Quote:
Originally Posted by ron177
Dear all,
I have just purchased an overall clean 2003 Corolla CE, automatic, 78,000 miles. It had only one owner and looks quite nice. I bought it for $6000.00 and I wonder if that's a good price in the US northeast.
Before closing the deal I took the car to a repair shop and they listed a number of mechanical "problems" -- soon to be problems really. I wonder if any of these can be done by myself. If so, I would appreciate directions or links that would give me tips and guidance as to how I could myself do the mechanical work.
1. The recommendation was that spark plugs have to be changed after 60,000 miles. So I have to do it as soon as possible.
2. Air filter has to be changed.
3. Fan belts are broken and need to be changed.
4. I have to do a brake fluid flush and a power steering flush.
5. The battery has to be changed.
6. The splash pans have to be clipped.
The car is in a working condition. But when I took it to the highway yesterday I detected a moaning engine sound when driving 70 miles/hour. The sound disappears when I drop the speed to 60 or 65. Does this have anything to do with the problems listed above?
Appreciatively,
Ron
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Plugs are good for 100K miles, but if you want to replace them, and have "new" items with a clean slate that is up to you. Air filter is very simple to change.
What do you mean by fan belts? There is only one belt that drives all pulleys. if it is broken you will not move too far. The radiator fan is electric. They may have meant it is cracked, which is likely for a 7 year old OEM belt. If it is cracked, ask for a new one, it is better to get it replaced now than be stranded somewhere.
Power steering flush and brake flush sound like dealer scams and easy money. There is nothing in the manual that states that they should be changed, but they are good preventive maintenance items. If the battery is original, it is a good idea to get a new one. Splash clips are 75 cents each and an easy fix.
A loose splash guard could cause that noise. Add the clips and see if it goes away. If it does not go away, some windshields do make noise due to an improper seal. Does the noise sound like it is coming from the engine, wheel, or windshield?
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