My Chevy Cavalier, R.I.P.

My Chevy Cavalier, which had 480,000 miles on it, went to the junkyard Monday, when the transmission went out. For some unknown reason, I still had reverse.

I bought a '99 Ford Windstar van off of a mechanic I know. The vans aren't the best ones, but the reason I buy well-maintained used cars is that all the design flaws have been repaired.

This one has had the rear axle replaced, the transmission rebuilt, and the head redone. In other words, every problem that van had has been fixed.

139,000 miles, and I got it for $2000. If I get 80,000 miles out of it, I'll have gotten my money's worth.

Never had a van before, but so far I really like it, especially since the Cavalier had turned into a walking corpse the last six months.

Posted by Bob Wallace, who finds Fords pretty hard to work on.

Comments

[Cassie Brendan]

Sad to hear that, honey. But this car just looked so fab and incredible! Maybe next time, you should purchase a better-quality one that's worth your money.

[Patrick Gauer]

Parting from a car is a bittersweet experience. Parting is bitter, but there's a bit of relief with the new car, especially if it outperforms the previous ride in its ailing state. Still, the new van has been working out for you? Sounds like you found a good deal for the price you paid.

[Erwin Calverley]

Are you sure this Ford Windtsar van was a secondhand car? Well, it doesn’t look like it went through a lot of repairs already. This one was an amazing find, and I must say that you made a good purchase! Good job!

[Tyra Shortino]

It’s good that, in time, you realize that the car perfectly fits your needs. :) Anyway, to avoid sudden engine failure, be sure to regularly check your car’s engine and parts. It can help you discover your car’s needs at an early time, and thus, worse damage and unexpected inconveniences on the road would be prevented.