Considering a 2011 Aveo5 1LT

[kkleiner]

Been trying to find a decent car to replace my dying 2002 sentra and stumbled upon a 2011 Aveo5 1LT (automatic) at our Toyota dealer a few weeks ago. I decided to look at it again today as I am not having much luck locally with cars in my price range. This car would be driven my teenage daughter for back and forth to school, and possibly commuting to college in 2 years. Living in New England we deal with snow, so wondering about that - I would put winter tires on it.

I have zero experience with these and my first thought was : bad in the snow and I'm fearful putting my daughter in such a small car (she is a new driver). I know some cars are safer than others, and the ratings on this look decent.

I have to have her drive it, and I need to drive it again on the highway, corners, listening for stuff, etc. Not really sure what to check on.

It has 95000 miles on it, so I assume the timing belt MUST be replaced if not already, dealer doesn't think it has.

There are 2 rust areas on it (really hate what winter does to cars in new england) - anybody see these areas and if it would be an issue? photo attached. One area on bottom of rear drivers side wheel basin and other above passenger rear wheel area (looks like a ding that is rusted)

They are asking $3499, it's come down a lot in the past 40 days.

Any thoughts on this? Thank you very much.

[EAD15]

The timing belt on the EcoTech engines (09+ US model years) has a service interval of 100,000 miles and are not known for failing early. Definitely something you will want to do shortly after (if you get the car) but the belt isn't a ticking time bomb.

[2010AveoLT]

I’d say go for it; it looks to be in pretty decent shape!


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[kkleiner]

Forgot to mention that the radio display is out but the radio works. Thoughts on that? Fuse?


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[xintersecty]

Good car drives well in the snow.

[kkleiner]

Thank you for the input. I am also looking at a 2006 Jetta but frankly I think the Aveo is the better choice given it is 5 years newer and has 30k less miles. I hope to have my daughter drive it this weekend so we can decide. Any issues with lights or night driving to be concerned of?


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[kkleiner]

Went to see the car again today, my daughter drove it and likes it. Seems to be fine on highway and regular roads, and from what I can see on the timing belt cover it was changed at 64K and is due again at 130K so that's good news!

I put a deposit down to hold it until my mechanic looks at it on Monday.



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[kkleiner]

Forgot to mention that in addition to the radio display being out (but radio works), I noticed that the clock display area right below the windshield also isn't functioning, could that be related? Fuse?

[kkleiner]

What I’m struggling with now on this purchase is safety. Would you feel comfortable letting a new teen driver drive it daily to school, etc? Safety ratings look moderate and seen a few sites saying it’s not safe for a teen


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[kkleiner]

Hi everybody, I decided not to purchase this Aveo. I ended up finding a 2009 hyundai elantra with low miles which is in great shape. The Aveo is in good shape (other than the radio/clock displays) but the safety ratings spooked me as it's my teen driver driving it.

If anybody is in the New England area, let me know and I can get you the details on where it is, bottom line price, etc.

Thanks for the help!