grand prix vs other cars

[trojanone1]

Now I plan on getting a different car in the future. I've been looking at cars like saabs or subarus. I notice a few of you members drive both brands I've mentioned. Im just wondering if it is harder to work on these foreign cars compared to the gp or other american-made cars. Im looking at saab 93 or 95 and the subaru impreza or legacy to be more specific. What are your guys thoughts? I know parts are going to be cheaper for the gp but what about workability? Thanks.

[hensleya1]

Or just buy a Toyota/Honda small car and not have to work on the damned thing.

Seriously, I love General Motors so much that I decided to drive my Toyota today.

[Thompsju]

GM is all foreign parts now anyways. Toyota is more domestic than any of them.

[BillBoost37]

Any car can be easy to work on if you become accustomed to it. Meaning that you learn and once you know the best way, most anything is not an issue.

I've helped a friend work on a 2003 93 Aero and I hate that car. Nothing feels straight forward or simple. Space is super cramped, yet if you talk to a guy that knows the car better, he'll have the tips/tricks and I bet it's not so bad.

Few months ago working on an 06 Sentra base model. Brakes all the way around, rear wheel bearings, control arms, tie rods, trans service, oil change and belts. The belts were the toughest part of the job. Oddball angle and threaded tensioner with other bolts that were impossible to see. YouTube ended up being how I learned about the hidden bolts. Overall I had more cuts and scratches than I usually would from a trans swap and rebuild.

Had a Ford Taurus catch fire (I blew it out) while doing an oil change. They put the positive of the starter that close to the end of the oil filter. If you use a metal strap wrench..you can arch it out and cause a problem. Was chatting with a mechanic buddy and mentioned I lit it up during an oil change and he laughed and said that his metal strap wrench had marks in it from the same.

It really all depends on the car. I'd suggest taking a look at youtube vids for various common things on the vehicle you are thinking about and you can get a feeling from that how good/painful they are to work on.

[Bio248]

working on a car is simply working on a car. it seems like mine is a little more daunting to work on, but that's because i haven't worked on it as much.

however, cost of parts and labor far exceed that of which my grand prix did.

it seems as though if you just drive a subaru you're pretty well good to go so long as you keep up with regular maintenance (i kinda do). if you're going to modify it, prepare to break everything related to the part you installed.

[trojanone1]

Thanks for the advice guys it all makes sense. I figured a motor was a motor but I've really never looked under the hood of anything foreign. My parents just own GM and I got my 87 Dodge which is pretty simple to work on.

[Bio248]

my interior is just as crappy, too. it just doesn't rattle yet because i've never taken it apart.

[trojanone1]

Bio, I notice u got a subaru. What is too much miles for one? I mean ever since I joined gpf 200k seems like nothing for a GP. Im thinking subaru over saab for the awd and that they still make them.

[Bio248]

i wouldnt buy one with north of 120k unless it has had the timing belt done. you're supposed to do them around 90k.

i bought mine with 33k, and now it has 85k after 5ish years. i haven't really replaced much except for 3 wheel bearings, which probably have more to do with my suspension/wheel setup than just driving the car.

[trojanone1]

Is yours turboed? That and awd is what is appealing to me on those cars.

[Bio248]

no, i have a regular impreza with the n/a motor. it seems like it's impossible to break so far whereas everyone i know with a turbo model (WRX, STi) has broken lots of things.

[trojanone1]

Is it faster than the gp? Gtp or n/a

[Bio248]

it'd probably hang with a n/a 3800 car. it's supposed to run 15 flat in the 1/4 stock.

a GTP with minor bolt ons would walk me.

[trojanone1]

Ok good to know. I plan on upgrading when I graduate college in may. Keep going back and fourth from a gtp or subaru or saab. Gtp might be best for me now.

[mrlogic1234]

Any car can be easy to work on if you become accustomed to it. Meaning that you learn and once you know the best way, most anything is not an issue.

I've helped a friend work on a 2003 93 Aero and I hate that car. Nothing feels straight forward or simple. Space is super cramped, yet if you talk to a guy that knows the car better, he'll have the tips/tricks and I bet it's not so bad.

Few months ago working on an 06 Sentra base model. Brakes all the way around, rear wheel bearings, control arms, tie rods, trans service, oil change and belts. The belts were the toughest part of the job. Oddball angle and threaded tensioner with other bolts that were impossible to see. YouTube ended up being how I learned about the hidden bolts. Overall I had more cuts and scratches than I usually would from a trans swap and rebuild.

Had a Ford Taurus catch fire (I blew it out) while doing an oil change. They put the positive of the starter that close to the end of the oil filter. If you use a metal strap wrench..you can arch it out and cause a problem. Was chatting with a mechanic buddy and mentioned I lit it up during an oil change and he laughed and said that his metal strap wrench had marks in it from the same.

It really all depends on the car. I'd suggest taking a look at youtube vids for various common things on the vehicle you are thinking about and you can get a feeling from that how good/painful they are to work on.

I used to work at a Ford dealership doing oil changes back in H.S. and I can speak to them damn 3.0 Vulcan starters... I still have my arched oil filter wrench smh. From that point foreword I used a large plyer style of wrench. Scared the bleep out of me lol.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II now Free

[trojanone1]

The only experience I have with fords is my girlfriend's 1995 explorer. Changing plugs is a lot harder than my gp or dodge. Could do those vehicles blindfolded in comparison.

[Explicit_Spade]

Everything can be learned. As a hobby, I have worked on Minis, Subarus, Pontiacs, Chevys, Buicks, Hondas, etc.

I haven't come across anything too complicated yet, and there seems to be a forum for damn near anything. If you're interested in subarus, check out NASIOC.

[trojanone1]

Welp going to be putting a new-to-me car on hold for awhile. GF's explorer is on its last legs and she needs a new car more than I do lol. Been looking at smaller cars for her like the Chevy Cobalt or Ford Focus. She has always liked the Focus (calling it cute ) but I think I could talk her into the Cobalt. Any thoughts? She'd like to keep her budget under 10K, if possible and low mileage. Gonna search Focus and Cobalt forums for more info.