Faults:
The owner previous to me had replaced the radiator and the water pump around the 90,000, which is not a good thing when considering the low mileage.
The first thing that happened to me was the computer chip had fallen off its mount apparently, and was hanging down the back of the engine block. It eventually cooked and I had it towed to a garage. After much scratching of the head by a few mechanics, one decided to put it on computer diagnostic. When he couldn't find my computer chip, a hunt was on and then it was found fried. Serendipity and good mechanics didn't charge me much.
The alternator went at around 165000 (km) and the steering pump. The windshield washer pump and my cruise control quit working too. The shop that replaced alternator, confirmed washer pump was dead, so I decided to wait to replace. Then the alternator again around 170000km (repair shop's fault).
Shortly after this alternator was replaced, the washer pump and cruise control started working again. I replaced the alternator a third time in 2007 (260000 km). I had figured out that each time the alternator was changed out, the computer chip took a bit before resetting all other electronic devices.
This winter the speedometer went crazy, but when car warmed up it stopped.
General Comments:
My general comments are that this is a reliable car overall. The engine is excellent and sounds good.
I've changed the oil at 5,000 km or less. Changed the tires, rotate them etc. Keep up with the basic maintenance and it's good to me.
The transmission has always been clunky since I bought it, but it's still going strong.
I ride this car hard because we live in the country and travel to highlands/rough road area, and this car can take the beating.
I was impressed with the ride and the roominess of the car.
For the money I paid for it, it's been great. All fixes have been basic cost.
The catalytic converter went last summer, but like I said, for the year and the mileage (high percentage highway) we did okay.
20th Sep 2008, 01:58
I am at 250,000 Km. with my 94 Sable wagon. It has been a great car. Allowed the mechanic to change the transmission fluid and it started to clunk when stopping. Then it switched to "limp" mode - 25 km/hr. They say it is a computer warning mode that I need a new transmission. It was okay before they touched it! And yours sounds okay too. Have you got the original transmission? I have read so much that flushing can cause problems if not done right? Is this what has happened to my poor car?