Faults:

General stuff that I have had to replace would include a/c compressor around 100,000 miles. Alternator replaced for the first time probably around 135,000 miles. New front brake lines around 250,000. Replacing all engine seals, today actually, to stop an oil leak or two. When you have over a quarter of a million miles on a car, it will leak oil naturally.

General Comments:

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!!! It's the first car I have ever owned. I bought it when I was 15 and it had 44,000 miles on it. I'm now 27 years old, and I drive my baby every day and she has over 283,000 miles on it. I'm taking her in for a new paint job soon and I have expectations to drive this car well over 300,000 miles! God Willing!!

Faults:

Standard maintenance: timing belt - needed every 60K. Radiator started leaking, but $100 and very little effort, replacing it was a breeze. Starter motor became intermittent, but with the help of an online assistant, simply replacing the contacts for $10 prevented me from buying a new one. I've looked for something that needs some TLC, but it continues to run flawlessly. I'm getting about 21 MPG, but would like to get some more power. I'm told that adjusting the timing may be of help for such an old car.

General Comments:

I've always been a US buyer, but this car has changed me. I'm living in Germany surrounded by beautiful cars and the savings to buy one, but this 13 year old 145K mile car gives me no reason to do so. It's smooth, quiet, peppy, great in snow and won't give me any trouble, not even a rattle. My next car will be a Camry Hybrid so I can double my mileage.

Faults:

All of the problems were existing problems when I bought the car and were all replaced after purchasing the car.

THE FOLLOWING WERE NOT NECESSARILY PROBLEMS THAT AFFECTED CAR PERFORMANCE OR SAFETY; HOWEVER, THEY WERE DUE TO BE REPLACED:

Timing belt kit.

Water pump.

Drive Belts.

*Timing belt kit, water pump, and drive belts were replaced at the same time. The total price would have been $490 (including labor), however, an additional $125 was added for the timing belt kit (lasts longer than 60,000 miles) as opposed to a regular timing belt. The timing belt kit comes with a more durable belt, tensioner pulley, auto tensioner, etc. Since the car has 180,000 miles, the timing belt kit was “highly recommended” by the independent shop.

Tune-up $320. ($95 for plug wire set)

THE FOLLOWING ARE ACTUAL PROBLEMS THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED:

Radiator and Hoses (approximately $220)

Rear Struts (approximately $300)

Fuel-Filter $90.

Overall this sounds like a lot of work ($1500). However, the car was taken car of prior to my purchasing and the mechanic said I would be good to drive the car to at least 300,000 miles without any serious mechanical problems.

Although I have only driven the car for 700 miles, I have yet to find any problems with the way that the car drives. The car drives smoothly and the engine sounds like a new one.

General Comments:

The car drives well even at 180,000 miles.

Driving at 70+ MPH causes some slight vibration, although not very noticeable.

Good gas mileage about 24 MPG combined highway and city.

Some shaking when I brake. Maybe needs new engine mounts.

Overall the car drives smoothly for an older car.