Need opinions guys, new member!

[billy617bob]

Good morning guys! So I picked up this 05 Sunfire and need some opinions. It's automatic with the 2.2 engine, a/c works, has about 150,000 miles, aftermarket bluetooth radio. Had a random misfire code so I replaced plugs, coil and ignition control module now it runs fine. The thing on the airbox that the rubber hose on valve cover connects to was broke, so I sealed it up and just put a little filter on the valve cover nipple. Removed heater door actuator that kept clicking, new one on the way. Also need to replace passenger side manual window regulator(already have), I found broken glass under the seat so I think the idiots broke the regulator in the process of replacing window. Also need to weld an exhaust mount... love my Titanium 125 welder from Harbor Freight lol.

What do you guys think the car is worth, and would you keep it? Are these cars reliable? Any known issues other than the stuff I've already delt with?

The body is pretty clean, minor dings/scratches and the rear spoiler is a little faded. The interior is also clean, except a couple things. The top of the rear seat is sun faded, the dash is cracked/torn around the center air vent, the driver seat is squished like an 800lb guy sat in it, and the passenger headrest plastic thing that the seat belt went through is broke off.

Might try to repair the dash with a heat gun, maybe find some random nice seats from the junkyard.

***Picture is not mine, just a random picture from Google. Mine is blue and looks pretty much the same as this.

 

[melsg5]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your car.
The best places to determine value are NADA.COM and KBB.COM.
They are reliable but keep an ear on the timing chain, if you start to hear rattle time to do a timing chain repair.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

If the guides for the timing chain break or you overheat the engine , be ready to replace the head. ( bent valves) Watch the plastic tanks on the radiator , they crack without warning with age.

300k + miles easy on the Sunfire with a 2.2.

Doug in P.R.

 

[RetiredButNot 06GP]

I was going to mention what Doug just said, so I will go another direction.
Whats their worth ?
It depends on your area.
I live in NWPa & you cannot give that car away here.
Nobody buys a sunfire, cavalier, cobalt or neon.
Really check the market in your area.
KBB is decent but not accurate.
Enter a few zip codes around you to get a better understanding of the actual ball park price.

(Kbb says my car is worth $3k but Im getting offers of $4 & 5k for it. Its not for sale though)

Are they reliable ?
Hard to say. I had a Cavi for 2 years no problems at all, bought another one that had a million problems.
Every GM is like a mystery prize, ya just never know.

______________________________

 

[billy617bob]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I checked around on Facebook Marketplace in my area. Looks like these cars generally sell for crazy cheap, like $1,200. Because they have a lot of problems or something, maybe the stigma of driving a Sunfire, Neon or Cavalier? I don't know, but Toyota Echos with 200,000 miles of the same year are going for 3x the price of these around here. Crazy.

 

[billy617bob]

Well, this was the 1st video that came up when I searched on YouTube for 2.2 ecotech. I guess that explains why these cars are so cheap and underrated.

 

[RetiredButNot 06GP]

Well, this was the 1st video that came up when I searched on YouTube for 2.2 ecotech. I guess that explains why these cars are so cheap and underrated.

Sad thing is, people actually listen to Scott.
He has a few good points, basically stating the obvious, but mostly he is a joke.
He has a favorite brand and least favorite.
And now he gets paid to give opinions, not really unbiased after that.
I have literally seen car sales drop after one of his videos.
He has influence but if you actually look, they are not car people by any means & bank on his word.
He loves toyota, hates GM & Chrysler.
Food for thought, but yeah, those motors are not as bad as he claims.
Its just a bad stigma on them.
Like Pitbulls.
Good pups, bad stigma.

 

[billy617bob]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of him either. On his "how to buy a used motorcycle" he said avoid bikes with bad vibration, aftermarket parts, oil leaks, and carburetors. He basically said avoid 80% of Harley Davidsons by saying that lol.

______________________________