Common complaints tend to be noise related—relating to squeaks and rattles, road noise and squealing brakes. Owners of certain models wish their cars had more power, but those with the 2.4 litre engine and manual gearbox typically aren’t part of this complaint.
Shopping for a J-Body in the used market can generally go one of two ways. If you’re looking for the simplest, cheapest form of transportation out there, you might be able to find an older certifiable model for a few hundred dollars. Don’t expect it to be pretty or in perfect shape, but as a cheap ‘beater’, there are plenty to pick from.
That’s not to say these machines were built to be beaters. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, shop for a newer model that’s been well maintained. Lean towards the newest one you can afford, opting for the newer 2.2 litre Ecotec engine if smoothness and mileage are important to you. It was available from 2002 and onward.
On a test drive, be sure to note the condition of the brakes. Any squealing, sponginess or grinding noises during deceleration should be questioned, as they could indicate that a brake job is needed.
Check the level and condition of all fluids, make sure the air conditioning works properly. There aren’t any hugely complicated systems on board, but the J-Body can suffer from frustrating electrical problems. Try to uncover these by giving all interior electronics a check for proper operation. Note that the blower motor should work on every speed setting- not just ‘high’. If the latter is true, you’ll need to replace the blower motor resistor.
Does it sound like the trunk is full of lumber when you travel over bumps? If so, you’ll probably need replacement strut mounts. If similar sound effects come from the front end, you’ll want to have the suspension checked out for a repair cost estimate.
Automatic transmissions seem fairly bullet-proof here, though shoppers should avoid a model that exhibits clutch slippage. If the past owner fried the clutch in his or her car, they’d probably love to pass the replacement cost onto you. Also, be sure to avoid a model that’s had its suspension, engine or body extensively modified—unless you’re familiar with the vehicle.
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| 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier |
Shopping for a J-Body in the used market can generally go one of two ways. If you’re looking for the simplest, cheapest form of transportation out there, you might be able to find an older certifiable model for a few hundred dollars. Don’t expect it to be pretty or in perfect shape, but as a cheap ‘beater’, there are plenty to pick from.
That’s not to say these machines were built to be beaters. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, shop for a newer model that’s been well maintained. Lean towards the newest one you can afford, opting for the newer 2.2 litre Ecotec engine if smoothness and mileage are important to you. It was available from 2002 and onward.
On a test drive, be sure to note the condition of the brakes. Any squealing, sponginess or grinding noises during deceleration should be questioned, as they could indicate that a brake job is needed.
Check the level and condition of all fluids, make sure the air conditioning works properly. There aren’t any hugely complicated systems on board, but the J-Body can suffer from frustrating electrical problems. Try to uncover these by giving all interior electronics a check for proper operation. Note that the blower motor should work on every speed setting- not just ‘high’. If the latter is true, you’ll need to replace the blower motor resistor.
Does it sound like the trunk is full of lumber when you travel over bumps? If so, you’ll probably need replacement strut mounts. If similar sound effects come from the front end, you’ll want to have the suspension checked out for a repair cost estimate.
Automatic transmissions seem fairly bullet-proof here, though shoppers should avoid a model that exhibits clutch slippage. If the past owner fried the clutch in his or her car, they’d probably love to pass the replacement cost onto you. Also, be sure to avoid a model that’s had its suspension, engine or body extensively modified—unless you’re familiar with the vehicle.
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| 2003 Pontiac Sunfire |