Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm
1320 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 6:37 PM
You are in the Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
|
|
|---|---|
| After debating for 6 months I finally bought myself a used 97 Geo Prizm. It was a no frills model with a 3 speed auto. I really didn't want the auto but finding a stick is getting harder and harder. The vehicle had 48,000 miles and was in excellent shape. I payed $5,000.00 and that was June 01. I can't say enough about the quality and the ride of this budget car. I'm getting 28-30 MPG in the city, my insurance is next to nothing, and the small parts like belts and hoses are reasonably priced and I install that stuff myself. The interior is well laid out and yes, the drivers seating is a little tight, I noticed the heater selection knob is a little hard to turn and I can see it breaking off if you were to rough with it. I have not noticed any unusual squeaks, squeals or groans. I have the original exhaust and the muffler is in pretty good shape (over 5 years old). The tires have been replaced and they are fairly quiet but they are cheap low mileage radials. I can't see replacing them until they wear down a little. I would just like to say thanks to all the people that have written in. I have known about this car for a while and I have been interested in it but the reviews, advice and stories in Edmunds truly closed the deal for me. In closing the only negative comment I have about the car is you really have to think about the size of this vehicle in comparison to what else is out there on the roads and highways. This is one case where size really does matter!!! | |
|
Toyota dealer quoted a lower price than Chevy dealer for timing belt replacement. Feel I was low balled-- they found a fair amount of seal leaks when working on the car. Cost me several hundred dollars and I'm unconvinced to this day whether or not the repairs were needed. Teach me to buy something without having it checked out but car has given her an additional 70K with no major problems so I have no major complaints as a whole. So-- 1. Toyota dealers will work on a Prizm and 2. If anything, I feel that the typical Toyota dealer is worse than the typical Chevy dealer-- so watch your back. |
|
| I have a 1998 prizm and we are still rolling along... I need to flush, get breaks & tires. But other than that I'm good... I get about 30mpg. its a 5 speed... any thing I can do to keep her running??? | |
| This is a great discussion on Prizm's reliability. My '95 Prizm LSi (4-sp auto) has 145k miles and is going strong. My goal when I bought her new was to crack the 1 million mile mark doing as much maintenance myself. A cousin did the quick math and told me that means I'll have to drive it for over 40yrs! In that case, let's aim for... 300k. I'm well on my way. Tips for longevity: Use synthetic oil (using it since 5k mark)--never any engine problems, still on the 1st timing belt! Replace auto transmission fluid every 20k miles; Finally changed both radiator hoses 9 mos ago, drain and refill with new 50/50 coolant every 2yrs, new air filter every 24k miles, new spark plugs every 40k miles, replaced gas cap, radiator cap, and PCV valve a year ago as preventive maintenance, and only have replaced the front brake pads & rear shoes once. Keep your tires properly inflated--I check them every week and get over 65k per tire. Bought a new battery 2 yrs ago, and had to get a new starter at 117k (2yrs ago). Both low beams lasted over 140k miles and finally burned out 5 mos ago. Other than that, NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. Another big help: In '95, I bought the Helms shop manual along with the car and it's been INVALUABLE, since I do all maintenance myself. I just about know where single bolt on the car it. Like some of you, I cruise the net every night and gobble up car books in search of longevity tips. Back in '95, I had to decide between the Prizm, Cavalier, or Neon. A quick look at the recalls list on the NHTSA website tells you I picked a WINNER! Go Prizm go! | |
| Does the 2000 prism with 1.8 engine have a timing belt or chain? | |
| JohnMar: Your '00 Prizm has a timing chain, see the previous messages approx #290 in this discussion for info on chains vs belts. If I'm not mistaken, the prizm went to the chain in '98. You should not have to worry about replacing the chain for your car's duration unless it breaks (highly unlikely), or you want to join the high mileage club. Advantages of the chain is durability. The disadvantages are: weight, engine size, and noise. Wife has a ;01 corolla (chain) and her almost-new engine sounds even noisier than my '95 prizm (belt) with over 145k miles. However, with a chain, you don't have the hassle of changing the belt. According to my shop manual, changing the belt entails removing LOTSA parts next to the engine. No wonder they charge you $200-$500 labor to change a $40 belt! Good luck on your Prizm and hope you get as much reliability and longevity as I've had with mine. | |
