Need to hear some positive things

[dc967506]

No I bought it from a friend of the family and that is why i got such a good deal on it, I really don't hate the car. I really feel very comfortable in it, and I see a lot of posts on here about how it sucks to drive, I actually enjoy driving it pretty well. Of course I drive like a old man (barely get above 60 MPH most of the time) I think the amount of bad posts about it are just over whelming. I also agree with who mentioned its speediness on the interstate, I took it on the interstate the other day and was impressed with how quick it got up to speed. As soon as i get this popping noise figured out in the front end (mentioned in another post) I think i will feel better. But thanks to all of you who took time to post some good things makes me feel better about the timing belt for sure.

[avguy]

As far as handling goes, I've made negative comments on how my Aveo originally handled in the snow, and to some extent on wet pavement also. Once I put good snow tires on, that problem went away. And I actually have always liked the way it handled on dry pavement - not a sports car to be sure, but I also didn't pay a sports car price either .
And on the timing belt, you need to know the Aveo is no different than any other interference engine that has a belt instead of a chain. A belt breaking in any vehicle so equipped is very likely to trash the engine and cost mega bucks. I used to have bad dreams (not kidding) about the belt breaking in my daughter's Honda Civic. I changed the belt, wp, etc, and the bad dreams stopped. Yes, there was some premature breakage on the 2004's, but I'm not aware of any systemic problem with the subsequent year Aveos. Hope you will begin liking your Aveo more as time goes on

[patricklprice]

When you do replace the belt, always use "Gates Belts". Their $9 more and allot better then the Dayco Belts. Ive found that what ever I cant do I can simply get a part time mechanic to do so long as I furnish my own parts. Youve got along way before you have any problems but I will tell you that the original struts and shocks are crap. My 2005 Aveo has 149,000 on it and Ive never done anything to the internal engine yet. I would suggest however running synthetic oil and replacing the transmission fluid for longer life. The "Lucas" oil additive is a major plus too. I dont know why but it seems like the "MAP" sensor causes allot of problems when it goes bad. They cost $80 at Auto Zone.

[patricklprice]

The CV joints were bad but i replaced those at $61 ea (2) at Auto Zone. The car is a great car when new and if it has LOW mileage but unless you can do your own repairs then dont buy one. Parts are VERY cheap but mechanics charge a fortune. My bet is that if you bought it new for $9,500 new in 12 years of takeing it to the dealership you would have another $12,000 in it. No joke! Ive got $3,000 in cheap parts but its all major work that I did just short of over hauling the engine. Its a good starter car for a teenager to wreck within 6 mths of getting their license and thats it.
You must remember that Chevy NEVER made this car but rather South Korea did and Chevy just stuck their emblems on it. Nothing is American about the the car except the owner. Either put premium gas in it or run injector cleaner through it every tank full or you WILL get "Phantom Engine Light" illumination. I got several 0131 codes that pointed to 02 sensor or vaccume leaks but just ended up being carbon build up on the sensors and fuel injectors. It took 3 tanks of Shell 93 octane premium gas and Sea Foam injector cleaning in the vaccum lines and gas tank untill the codes went away. 1 month later and no engine light. Sea Foam works GREAT!
The Chevy Chevette was the best compact car they ever made and easier to work on.

[dc967506]

yep same from me popping noise was the front strut replaced and the noise is gone.

[wfernanddez7404]

My biggest complaint I have is how loud the road noise is. Have to crank radio all the way up to hear it....

[petrified.rabbit]

90% of road noise is a poor choice in tires.

[Thymeclock]

90% of road noise is a poor choice in tires.

I was about to say the same. The other 10% possibility might be from having a window that is partially open.

[northguest47]

Its a good starter car for a teenager to wreck within 6 mths of getting their license and thats it.

I respectfully disagree with this statement.. there are plenty of ppl on this forum that have driven the snot out of this motor and it performs quite well. Perhaps you haven't redlined it every once in awhile along with premium gasoline? There are plenty of spare part in auto graveyards and thats a great thing for the diy folks, and what you pay in dealership labour you will also pay if you leased a high performance hatchback. Again just remember the long term investment of the vehicle, dont think about it with the mentality of that ignorant teenager that would have wrecked any vehicle.. and yes there are lots of Aveo family cars around partially due to the lack of preventative maintenance they got. In in the end I would say its better to drive a slow car fast.. we have little need for automobiles that can theoretically go fast. I think this etec motor is awesome and the rest of the car.. well its budget and reasonably light. Drive it hard, you can easily still get 33mpg on average, I and many others can verify this, so don't think of your investment as short term is all.

[patricklprice]

Its a good car to putt around in but I would never nor have I ever drove my family in it for vacation purposes nor would I trust it for long trips for my families safety. New it was a $9,500 go-cart just like the chevy chevette thats long gone and the aveo too will be right behind it. Just another throw-away-car and as far as driving the snot out of anything is something I would never do to any vehicle. Most teenagers have their first accident within 6 mths reported or not. (fact) Im glad you like your car but in the end its just a throw away item. A Model-T, well thats something different isnt it? Do you deliver pizzas or something? I guess the site after this one will be the "Sonic". Looks like you just joined in 2011. New purchase so now you swear by it until the next one? Im only here for a few troubleshooting techniques and nothing more. New Places & New Faces".