Re: Not really a lemon I guess
huntersdl said:
My miles are all highway. I bought in 2000 a 2000 model barely used and I take good care of it. They already replaced front suspension once and now rear. I also have a popping noise coming from front sounds like in dash. Dodge wants 200 dollars to look for it. It has been a decent car better than fords i had but not up to honda quality. It hasnt been bad I am just not used to having problems-honda. I am going to keep it. Struts should last 100000 miles from my experience. My car runs like a chance. I really need the gas mileage though.
I'd like to help you with some ideas if you don't mind.
1) Have you run the VIN through
www.carfax.com? You may have a vehicle that is older/more mileage than you've been lead to believe. If you find that you need more info on this, Consumer Reports did a report on used car within the last couple of months that might help you where to do. It has been my experience to that struts should, heck even shocks now a days, last longer than they do with your car.
2) What kind of mileage do you get? With my 3.2 loaded down on vacation at highway speed, I get 27-29 MPG. My usual cruise is 73 mph. Are you at least getting what the EPA set for your car?
3) Push up the pressure to 35 PSI on your tires. Get a high quality dial gauge. If your out driving around alot, fill up your tires to around 40 PSI on your way home. Then before you drive your car the next day, check and adjust the air pressure.
4) Check the wear on your tires. With 63k, I assume you are on your second set. Misalignment will put a drag on your economy if its bad enough.
5) Check your air filter. You should be at a minimum on your 3rd filter.
6) Make sure you change your oil with energy conserving oil. Most 10w 30 is this.
7) Empty your trunk of any extra stuff.
8) Use only regular unleaded gas. You are wasting money by putting in higher grade gas.
These are about the only things I can think of off the top of my head. Certainly car pool as mentioned before would help.
Best of luck to you and if I think of anything more, I'll post.