HELP with 2004 Aveo (how to make it last?)

I just purchased a used 2004 Aveo LT with 60,000 miles. My niece purchased the same with 35,000 miles.

Thus far, we are happy with our vehicles, BUT after receiving Consumers Reports rating this vehicle as one of the worst, I am a bit nervous.

I already know about the belt having to replaced at 60,000 miles (which was done at 57,000 miles). I want to know what preventive measures I need to take to keep this particular vehicle running, and what to look for before it becomes a serious problem.

Thank you,
Alton

the consumer reports are slightly bias, not many people who buy a car this cheap are going to take the time to compliment it to a survey company. For most, 80%, of the users here, have not run into any common issues aside from the timing belt.


there is a thread on what to look for when buying a used aveo, that covers pretty much anything that more than a few people have encountered.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit

the consumer reports are slightly bias, not many people who buy a car this cheap are going to take the time to compliment it to a survey company. For most, 80%, of the users here, have not run into any common issues aside from the timing belt.


there is a thread on what to look for when buying a used aveo, that covers pretty much anything that more than a few people have encountered.

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Thank You for the reply. Where would I find that thread? Forum: Buyer/Seller Reputation

here:

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f81/w...ed-aveo-10142/

but keep in mind, there are mostly things more than 3-4 people have come across, not universal failures for the aveo.

Thank You Petrified.rabbit,

You have helped me out alot and made me feel better about my Aveo.
If You think of any thing more I should know please tell me.Im hoping to get 160,000 mile out of my car.

Thank You, Alton

if you keep up on the routine maintenance, like the timing belt, etc. And fix the couple other issues you may come across, like any other car would have. The aveo is as reliable as every other car out there. Its actual track record for me, its the most reliable car i have owed. And i have had over 100 cars.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alton

Thank You Petrified.rabbit,

You have helped me out alot and made me feel better about my Aveo.
If You think of any thing more I should know please tell me.Im hoping to get 160,000 mile out of my car.

Thank You, Alton

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If it makes you feel better, with routine maintenace and fixing little things here and there, my 04 aveo is at 140,000 miles and still runs and drives great even with the few upgrades I have. AEM cold air intake, eibach prokit lowering springs, kyb shocks and struts, 17inch rims, full stereo system. aside from doing the timing belt, Ive only had 2 big issues in the almost 3 years Ive had my aveo. At 108,000 miles the ignition coil went bad and killed the air/fuel ratio sensor (upstream o2, bank1 sensor1) and the catalytic converter, and at roughly 110,000 miles the rear suspension has what some people refer to as a dead axle assembly, the passenger side front bushing failed, and you cant just replace the bushing (I searched for a few weeks, even called energy suspension to custom make the bushing and they wouldnt) so I had to replace the whole dead axle assembly. Otherwise, at 140,000 miles, I still average 31-32 mpg mostly city, Ive had as high as 37mpg which was all highway

Hey Paulsaveo, You have a great looking ride.

And thanks for the info Bro.

Alton

What to look for? An independent service facility that can repair your car instead of going back to the Dealership for repairs, with the Aveo soon to be discontinued in North America, for the Sonic, the dealership may start losing interest in repairing the car, unless it is a moneymaker for them.