Used Aveo checklist: specific things to watch out for / inspect when buying one

[MetroMPG]

If you were shopping for a used Aveo, what would be your top 5 Aveo-specific issues you would watch out for or inspect?

E.G...

1) Timing belt - this would be at the top of most people's lists for the gen. 1 car. Ensure it has been replaced, and/or inspect its condition (for dryness/cracking).

• Timing belt change on 2006 Aveo LS: My new detailed write-up

2) Timing belt idler pulley - if it fails, the result is the same as a broken belt. UPDATE: avguy recommends changing all if you're going to do any -- a failed bearing in any will have the same bad result.

3) Front suspension - worn strut mounts & control arm bushings can lead to noisy & sloppy front suspension.

4) Plastic thermostat housing - crack and buh-bye coolant! Metal replacements are available.

5) Automatic transmission: BTSI solenoid - trouble removing key from ignition. More info.

6) Valve cover gasket leaks happen like clockwork, and plug wires go bad if they've been soaked in oil for any amount of time.

7) Rusted-out strut tower doesn't show up here often, but it's a big deal because of the level and cost of the repair.

8 ) Radiator/tranny cooler in 2009's has had multiple reports of leaking into each other.

9) Bad coolant tank caps in 2010's has had multipe reports causing overheating.

What else comes to mind? Post in this thread and I'll add to the list.

[Daox]

Even if the timing belt isn't worn, the idler can fail (not uncommon), and you have the same result. So, watching the belt isn't the best way to inspect. Its probably best to replace it before the 60k change interval.

The automatics had some shifter/switch problem that is somewhat common. I'l see if I can't dig up the large thread on that.

Edit, found it. Its the BTSI solenoid. More info here:

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f94/r...problem-11176/

Those are all issues with the 1st generation. The second generation issues seem to be more random, but feel free to add to the list.

[MetroMPG]

Added to the list.

And yeah, if people want to specify generation/engine, I can make multiple lists.

[avguy]

The advice I give is to replace all 4 first gen timing belt components every time. They all have bearings, and failure of any one of them has the same well-known outcome. I think this is is an easy call for a DIY, because the extra cost and time are small. For someone paying shop rates it might be another $100 or so, and some may opt out of the extra cost. But at least it makes everyone aware that all 4 components are important and need maintenance.

Leaking valve cover gasket happens like clockwork, and plug wires go bad if they've been soaked in oil for any amount of time.

Rusted-out strut tower doesn't show up here often, but it's a big deal because of the level and cost of the repair.

Some posters don't change the auto tranny fluid often or at all. The drain plug makes it easy to swap 2 quarts every couple of oil changes or so.

2009 has had multiple reports of radiator/tranny cooler leaking into each other.

2010 has had multipe reports of bad coolant tank caps causing overheating.

[MetroMPG]

Thanks, avguy - list updated.

[RicochetRandy]

Metro, I almost feel the list should include links to helpful forum posts; if only to show newcomers pictures of what specific things are, so they could pop the hood and say "yup, t-stat changed... Not too much oil around the gasket...".

[MetroMPG]

Stellar idea. I'll dig up threads for the points made so far.

People making any new suggestions: please provide forum links with your points.

[2010AveoLT]

The advice I give is to replace all 4 first gen timing belt components every time. They all have bearings, and failure of any one of them has the same well-known outcome. I think this is is an easy call for a DIY, because the extra cost and time are small. For someone paying shop rates it might be another $100 or so, and some may opt out of the extra cost. But at least it makes everyone aware that all 4 components are important and need maintenance.

Leaking valve cover gasket happens like clockwork, and plug wires go bad if they've been soaked in oil for any amount of time.

Rusted-out strut tower doesn't show up here often, but it's a big deal because of the level and cost of the repair.

Some posters don't change the auto tranny fluid often or at all. The drain plug makes it easy to swap 2 quarts every couple of oil changes or so.

2009 has had multiple reports of radiator/tranny cooler leaking into each other.

2010 has had multiple reports of bad coolant tank caps causing overheating.

I would like to make an Amendment to Avguy's Strut Tower Suggestion; the ones who Really need to watch for it are people in the Salt Belt States, pretty much everyone in Canada, as well as people living close to the Coasts, where their cars can be hit with Salt Spray.

and as for the 2010s Coolant cap Problem, Mine was NOT Overheating, it was just losing coolant.

[MetroMPG]

Everyone in Canada ... except British Columbia. (I'm envious.)

[JPD]

Here in Thailand, I use the air conditioner every time I drive. After 5 years of use, I went to the Chevrolet dealership after the AC wasn't cooling properly. I expected them to add some chemicals but instead I was told I needed a new AC compressor. Including labor and a new belt, the bill was 14,300 baht, USD $441. That probably won't make the top 10 list but it was a considerable expense that I wasn't expecting.

To be honest, I don't even know how you would check this if buying a car and I don't know how long compressor units typically last for anyway.
I agree with timing belt being top of the list. In Thailand, Chevrolet suggest getting a service every 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first. As I only drive 10,000km per year, I had the 60,000km service when I'd only driven 34,000km. They changed the timing belt then, despite it supposedly lasting longer. I then looked on this forum and it seems that US owners can go 60,000 MILES between changes, making me wonder what Chevrolet in Thailand are up do. It could be the heat and humidity here that shortens the lifespan but there are surely lots of places in the US with similar conditions such as Miami.