Reliability results after 6 years of ownership.

[Jcp123]

At 15 years and 251k miles, I have, as far as I can tell, all of the original hard parts save for the VVTi solenoid, which failed just last month, and the catalytic converter, swapped out a couple of years ago. Not sure about the O2 sensors. But the alternator, water pump, etc. are all completely functional and original.

In three years of driving it (three years exactly, actually), I have put just a little more than $500 into the car, including the aforementioned parts, tyres, air filters, and oil changes. Its showing its age, and I have to rig the horn for inspection every year, but it runs fantastically well and still gets my 40mpg. It's a hell of a car. And I got it for free :)

[ern-diz]

Originally Posted by Jcp123

At 15 years and 251k miles, I have, as far as I can tell, all of the original hard parts save for the VVTi solenoid, which failed just last month, and the catalytic converter, swapped out a couple of years ago. Not sure about the O2 sensors. But the alternator, water pump, etc. are all completely functional and original.

In three years of driving it (three years exactly, actually), I have put just a little more than $500 into the car, including the aforementioned parts, tyres, air filters, and oil changes. Its showing its age, and I have to rig the horn for inspection every year, but it runs fantastically well and still gets my 40mpg. It's a hell of a car. And I got it for free :)

That's awesome.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by Jcp123

At 15 years and 251k miles, I have, as far as I can tell, all of the original hard parts save for the VVTi solenoid, which failed just last month, :)

Did you fix the VVTi? Or does the engine run without it?

Thanks!

[Jcp123]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Did you fix the VVTi? Or does the engine run without it?

Thanks!

It runs without it...technically. But it runs very, very poorly, no power, lumpy idle, can't even generate enough vacuum for brake assist. I won't even have to strongly recommend against driving it in that condition, as you'll hate driving it that way anyway LOL.

And yes, after trying motor flush and cleaning the solenoid itself as well as pulling and cleaning the already-pretty-clean oil screen for the solenoid, I did end up having to replace the solenoid to resolve the problem.