Posted by Michael Haertel (IP: 207.235.94.139) on October 30, 1999 at 08:12:44:
In Reply to: Re: a little advice from another poor Maverick lover... posted by Brandon on October 30, 1999 at 06:05:29:
Trust me, there is a one in a million chance that you would pick up a car that would last that long. If he's only replaced the clutch, he needs to do a better job of maintaining that car. He should have replaced the timing chain several times, tires, alot of suspension stuff, shocks, bushings, ect...Obviously he changes the fluids and the plugs on a regullar basis. My grandmother has a 84 accord with 140k miles, and it's about to fall apart in the street, and has no power until it gets into 3rd gear. (Automatic) Unless he run that car on a dyno at about 60 miles an hour, until it got to 300k miles, I don't know how that car is still running.
I'm sure I am somewhat bias, since I don't like many Jap. cars, I don't even like new mustanges because they have too much jap parts, but still 340k miles seems like alot for a honda.
: The car has been my daily driver for a year and a half and has never broken down on me. The reason it hasn't is because if I find a problem, I fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. Lets face it, any 27 year old car is going to need stuff replaced, and I just don't have the cash to fix things anymore. I would rather see my car go to someone who has the time and money to keep it in this condition, than have me destroy it by neglecting to do the needed repairs. I know I'll cry when she goes, but I still think it has to be done. I drive way to much and I can't afford to keep filling the tank every-other day. I know there are a lot of people who will appreciate this car as much as I do, but my priorities are changing. I'm looking for something cheap that will get good mileage. My friend has an '86 accord with 340k miles and the only thing he's replaced is the clutch. Someday after I finish college and get rich, I'll return. I promise. :-)
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: : : This past summer I sold my Maverick, and it was the worst thing I've ever done. That car never left me sitting anywhere, and when it needed something, the parts were pretty cheap in comparison to newer cars. For example a set of shocks for my Maverick cost $50... the struts, shocks, installation and allignment for my Grand Am totalled over $400... you do the math. From my own expirience with newer cars, I've found that the repairs might not come as often, but they cost a heck of a lot more when they do.
: : : Anyway, just something to think about. Good luck with whatever you do.
: : I agree. Also, if it is reliable and in good shape, why do you need something easier to maintain? What are you planning on replacing it with? I don't mean to sound accusing, if I did need another car, I would jump on yours.