2000 Chevrolet Cavalier - Rusty but Reliable
I first purchased my car in 2011, and was impressed by the interior. It is a fully old school car: manual lock, manual windows, and a cassette deck that I had to scramble to find cassettes for (a very nostalgic activity). The seats are a durable material that withheld a few water stains here and there, and the trunk had a great capacity to cart me to and from an out of state college. The controls are easy to figure out and are not complicated at all - I had all of them figured out in about five minutes when I first slipped behind the wheel.
I first purchased my car in 2011, and was impressed by the interior. It is a fully old school car: manual lock, manual windows, and a cassette deck that I had to scramble to find cassettes for (a very nostalgic activity). The seats are a durable material that withheld a few water stains here and there, and the trunk had a great capacity to cart me to and from an out of state college. The controls are easy to figure out and are not complicated at all - I had all of them figured out in about five minutes when I first slipped behind the wheel.
Two years ago I was due for emissions testing on my car. For a little while, a "check engine" light had appeared on my dashboard, but I had been assured that it wasn't anything dire. However, that light needed to go off for my car to pass. An examination was completed, about $1000 was spent on replacing the valve and doing the other necessary maintenance, and I was given my car back to reset t... (more)
Two years ago I was due for emissions testing on my car. For a little while, a "check engine" light had appeared on my dashboard, but I had been assured that it wasn't anything dire. However, that light needed to go off for my car to pass. An examination was completed, about $1000 was spent on replacing the valve and doing the other necessary maintenance, and I was given my car back to reset the sensors by driving another 300 miles. I drive the 300 miles, and nothing changed. The dealership had to order a part from Cincinnati, OH, halfway across the country, and I had to wait two weeks for it to arrive, and then more time for them to install it. Still no luck. A week or two later, as I was driving to the dealership to get it checked out, that stupid check engine light went off. I told the dealership, they brought it in for testing, and what do you know? The MINUTE I leave the dealership that light comes back on, and it stayed there for an additional two years. I swear it's an act of God.
A definite pro is the gas mileage. Although it's just an average-sized gas tank, I can go to and from work and fill up for only about $20 once every two weeks, so it's very affordable. Another pro is that the engine and battery are extremely reliable. I haven't had to worry about them at all. I have driven this car through all of the worst blizzards and snowstorms of the past five years, and while I have to drive slowly I can get up hills easily (and down them, too, if I pump the brake a lot). It drives easy in the snow for its age and I trust it to get me home when Mother Nature says othe... (more)
A definite pro is the gas mileage. Although it's just an average-sized gas tank, I can go to and from work and fill up for only about $20 once every two weeks, so it's very affordable. Another pro is that the engine and battery are extremely reliable. I haven't had to worry about them at all. I have driven this car through all of the worst blizzards and snowstorms of the past five years, and while I have to drive slowly I can get up hills easily (and down them, too, if I pump the brake a lot). It drives easy in the snow for its age and I trust it to get me home when Mother Nature says otherwise.
The biggest cons with this vehicle have been the extensive repair work I have had to pour into it in only five years. However, at the same time, that repair work is due to its age. This car is nearly old enough to vote. And because I've had to drive it in snowstorms, and due to whatever else the previous owner(s) did with it, the interior was rusted through and through and has led to the strangest accidents. Ever hear of a rear axle breaking in half and a rear tire popping off? I hadn't either, until it happened to me just as I got off a busy highway one night. Of course, everyone's own ca... (more)
The biggest cons with this vehicle have been the extensive repair work I have had to pour into it in only five years. However, at the same time, that repair work is due to its age. This car is nearly old enough to vote. And because I've had to drive it in snowstorms, and due to whatever else the previous owner(s) did with it, the interior was rusted through and through and has led to the strangest accidents. Ever hear of a rear axle breaking in half and a rear tire popping off? I hadn't either, until it happened to me just as I got off a busy highway one night. Of course, everyone's own cars will vary in their state of wear, but be prepared to lay down a few Franklins now and then at the repair shop. On that note, I just had to pay $900+ to have my car pass my state's emissions test because of a leaky exhaust. Since the car's valve is at the top of the engine, the entire thing had to be lowered for the mechanic to access it and fix it. Then when that was done, a brake line decided to pop.
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier - Solid car for all weather.
This was my fourth car and the best out of all them. The caviler has a slightly sporty look with good control. No matter how many times I have slipped on ice or dodged a deer I never lost control. With this car I felt like I always had a solid, sturdy driving experience. It still sounds and drives beautifully. However, when it comes to the paint on the exterior it has developed numerous sun spots that are harmful to the eyes. Though the paint is not great, the body of the car has suffered only minor rust.
This was my fourth car and the best out of all them. The caviler has a slightly sporty look with good control. No matter how many times I have slipped on ice or dodged a deer I never lost control. With this car I felt like I always had a solid, sturdy driving experience. It still sounds and drives beautifully. However, when it comes to the paint on the exterior it has developed numerous sun spots that are harmful to the eyes. Though the paint is not great, the body of the car has suffered only minor rust.
This car has taken me on some fun drifts through the snow.
This car has taken me on some fun drifts through the snow.
This car has felt like the most solid car I have owned. Everyday when I drive it to work I know it's going to get me to work and back home without fail. It provides me with a comfortable ride. The interior looks nice and the seats feel as if I'm being hugged.
This car has felt like the most solid car I have owned. Everyday when I drive it to work I know it's going to get me to work and back home without fail. It provides me with a comfortable ride. The interior looks nice and the seats feel as if I'm being hugged.
With the pros also comes the cons. On the outside it looks horrible, with the sunspots and the rust starting to emerge. Also, when it came to replacing the radio, I had to remove the whole dash which blew the airbag. Customization was a stressful task. The transmission has also started to slip slightly in recent weeks.
With the pros also comes the cons. On the outside it looks horrible, with the sunspots and the rust starting to emerge. Also, when it came to replacing the radio, I had to remove the whole dash which blew the airbag. Customization was a stressful task. The transmission has also started to slip slightly in recent weeks.
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