Just purchased used 08 Aveo...any advice?

[allbutsix]

Im not sure of the maint record on mine. I am going to take it to a mechanic and get any preventative maint done that's recommended. Hope I don't get the shaft...

[mspurlock19]

yeah that will probably be the best thing to do, that way you are not replacing things that are still in good working order. I am going to have the guy check out the wheel bearing and struts while he is working on it

[NYChevoo]

Congrats on your purchase! Take care of your new baby the right way! Oil changes regularly, Timing belt most definitely. I've never done it but breaking a timing belt on this forum leads to huge amount of "what do I do now" posts. Its ugly! Anyway I have to say that as far as I'm concerned I've been extremely happy with mine. Bought it brand new in 2004, now have 154K on it, also just bought a brand new 2012 Cruze and for some reason I just cant bear the thought of letting go of my Aveo. Makes me wonder sometimes why I bought the new car before the old one died.

Anyway when I got my timing belt done at 91000 miles(I know. Shame on me) I had it done at my local dealership. Normally for any other needed maintenance item I would go to my local mechanic. In this case the reason I took it to the dealership is the work is waranteed 12months/12000 miles. To me that was worth the $650.00 I paid for the repair. They did the timing belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, water pump and new sepentine belt while it was there. The peace of mind on the warranteed work to me was worth the bill. Some forum members may not agree with my reasoning and some may. Who knows?

[mspurlock19]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense now that you mentioned it. I may have to go to the chevy garage here in my town and see about the warranty on thier work and the prices. Did you order your parts through them or did you get them somewhere else?

[NYChevoo]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense now that you mentioned it. I may have to go to the chevy garage here in my town and see about the warranty on thier work and the prices. Did you order your parts through them or did you get them somewhere else?

All the parts were supplied by by the dealership itself. All I had to do was just drop off the car.

[allbutsix]

So who has experience with dealer vs local mechanics? I always hear dealers are more expensive but now I'm reading their work carries warranties? I think I need a brake job (catches as I slow) new tire and the idle is a little rough. Then any preventative maint. such as hoses, filters, belts etc... Leaning toward the dealership for work right now.

[mspurlock19]

I also have a chevy silverado truck and i never take it to the dealership to get worked. I f anyhting goes wrong either I fix it or i have a local mechanic. But with this little car I bought and after reading NYChevoo's post I may take mine to the dealership to get the timing belt changed just because of the warranty. But when i need brakes i will let a local guy do it. Its just like was stated in an above post its all about the peace of mind.

[allbutsix]

Very true, think I'll take the same approach as Big Mike.

[Chevy Customer Svc]

So who has experience with dealer vs local mechanics? I always hear dealers are more expensive but now I'm reading their work carries warranties? I think I need a brake job (catches as I slow) new tire and the idle is a little rough. Then any preventative maint. such as hoses, filters, belts etc... Leaning toward the dealership for work right now.

Allbutsix,
Yes, most dealerships have warranties on their parts and labor. It can vary from dealership to dealership so just make sure that you ask up front.
Breanne
Chevrolet Customer Service

[allbutsix]

Went today and dropped it off. Bad news phone call an hour ago saying it needed 1400 worth of work. Last owner didn't change timing belt, brakes were past the point and needed drums, water filter is connected to some pulley or belt that is worn and needs replaced (both), plugs, and crack in something else. Luckily about 400 worth is covered in drivetrain warranty. But still have around 1k worth of maint and repairs due to last owners lack of maint.