| SQUEAK: I've tracked your msgs through this discussion--you do quite a bit of driving! Although my '95 prizm doesn't doesn't have quite as many miles as yours--I'm at 145k, here are some tips that can only help (if you haven't already done them): SPARK PLUGS: For a car at 162k miles, use the regular copper plugs. The difference between them and platinum plugs aren't noticeable--especially since your car already has high mileage. Change them every 35k miles; they're only a buck apiece; FLUSH: I presume you mean the radiator. I would just do the 'ol drain and refill. Flushing ain't worth it if you drain and refill every 16-24 mos. It's also not a bad idea to use some stop-leak as preventive maintenance; STARTER MOTOR: Mine quit at 110K+, which upset me; It cost me only $250; how'd you end up paying $400? MILEAGE: Surprising you're only getting 30mpg max; good driving habits might get you more--plus making sure you have good, properly inflated tires. At the rate you drive, I'd check the air every week. BRAKES: I'd check them 4-8 mos to make sure you aren't running low on the pad thickness. I got over 100K miles on my rear shoes before replacement. The OEM front disc pads shouldn't wear out sooner than 45k--unless you're an aggressive brake user; TIRES: Keep them properly inflated and rotated--every 7500 miles. I'd also apply silicone spray on all rubber parts (i.e. CV joint boots, seals, weatherstripping etc.) this keeps them supple. It's also not a bad idea to consider flushing your brake fluid by now (if you haven't already); PCV VALVE: Replace that, the gas cap, and radiator cap if you haven't already; GAS LINE ANTI-FREEZE: Use it once a month (isopropyl alcohol type); FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER: Use it regularly. I would also not let the tank run so low that you see the "gas" light comes on. This means your fuel pump will suck up more dirt from the bottom of your tank, which can foul your injectors. In other words, don't wait until the last gallon before filling up. TRANNY: Perform all routine maintenance per the owner's manual. BOTTOM FLUSH: Every spring, inspect the car bottom to see if there's any grime or rust starting to show. Spray & clean the bottom with water to remove any grime. BATTERY: Replace if it starts to show signs of aging. They're cheap and at $45 for a new one (walmart), why take a chance of getting stranded? Check all belts & hoses; Of course, change your oil every 3-5k miles; change the air filter every 15k miles; Check under the hood frequently, keep the engine compartment clean, and good luck--shoot for 250k, and I'll see you at the high mileage club! | |
I have tried to drain the transmission and differential fluid from my 2000 Prism only to find that it requires a hex drive or allen wrench. A 3/8" allen is too sloppy and a 10mm hex drive just barely goes into the drain plug. What size allen wrench (hex drive) do I need? In addition, the differential fluid must be drained. What size socket do I need for the differential filler plug.
|
|
|
Replying to: johnmar1 (Jan 19, 2003 5:27 pm)  a fast-food restaurant... a lady parked right next to me who had a car just like mine... ( 1998-2000 Chevy prizm ). I kept looking at her car... I was very surprised to see she had some of the same wear and tear as I did... some examples I noted; my inside drivers side door handle broke off, the ladies passenger inside door handle was broken off... the dark-gray plastic trim that goes around my door windows has and continues to come off, the ladies was coming off too... is this consider normal wear and tear? is there anything that I can do? as always thanks for your assistance... car update: 168,294 miles I think I may need some brakes and a tune-up other than that I'm still getting 31MPH... I have a 5 speed.. (98) |
|
|
"#601 of 644 IMHO 94-97 Prizm... by csandste Jul 11, 2002 (6:02 pm) was the best of the Corolla platforms with the possible exception of the 03's. Much better than decontented 98-02 models of Corolla and Prizm. Better than the 94-97 Corollas too. Great car. " 1) Why is it better? What do you mean decontented? 2) i have a 2002 prizm. it's 9 months old w/18k miles. i went from 35mpg to 25mpg on highway in 1 tank in january. i've changed the oil, fuel filter, and used different gas stations. tire pressure at manufacturer specs. nothing worked. Dealer says diagostics checked out fine and didnt have any explanation.  it was like that for 2 months (till this week), where i'm getting 32mpg now. the only thing i can think of is that the weather has been constantly warm this week (hi 50's). a) i dont remember the temp in dec/jan, but i'm assuming that it was cold before and after my milage drop. if so, WHY DID IT DROP? And why did it drop SO SUDDENLY? b) if the week that my milage dropped was because it was colder and stayed colder till this week, WHY DOES MILAGE DROP IN COLD TEMPS? and anybody have a continuous 30% drop? 3) What does a hood deflector do? it is like those bug shields on pickups? Anybody have a pic of a hood deflector mentioned in #615? THX |
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm Chevrolet (Geo) Prizm
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2002 Chevrolet Prizm
1997 Geo Prizm
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
