Hello all - new to the forum. I just purchased a 1997 Chrysler LHS sedan. I'm used to driving and working on tiny Geo Metros due to the awesome gas mileage and ease of use, plus cheap and easy maintenance. This is a whole new world that I just stepped into. Parking is harder, but the seats sure are comfy, and the Infinity stereo sounds great!

So I bought the car planning ahead - looking for a cheap winter beater. I've put thousands into the Metros to make them super-reliable but, they rust out way too easily. Compared to the super-scary rusted-out early '90's Prizms/Corollas that I was looking at in a similar price range, this one sure was one hell of a deal at $500. It even came with 4 additional stock rims with snow tires mounted - at least 50% tread on the snow tires and current mounted all-season tires.

I'm sure I'll have questions along the way, and already have a few lined up. So far, I've noticed that the radiator fan won't turn on (can't hear it idling in driver's seat) and the temp gauge likes to climb in drive-thrus (only place that I've noticed this). Some body rust (not too bad); also, the climate controls went "wacky" last winter per the prior owner. They kind-of just do whatever they want if it's anywhere in "auto" mode. Switches between floor and defrost, fan speed up and down, etc. Works OK if on full heat or full cool (but A/C doesn't work). We'll get to all that later after some searching.

The car seems to be well maintained from the owner of 12 years that I just purchased it from. She told me the sub-frame bushings have recently been replaced. One last thing, the front brakes rotors/pads are totally shot, and it pulsates badly on stopping. Seems to be a vacuum leak somewhere near the petal as well. I just changed the oil yesterday.

Glad to be here, and thanks for having me!

-Michael

P.S. How do you update the avatar? I can't find the page.

 

Hello Michael and welcome to the site! Congrats on your purchase, your Chrysler look beautiful! Plenty of knowledgeable and friendly folks here as well as informative and insightful discussion threads. You'll find some interesting info on this forum. If you haven't found what you're looking for, feel free to post a question. If you have knowledge that someone else is looking for, feel free to share!

 

Thanks!