Hello, I have recently bought a 2008 Chevy Cobalt LT1 2.2 LS1 engine with the 4145E transmission with 198k miles on it, normally I wouldn't buy a Cobalt with this many miles but I did have it looked at by a friend who is a mechanic and he said that it is almost 100% rust free as it was garage kept, frame is solid (big deal for PA!), had new front struts, have 24 service records of oil being changed every 3k miles and all maintenance that was recommended has been done up to 3k before I got the car.
I went and got it inspected at an actual shop and they said this is what it needs
2 front axle seal(leaking slowly I was told)
needs new brakes and rotors in the front (not right away, but soonish.)
new trans cooling lines (leaking slowly, looks like it just started.)
Sway bar link with play, recommended replacing
Downstream 02 sensor throwing a code (gonna replace both)
Also going to get all 4 spark plugs replaced, new air filter & cabin air filter & throttle body clean as recommended by mechanic.
And both rear shocks need replaced.
I should say the car starts up great, has good acceleration & the transmission shifts like a dream (as Scotty says!)
Total for everything including parts and labor is just at $700. I paid $1800 for the car(I know, car prices are insane.)
I was told that after this, it (should) need nothing for awhile as everything else on it appears to be in good shape or like new. Temps are all normal, coolant, engine, trans etc even going up and down the valley. Tires are all 8/32, alignment is good.
Am I stupid for wanting to put money into this thing? Should I sell it as quick as I can? I like the car but have been hearing horror stories since I got it about these engines not lasting long or transmissions.
Thanks!
P.S Love your videos!
Although not the best car in the world I'd say that if it runs and drives OK for $1800 plus $700 in repairs, with the market the way it is now you've got yourself a deal there. Just baby it, maintain it, and don't expect it to last forever.
Thanks, makes me feel a little better reading that! Like I said it does run and drive very well, no weird noises or anything. I was looking and it appears I could get a remanu transmission installed for around $1600 total, that's not bad. If the engine is similar in price, and with the shape the frame is in maybe I'd do that if/when this does die on me.
But maybe the next time, take the car to the "actual shop" before you pay for it.
Well, you're right about that but I should say I have had this car for almost two months now, and have put 2000 miles on it. The leaks look like they both started very recently, probably after I bought it. The brakes I knew were getting down & the O2 sensor before I bought it. As far as spark plugs, throttle body cleaning and the filters I don't need them but want it done anyways just to make sure that's taken care of. Shocks are leaking, again probably since I started driving it. Sway bar link has a little play, shop said it didn't need done yet but again I figured it best taken care of. The previous owner died and it sat for 2 months without anyone driving it until I bought it.
It's not like any of this stuff is major or very costly, I just came on here hoping for a general idea of it lasting if I keep taking care of it.
Is another 100k out of this car completely unrealistic?