Faults:
Starter went at 180000kms.
Alignment needs to be done quite a bit.
Plugs and wires NEEDED to be done at 170000kms.
Engine went bad at 175000kms- replaced it.
Transmission makes a big jump when getting in second gear.
Drivers seat is very very hurtful on my back.
General Comments:
This car is pretty much an econo-box sports car. The car handles poorly when it has cheap tires on it... It has 16" rims, but after I put Michelin Hydroedge tires on it, it seems to enjoy being thrown around turns very nicely.
Comfort isn't really there at all. I'm 5ft7", and either the steering wheel is too low, or in my line of sight. Also, when the sun visor is flipped down, it occasionally hits the rearview mirror. The back seat is/was very comfortable until I hit a speed bump at 80km/h... then the bottom cover came off.
The performance was okay prior to changing the plugs and putting in Bosch Platinum 4 plugs... they do make a noticable difference. Also, I've thrown in an aftermarket air intake... which makes an incredible difference.
The ABS light and emergency brake lights are always on in my car... yet they both work perfect. Also, the fuel gauge is completely and utterly wrong in my car. I geuss that 1999 Grand-Am's have the same problem. But that is inconvenient.
For the price, it does have good performance... not comfy at all, and it is relatively cheap to maintain... a new engine is cheap too. Although there wasn't much of a difference between the old engine and the new one.
Also, since this car is a 2-door, you'd expect that the drivers seat would move forward... but it only moves like 3 inches forward... which doesn't help a university student trying to move.
But yes, if you don't have a family, and don't lug around many people, this car is good to go from point A to point B fast... otherwise, you're better off to buy a basic Sunfire or Cavalier.
27th Dec 2007, 21:45
How do you change the plug wires on a car that doesn't even have them?