Common Problems

[Ludapower]

Hey guys,
I'd like to know what are some of the more common problems I should be looking for. I'm going to be purchasing a 7th gen in a few weeks and would like to be somewhat informed. If you already have a thread about this please redirect me to it as I couldn't find anything.
Thanks!

[iToaster]

The most common issue it the passenger side motor mount going bad.

[Ludapower]

Originally Posted by iToaster

The most common issue it the passenger side motor mount going bad.

Is that an easy fix on these cars? It's a 15min job on my prelude, is that about right?
Are these engines easy to work on?

[iToaster]

It's fairly easy, it would probably take around half an hour. The cruise control actuator (if equipped) has to be removed as well as the windshield wiper fluid tank, but I've done it on two Corollas so far and it's been a fairly straightforward and quick procedure. However, these are small cars, so it can get a little cramped at times.

[zythr]

Check carefully for Rust and there has been word, that higher mileage 1.8 litre engine can be an oil burner. Check that air bag works

[Ludapower]

Originally Posted by zythr

Check carefully for Rust and there has been word, that higher mileage 1.8 litre engine can be an oil burner. Check that air bag works

Did you just say check that the air bag works?

[PhatRoyale]

Rear quarter wheel wells and panels.

Front wheel wells, near the bottom of the front doors.

Common rusting spots.

[Ludapower]

Rust is not a problem for me, I'm talking about common mechanical problems.
Checking airbags Selma & Louise style isn't in my books neither.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Ludapower

Did you just say check that the air bag works?

Yes. I meant the elctronics though. Many people don't know that it is suggested that it is checked after the car reaches 10 years old. It is supposed to be checked every 2 years.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Ludapower

Rust is not a problem for me, I'm talking about common mechanical problems.
Checking airbags Selma & Louise style isn't in my books neither.

Timing belt, seals(oil, crankshaft, camshaft), valve clearance adjustment for the engine. I think the Trannies are pretty reliable.

[blb]

Originally Posted by zythr

Yes. I meant the elctronics though. Many people don't know that it is suggested that it is checked after the car reaches 10 years old. It is supposed to be checked every 2 years.

The air bag electronics are fine if the light isn't on. Every time the vehicle is started, the system goes through a self check, and the air bag light will stay illuminated if there is a problem. In the real world, no one removes air bags and inspects them for mechanical issues after 10 years. This is in the manual for legal reaons more than anything. However, if this is something that keeps a person up at night worring about it, go for it.

[cipher93]

Originally Posted by zythr

Yes. I meant the elctronics though. Many people don't know that it is suggested that it is checked after the car reaches 10 years old. It is supposed to be checked every 2 years.

Road and Track just had an article on this (I say just as I get them a couple months behind) and it will last at LEAST 20 years. BLB hit the nail on the head. In fact, the only thing the dealer is gonna want to do is replace it as there is no way to really inspect it without well, deploying it.

EDIT: Another fairly common issue in cold enviroments is hard starting/rough idle for a couple minutes under cold conditions. This is caused by an aging idle air control valve. I would not worry too much about this though unless the car will flat not start or idle when it's cold without giving it some throttle.

[ganda1f]

Starter contacts wear out every 70-80k miles. Mine did anyway. Cheap and easy to fix once you get the starter out, which is a bit awkward though.

[Ludapower]

Haha these are all problems that are related to normal wear and tear. Aren't there any problems that come up often? Like recalls and such?

[ganda1f]

None that I know of. The 7th gen is pretty much the last model that was built solid to last for years if properly maintained. Instead of breaking down at an exactly predetermined moment set by the manufacturer to make you buy a new one. Like all the post roughly 2000 model year cars regardless of make, that are stuffed with BS electronics, ABS, traction control, brake assistance, drive-by-wire, explosives (some call it airbags) and whatnot
Learn how to drive properly instead of hoping for the car to save you.
I mean, I want the car to do exactly what I say, when I say it. In 7th gen that is still the case.
In modern cars, you push the throttle or the brakes and then there is a whole friggin committee of computers deciding what to do about it

Another rust spot to look out for are the areas around the windshield and rear window. Look under the rubber strips.