How many miles will a Chevy cavalier get without dieing?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jamie C
  • Start date Start date
J

Jamie C

Guest
We are looking to buy a 96 cavilier with 170,000 miles on it for a second car and want to make sure it wont die immediatly after we get it. It is supposedly in good running order and driven everyday right now. This is going to take all of our money so I want to make sure it is a good deal before we act.
We are looking to buy a 96 cavilier with 170,000 miles on it for a second car and want to make sure it wont die immediatly after we get it. It is supposedly in good running order and driven everyday right now. This is going to take all of our money so I want to make sure it is a good deal before we act. They are asking 1,200 for it. Kelley blue book price is 750 in fair condition and only 1,105 in excellent condition. Also we live in Texas
They are asking 1,200 for it. Kelley blue book price is 750 in fair condition and only 1,105 in excellent condition. Also we live in Texas
 
It all depends on what services have been done on it and how well the prior owner took care of it. I wouldn't pay more than $700 for it.

The body of the vehicle is usually a sign of how well the prior owner took care of it. If it is beaten up, then run away.

170K on a Cavalier typically means it is on its last leg, but I have seen some that go well over 200K
 
Boy, that's tough. It depends on the previous owner and where the car is.

In the Rust Belt - which is pretty much anywhere there's lots of rain in the summer or lots of snow in the winter - you could be looking at some advanced chassis cancer on a 12-yr-old car. Coming from someplace dry or temperate like Arizona or Florida, though, might mean the car is in fine shape structurally. On the coast though you're back into salt spray - beware.

The previous owner - young man or old lady? Easy on the clutch or street racer? Assess these factors and that can tell you a lot.

Look at the maintenance history. Hopefully the PO has kept them and you can see lots of nice, regular oil changes and tire rotations. If so, great: you've got a winner that's been taken care of and will serve you well.

The Cavalier was a pretty popular model for GM, and they kept making it in essentially the same form for about seven years after the model you're looking at, so there's no shortage of parts to be had.
 
Back
Top