What to watch out for when buying a used Aveo

[MetroMPG]

Here's a checklist of specific things to watch out for when looking for a second hand Aveo / Wave / G3 / Swift+.

I mean, aside from the generic used car stuff.

Feel free to reply with additional items in this thread. I'll update this post .

1) Timing belt: The belts on the 2004-2007 cars are a known weak point. They have a history of failure very close to (sometimes before) the recommended replacement interval (60,000 mi / 100,000 km). Failure = severe engine damage (interference engine design) and big repair bills.

Related threads:

- 2005 5 spd Sedan - timing belt issues - being repaired
- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f81/0...placing-10425/
- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f108/...ng-belt-10127/


2) Plastic thermostat housing: known to crack. If coolant is released & the driver doesn't notice, will lead to overheating the engine & possible engine damage. A metal replacement housing is available.
Related thread(s):

- 04-09 engine interchange (thermostat housing cracked - engine overheated)
- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f81/y...d-motor-11121/


3) Front control arm bushings, rear torsion bar bushings: may cause clunking / squeaking suspension noise, tire wear. Lubrication could solve a squeak, but a worn (clunking) bushing needs replacing.
Related thread(s):

- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f108/...er-bumps-8563/
- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f85/rear-end-9984/


4) Front strut mounts: wear can lead to excessive play & suspension noise, tire wear.


5) Clutch release bearing: a worn bearing will make noise in the transmission with the clutch depressed; letting the clutch out will make the noise stop.
Related thread(s):

- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f81/f...bearing-11313/


6) Excessive wind noise around A-pillar: seems a somewhat common complaint. Additional weatherstripping may fix the problem.
Related thread(s):

- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f83/howling-wind-7504/
- 2009 Aveo Wind Noise

7) Potential rust problems: dirt in front quarter panels & peeling undercoating in wheel wells: Several owners have reported finding dirt accumulated inside the front wheel well liner, behind the tire. This can trap moisture and become a corrosion problem.
Related thread(s):

- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f108/...d-check-10907/

8 ) Non-replaceable inner tie rod ends: the connection is direct to the steering rack, so play in that joint will require replacement of the rack.
Related thread(s):

- http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f108/tie-rod-ends-10325/

9 ) Gas filler door & cap: the door is problem-prone (there are lots of stories in the forum of doors that won't latch or won't open, and how to fix it). Also, the cap is prone to cracking, which causes vent issues, and can cause the check engine light to come on.

- Search for "gas door" forum threads

10 ) Throttle body: issues with the throttle body can cause driveability/power problems. Sometimes it can be fixed by cleaning the tb, other times it requires TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) replacement, or the entire TB.

- Search for "throttle body" in forum threads

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See also: http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f108/list-aveo-recalls-model-year-10152/

[XJCasper]

IF the car is over 60,000 miles and the owner can not say they have replaced the timing belt and at what interval; plan on replacing it ASAP. I believe the thermostat housing is the same situation at 100,000 miles. Preventative maintenance will keep you from being stranded.

[MetroMPG]

Added.

Updated post 1 with a few more items.

Feel free to make suggestions.

[Daox]

The underbody coating on the front wheel wells of my 05 (and I think I've heard this from others) is peeling. I'm not sure it really a problem yet as there is no rust forming, but the coating definitely doesn't stick to the paint well.

[MetroMPG]

Good point - I also wonder if the cars are getting old enough that there are particular areas that are prone to rust are showing up... certain cars have certain spots that fill up with dirt and rot out etc.

[petrified.rabbit]

there was a guy with a tree growing in his fender.

i just see rust quickly with all the stone chips.

also need to add rear beam bushings, if 04 if the drums were updated to a 2 piece hub, mention the lack of a serviceable inner tie rod as if you get an inspect or test drive and think its simple.. you'll need a new steering rack.

[ontarian_frog]

As for the clutch release bearing, it's the opposite. The noise appears when you press the clutch and disappears as you release it.

[MetroMPG]

Whoops - thanks ontarian_frog. Fixed.

Also added your points, rabbit.

Keep em coming!

[Mattaveo5]

Gas cap and door. Throttle body issues (if not kept cleaned)

[MetroMPG]

Thanks, Mattaveo5.

What would you say about the gas cap itself to summarize it for this list?