Faults:
Power window motor went out on passenger side.
Strut out on front passenger side.
Trunk struts are shot.
Wire harness for rear lights (brakes, turn signals, etc.) shorted out.
Cracked windshield.
Digital climate control screen went out.
Rear sway bar link snapped.
General Comments:
Let me start off by telling you that I bought this car with some front end damage, the only parts of the car it affected were the bumper and the left turn signal. The car had also sat for some three months prior, most likely leading to the problems in the suspension.
For such a high mileage vehicle, it has served me very faithfully, I have never had any problems starting the car, driving it, or working on it. I do admit though, the car is truly a mechanics nightmare, the cab forward design makes the engine bay like a can of sardines. Just to get at the battery, you must jack the car up and remove the wheel to access the wheel well panel.
Electrically, the car does have its flaws, I had one instance where the gauges and dash lights would not work whatsoever, I quickly learned that ice likes to get up in the bumper of the vehicle, cutting the wire harness, I quickly purchased mud flaps.
The ride was incredible when I purchased the vehicle, but the rough roads in this area quickly destroyed that, new struts are in order as well as a new sway bar link, as soon as I can afford them, trust me, never try to load your own springs, it is a death wish.
The sound system was complete junk when I bought the car, the three front speakers were all blown (I suggest removing the dash speaker, as it does nothing for the sound quality) and the rears were well on their way, new 6 1/2s were put in with 6x9s following soon after. I eventually added a Kenwood deck and some subs. The sound system is now in check, but I warn you, rewiring your speakers is very tedious work, because there is a factory amp that must be bypassed, and aftermarket speakers do not take to well to the stock 2 ohms it pushes out.
Overall, I am happy with this car, it has a few nuances (gas mileage), but has performed beautifully for me in the time I've had it.
6th May 2013, 09:25
With this hot start problem, run a ground wire from your negative battery terminal directly to your starter; this will fix the hot start. I've done this on 3 of these cars now... PDP.