21st Feb 2004, 08:48
I am sorry, but I have to agree with John. A car is a machine that needs proper care and maintenance or it will retaliate on you at some point. When you buy a used vehicle, the number one rule of thumb is check it out from top to bottom, front to back. Check for worn hoses, belts, transmission leaks, oil leaks, brakes etc. Test drive the car and see how it runs. Unfortunately, almost all used cars are an "as is" and you should be prepared for anything that may go wrong, especially if there are a lot of miles on the car. Also, many mechanical problems with any car are simply this, neglect. If you ignore the problem, no matter how minor, eventually it will get worse, cause more problems, and cost you more money in the long run. Letting your car brakes run metal to metal when the car has 70,000 or so miles on it is your fault, not the car, letting things leak to the point that they destroy other key components in the car is again your fault. Common sense and proper care on your part will maintain any car for many many miles and many years. I recently purchased a 1995 Monte Carlo Z34 with 120,000 miles on it and I love it. Yes it has a few quirks that need to be worked out, but it is in good shape and being a 1995 I got a great deal on it, and as soon as I fix the little problems the car will be good as new. Oh, and by the way, I am a woman!!! :0)
22nd Sep 2004, 09:39
Hi! Wow! I recently bought a 95 Monte Carlo after saving money for almost two years! I had it for about 2 months! Well come to find out the timing belt has broke and I also was told about this special tool! Well I was wondering if it is absolutely necessary for this tool! I am a single parent and I cannot afford what I was quoted for of $1400 from the Chevy dealer! Someone said you don't need the tool, but I was just wondering if anyone knew if you have to have it! Thanks Alison.
3rd Oct 2004, 17:04
Oh yes, you definitely have to have the "tool" to fix this problem. I am a junior in college and I have had my 95 Z 34 for over a year and put over 23,000 miles on it in a year. The belt broke at about 105k and I thought my street mechanic could fix it, but he could not. I took it to the dealer and the job came to $1,500. It was a killer, but it got my baby back up and running. Unfortunately the price is a big deterrent when you take your first glance at it, but if having your car is a necessity I see no other means. Hope this helps.
5th Feb 2004, 12:37
I think what the previous poster-John-said to you was horrible. You sound like our situation. He said, timing belt should be replaced at 60,000 miles. Obviously he didn't read that you got the car at 70,000. We had the exact same problem. We bought our Z34 at 76,000 miles. The timing belt went out shortly there after. The warranty that we purchased wouldn't cover the repair because they told us the same stupid thing. My theory-not my responsiblity since I didn't have possession of the car then. Some people are just mean and don't comprehend common sense.
Angie.