Hey all... title says it all.
Locomigo is getting up there in age (100k & 4.5yrs) and I have a long weekend of maintenance planned for the first of April:
* Timing Belt/Water Pump/Tensioner Pulley
* Intake Manifold Gaskets
* Fuel Rail Cleaning
* EGR Cleaning
* Ball Joints (upper/lower R&L)
* Tie Rods (R&L)
* Wheel Bearings (inner/outer R&L)
* Vehicle Speed Sensor (no odo/speedo, use GPS)
* Fuel Pump (included sending unit, which is broke)
* Drivers Rear Upper Shock Mount (ease of access while fuel tank is out)
* Exhaust work (replace pipe/muffler aft of the "y-pipe", and collector/downpipe flange gaskets)
* Then I will have all gear boxes, engine, tranny, and anything else that has fluid/grease/oil flushed, exhanged, new filters done.
Do you see anything I have overlooked? Most of that stuff isnt broke, but they are the things that start to go wrong about now, and I figure, while I am at it, I may as well go full tilt boogie with it and do it right.
School me on DD, I have three options:
* Take $1-2k cash and buy a beater (may or may not need just as much if not more maintenance than the Amigo)
* Get a loan and finance a nearly new (02-04) commuter car say $6-10k.
* Get a loan and finance a new commuter car low teens $12-16k.
Either of the last two are where I am leaning towards. Since the Amigo note is over, there are funds available, although I would like to save at least 50% for savings.
Regardless the vehicle MUST be manual, and get >say 20-24MPG combination (city/highway) more is better obviously
May as well look for something fun in addition to economical. No reason I cant have my cake and eat it too. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
So the things I am interested in on the B category...
Mazda6
WRX
A4
Open to other ideas... suggestions?
For the C catergory...
Spectra SX
Elantra GT
NOTE: With the Sorento, we have been EXCEPTIONALLY happy with the Korean builders improvements in quality/fit/finish/bang for the buck.
Cobalt
G6
open to others here as well...
That gives a flavor of whats on my mind and I appreciate your insights, thoughts, suggestions, and opinions...
