easily.

I found no trouble with the defrost. However, one of my back windows does not always work. It must be moody.

Faults:

The front brakes wore down to the rotor at 31,000 miles due to an excessive and unusual amount of rust. The brakes still "felt" fine until the point that they hit the metal and started making a grating noise. The dealer was able to salvage at a price of around $180 which was much less expensive than the $575 a well known auto repair chain tried to charge me.

The starter has gone bad at 32,000 miles with no warning. Was starting fine and then one evening I went out to start my car and the only sounds that came from the engine were loud clicking noises. Lights, CD player, etc. worked just fine.

Outside temperature gauge failed to work for 2 days causing the Auto Climate control to function improperly. The problem corrected itself.

General Comments:

Although I am basically impressed with the car as a whole, I feel that no car should have major problems at 32,000 miles.

Problems with the car start as soon as the manufacturer warranty runs out, which is 3 years or 36,000 miles. My Mercury Lynx and Olds Calais fared much better. I at least got 60,000 miles out of them before any problems.

The headrest on the back of the seat is uncomfortable for short people. The part that protrudes comes to the back of the top of my head rather than the nape of my neck where it should be. This forces me to hold my head in an awkward position.

Faults:

I took the car in for repair because of a tapping sound from the engine. I suspected a lifter tapping. When the dealer went into the engine they found that the balance shaft bearing had spun out. They told me that the whole engine needed replaced. I serviced this car every 3000 miles without fail. I contacted General Motors for some assistance. They told me since the car was out of warranty I was on my own.

I told them that I would not expect a car with 42000 miles costing $28,000 to need an engine replacement. GM offered a 60, 40 split on a new engine costing $6500. This still left me with $4000 to pay. I opted to purchase a used engine with 22000 miles. This will cost $2500.

I still have 15 month of payments left on this vehicle.

General Comments:

My wife loves the car, but I sure have my doubts.