Sup Tuners,
So...you just saved up enough money by cutting de grass for de neighbour to pass, and now you are ready to purchase that brand new second hand vehicle you've been dreaming bout...
But wait...there's a problem
: You're scared that the vehicle you want to buy will probably cost you more money to maintain than you can afford
But how can you be sure...
This has led me to start this thread...cause I too have been in that situation, wondering if there are any known issues, part recalls, safety concerns etc on the new ride you are looking to invest in.
I'm not sure if a thread like this already exists, if it does, forgive me, this one will be closed promptly...but I did some searching and I couldnt find any...at least pertaining to our little corner of the globe.
So here's what I am proposing:
Current owners of specific vehicles provide any information that they might have on that vehicle. These will include the following:
Make:
Model:
Year:
Trim:
Engine:
Recommended Fuel Type:
Recalls:
Other Info:
Average price (used):
Average price (new):
Pros:
Cons:
Known Interior Issues:
1.
2.
Known Exterior Issues:
A.
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I.
II.
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
B.
Contacts/Links/References:
*
This will be sorted by brand and everyone will send/post their info and this will be added to the main guide. Please search for your vehicle first to see if its listed, and you can just add/comment on the items listed...if you agree/disagree etc. I think if this is done right, TTuners will now have a place to check when wondering if their new Lamborghini has braking issues, and possibly how to fix it. Its just an idea to help us all...so please if my idea sucks then tell me how we can make it better. I think this can become quite confusing/overwhelming with mixed information, different opinions/experiences, etc...but its all just supposed to be a guide.
So, I'll start the ball rolling...:
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T O Y O T A
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Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla
Year: 2004-2006
Trim: Local, Sedan, GLi
Engine: 1.5 engine 1NZ-FE
Recommended Fuel Type: Premium
Recalls: Passenger side airbag sensor
Average price (used as at June 2018): $40,000.00 - $50,000.00
Average price (new): N/A
Pros: Low maintenance, good resale value
Cons: I think this engine was tuned for Premium gas (2004-6 model).
Known Interior Issues:
1. Center console pocket plastic ends breaks and remains open (down).
2. Passenger side airbag (only those after PBR or thereabouts, not too sure)
Known Exterior Issues:
A. Spoiler clear coat fades quickly from local firm
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I. Car sometimes experiences pinging/engine knocking with super fuel.
II. AC Issues (Evaporator)
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
I. Car sometimes experiences pinging/engine knocking with super fuel.
- Use octane booster (I used Lucas fuel stabilizer/ injector cleaner with good results)
- Mix Super fuel with Premium
2. Passenger side airbag (only those after PBR or thereabouts)
- Contact the Toyota dealership if your vehicle is local, and find out if its listed in the recall list. They will schedule an appointment and replace the airbag sensor for free.
II. AC Issues
- Replace Evaporator. One tuner has replaced his evaporator 3 times using the generic brands sold at most AC shops. Ideally the OEM replacement is recommended, depending on your budget at the time, as the generic brands seem to usually last only a little after the warranty period.
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Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla
Year: 2008-2010 (not sure of range)
Trim: Local, Base Model, Sedan XLi
Engine: 1NZ-FE 1.5 engine
Recommended Fuel Type: Super
Recalls:
Other Info:
Average price (used as at June 2018): $60,000.00 - $70,000.00
Average price (new): N/A
Pros: Great power for a 1.5, fuel efficient, drives excellent and comfortable
Cons: No ABS braking, No Tach. No Automatic Folding Side Mirrors
Known Interior Issues:
1. Steering wheel plastic paint on the center fades quickly
2.
Known Exterior Issues:
A. Window door trim degrades quickly
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I. AC is problematic
II.
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
I. AC is problematic:
- Replace solenoid in compressor. Part number:, Link to part:
- Replace compressor...or switch to clutch type compressor.
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M A Z D A
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Make: Mazda
Model: 3
Year: 2012
Trim: Sedan
Engine: Z6
Recommended Fuel Type: Super
Recalls: Powersteering pump
Other Info: Local
Average price (used): $80,000.00 - $90,000.00
Average price (new): NA
Pros: Fun to drive, great handling, lots of features
Cons:
Known Interior Issues:
1. Clip on information screen on center dash breaks due to heat stress over time.
2.
Known Exterior Issues:
A.
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I. Oil dip stick pull ring weakens due to heat and breaks over time
II. Powersteering intermittently fails
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
II. Replace powersteering pump
Contacts/Links/References:
II.
https://www.google.tt/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... RRoLyMJ40n==========================================================================================
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M I T S U B I S H I
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Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Lancer
Year:
Trim:
Engine:
Recommended Fuel Type:
Other Info:
Recalls:
Average price (used):
Average price (new):
Pros:
Cons:
Known Interior Issues:
1.
2.
Known Exterior Issues:
A.
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I.
II.
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
B.
Contacts/Links/References:
*
==========================================================================================
N I S S A N
==========================================================================================
Make:
Model:
Year:
Trim:
Engine:
Recommended Fuel Type:
Recalls:
Other Info:
Average price (used):
Average price (new):
Pros:
Cons:
Known Interior Issues:
1.
2.
Known Exterior Issues:
A.
B.
Known Mechanical/Engine Issues:
I.
II.
Fix/Workaround for Issue:
B.
Contacts/Links/References:
*
