Best news ever!

[FredStembottom]

My latest used car is a rental car fleet car. This is the 3rd time we have bought one of those because the previous 2 were excellent cars. And they can be nearly half-price during special sales.

So.... I didn't know what engine option I had gotten in this "new" one. Looked it up by VIN number and got the best surprise possible:

It has a timing CHAIN.

Say it loud. Say it proud Timing chain!

No more timing belt change where they have to lift the engine halfway out and it costs about 11,000 dollars.

Timing chain!

[Clames]

1. I bought a used...

1998 Cavalier 2.4L several years ago for a beater and it was an ex-rental fleet vehicle. It won't die. Almost 200,000 miles and not much maintenance besides regular oil changes (Delo 400 at that), tires, and a new alternator. The timing chain is original but the guides were all replaced when it got a new water pump shortly before I got it.

[FredStembottom]

2. Excellent!

One of our previous rental "wonder-cars" was a Pontiac Sunfire. I thought we would take a real bath in the long run with that car... but it just went on and on and on.

Over time, I found out why: It was a Sunfire with an unpopular engine/tranny combination.

A simple 3-speed auto transmission. very basic and solid.

Best of all, it had a 2.2L engine that turned out to be the so-called "iron-duke" 4 cylinder engine that GM has been turning out since the 50's. Can you say "push-rods"?

So being the weeny engine and boring tranny, these Sunfires were fairly rare - but indestructible*. Also, it was the best tranny/engine match I've ever owned. No hunting for gears. No crazy downshifts. Smooth and predictable.

Loved that car.

* oh... the GM water-pump thing was there as always. Went through 3 of those - BUT it was right on the outside of the engine - like the old days.