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My '93 Prizm has 98,000 miles on it. I have been happy with it for the most part. Major repairs I can recall are replacing alternator, replacing brakes, replacing catalytic converter and muffler.
I have been thinking seriously of purchasing either a '00 Prizm or a '00 Honda Civic. Since my Prizm is heading towards 100,000 miles, and since I rely on it very much for my job, not to mention many other areas of my life, I need a reliable car. I have been getting concerned that the Prizm might soon require additional and/or costly repairs, as it approaches 100,000 miles.
Is this a good point at which to consider purchasing a new car? Or should I hang in there and see what happens? But then suppose something major and costly occurs?
Also, my current Prizm has considerable body damage. Cosmetically, it is not a pretty car, due to this damage. And I think it is leaking oil. Otherwise, though, it seems to be okay.
Any advice on whether this would be a good time to purchase a new car to replace this one?
Many thanks.
If and when you decide to buy a new car, keep the old one as a spare -- I've always had a back-up car, it comes in handy when I need to service mine or carry something i don't want to put in my new car. I even loan it to my friends from time to time. Back in Michigan, a lot of people have second cars they call "winter" cars, because you drive them after it's snowed, to keep the salt off your good car.
It is in really excellent condition but I suspect the price is a bit high. After all, it is 1996 model!
Should I really go for it?
Will appreciate if you can throw up some options.
Go to Edmund's used car section for 96 Geo Prizm, and use the "appraise" button on the bottom to see how much the car is worth. You can then show the number to the owner and try to strike a number between the trade-in and the retail price. Good luck.
miles on it now and it hasn't given me a lick of
trouble except for the knob on the temperature
control busting off twice. (warranty covered)
I REALLY like this car. I got the 5 speed manual
with the 1.8L engine option--a combination that
provides much more power than most people expect
from a Geo. I drive in the mountains of Colorado
with no problem at all, and the folding rear seats
make it a breeze to throw snowboards and skis
in the back. The alloy wheels give it a nice look
too--sometimes I think of it as my "poor man's
Audi A4."
I'm thinking about a 2000 Celica GTS, but I can
honestly say that I probably won't trade in the
Prizm. It seems like it's going to last forever
and I haven't exactly "gone easy" on it!
Edmunds told me $8500 and I wouldn't sell it for
a penny less. Great car.
change the rear brakes at about 40K, but they
told me at that time that the front ones were OK.
Is this normal?
Does anyone else have problems with adjusting the
a/c vents to a position other than "all the way up" or "all the way down". They seem to have lost the friction that would keep it pointing at me.
Only three days after bringing it home from the dealership it had a "problem". A couple days ago, I had it in reverse and when I put it in drive the engine cut out, when I put it back in park it STARTED ITSELF BACK UP! I also heard a metallic grinding noise. After three times of this it finally stayed running in drive and I drove it home. I made an appointment to get it fixed and when I drove it to the mechanic shop today it was fine. I was told that the only way to fix this problem is if the car was acting up when I brought it in. The mechanic had never heard of such a thing and said it wouldn't be possible to find anything with a computer diagnostic. The car is also very loud at about 65-70 mph, the whole thing shakes. Has anyone else had "phantom" problems with their 95 Prism? And did you find out what it was? I would hate to wait until the starter is completely wrecked to finally get it fixed.
Thanks for your time.
I am a foreigner who wants to buy a car. I am looking for something within the $4,000-5,000 price range, and I was able to find a 1995 Geo offered by the dealer for $4,750. It has 85,000 miles on it, though, I am not sure whether that's OK or not. (I'm used to kilomters(: ). It has AC, new tires, stereo, and other goodies. I would greatly appreciate any advice from any 1995 Geo owner or any other person knowledgeable about this specific brand. Please, HELP!!!
Thanks.
I have a 99 Prizm, had it aince Aug of 99 with very few problems, I have about 11750 miles on it so far and around 10,000 miles I noticed a squeaking noise when I go over dips or bumps, could it be the suspension??? I am taking it to the dealership soon to be looked at, just curious if anyone has any ideas to what it might be you can email me, I would appreciate it, thanks
Cynthia
cynthia@dallas.net
That may attribute to the noise sound. I dont recall any Corolla owner complain about squeaking. So if the cause is the material or improper insulation, and yes, it can be blamed to GM since they are responsible for that. In the case of the transmission, Toyota is the one that design and built it and should be the cause of the problem, although the GM dealer should fix it since its sold as a GM. At any case, dealer causing you so much problem for warranty work is simply unacceptable, regardless of the brand.
I'm curious whether the dealer fix the starter for free (assuming its covered under the warranty?). Regarding the clicking noise, I recommend getting a 2nd opinion. Faulty axle may give the clicking noise, as well as power steering leakage. But to have both of them on the same time ??(I already have a bad opinion regarding your dealer) Hmmm, if you could find a reputable mechanics, go ahead and get his opinion regarding the matter.
Out of curiosity, what other problem you have with the Prizm?
Well my $900 warranty made me pay $100 to change the engine starter which died after 1 month of the purchase. They said they covered the rest...
It has nothing to do with the mechanism but I got flat tire when I was driving after 2weeks of the purchase. It smelled burning for one day and it got flat just before getting into a highway. Firestone worker said it worned out and seemed very old ones. Oh, then 2 months later I couldn't open the trunk at all so I got the key fixed.These are minor problems but I was frustrated saying,'What's next?' So I think I just have a bad luck with the car. And today I purchased a brand new Mitsubishi Galant. I went to Mitsubishi dealer because they are offering 1.9 % interest rate for 60 months.(I was rejected because I don't have a credit history so I got 3.9% which was not too bad and got my corporate discount) I traded in my Prizm. Now I don't have to worry about repair cost or mileage anymore. But you know what? I prefer Prizm's design to any other cars. It was hard for me to say good bye to my Prizm. I feel as if it would still be in my parking lot tomorrow morning....
Good luck!
With a 3spd auto, your mileage is right on the money. I have a 4spd auto and get a consistent 31-32 mpg, due largely to the wider, softer tires (205/16ZR45s). Before I added the new rims and tires I got 35 mpg in mixed driving here in LA.
first long trip / needed to break it in.
5 speed - mpg results 36.2 mpg at speeds mostly 75-80 mph and a 70/30 hwy/city split. In 90-95 degree weather no less.
Nothing to gripe about except lack of cruise control-damn my right foot and toe hurts.
The stock tires suck.
I can not express how much they suck.
I am gonna be calling the tire rack soon to get some real tires. Dennis, what size are the TRD alum. wheel and tire upgrades?
I have the incredible joy here in MN of looking forward to snow in the winter. The stock tires are unsafe in winter. Are the tires you're reffering to at least all-season?
didn't think i'd have to do it for a FWD car
the thought has crossed my mind because the blizzaks are phenomenal
Joe Drivealot
Cindy
In fact, I did take the mechanic for a ride, but the car wouldn't make the sound at that time. I'm going to have to take it back again, I guess. Other people who have ridden in the car and driven it have noticed the noise. I'll just have to kidnap the mechanic and keep driving till he hears it, too. Anyway, luckily it is still under warranty.