is it just me or is any1 else's car in here a money pit..?
(im not talking about speed or appearance parts but normal repairs..)
i know a "sporty car" need extra repairs but MAN....

ive put 5 tierods in it now, 4 tires, 4 struts, 4 strut mounts, 4 sway bar links....and it still squeaks and clunks from the rear, just started having a low oil light issue for like 2 weeks..(just changed oil last night myself so i KNOW oil is at the right level..and the oil light is coming on when the clutch is in or at an idle for some reason) im guessing it may be the oil pressure sensor gone bad, found out during the oil change ANOTHER tierod is messed up, also done the timing belt kit(belts and pulleys w/ tensioner), have aligned it like 10 times...still pulls left, a/c is inop...

among other things....

im seriously debating wether to tery and fix it, or just trade or sell it...
probably the only reason i havent sold it is i keep getting offered $3-3.5k...and i still owe closer to $4k...
plus i havent found something that i want, that doesnt cost MORE to insure than this thing..

 

I don't know about the oil, did you check the compression in each cylinder? About the squeaking noise from the back I used to have it as well, I've changed the springs and it's gone now.
My A/C is dead too, I found a compressor at a junk yard for $149 shipped with 90 days warranty.

 

Actually and suprisingly no. I have had my RA since 38k, I am at 84k now and have not had any problems. I do the regular maintenance, baby the **** out of the car, and have no mods.

I have been looking for another vehicle though. I want better MPG.

 

Not really, just normal wear and tear stuff. That rear end clunk is likely a dying bushing. As for the tie rods and such, stop hitting potholes

 

Is the oil light coming on when you release the gas? Or turning on when you slow down? If yes it may be the oil your using.. If your using synthetic that may be your problem.. some can have a thicker composition during the first 500 miles.. After that, the light just goes away.

 

Mine is still running strong after 4 years, just do the regular mtc and stuff. How do you end up needing new tie rods? Ive never had to replace those on any car in my life. How many miles were on the car when you bought it? Its always possible the person who owned the car before you dogged it out.

 

All cars are money pits IMO

 

I know how bad the roads are in Michigan. All your bent suspension parts, and the squeaks and clunks are the direct result of those crappy roads.

 

Yup, I long ago gave up on paying attention to suspension noises. Easier to just turn the stereo up.

 

Lol it makes it worst specially summer when all the noise you hear from the cabin gets amplified x2 from outside hahah.. How will the speakers camoflauged the shame? Ice cream truck anyone?

 

ive had to replace the tie rod just recently i need new motor mounts (which are in my closet still for about 2 months) replaced the shocks and got new springs i got it with 42k it has 82k now and that was 2 years ago when i bought it. knock on wood.

 

I just keep getting lucky finding stuff that I can afford. This car is CHEAP

 

i know its normal wear im a mechanic...but jeez...ive done all the work on the car so far myself with the exeption of the timing belt...and the underhood bushings..wich i did w/ the help of Otter...
i mean...you^
PS: i really dont hit many potholes...i swerve like a drunky trying to avoid them..

im using mobil 1...have been since i bought the car but this light thing only started about 2-3 weeks ago...havent checked anything but i changed the oil since it was pretty close to time anyway...still on tho...it comes on when im at an idle(after its warmed up), and when i push the clutch in specially when i slow down, sometimes while im driving it flickers as i clutch to shift, but when its in gear and revvign n such it stays off

i bought an a/c compressor for $250 from this thread and its sitting in my closet...but im starting to think its not much worth it...i can put it on and charge the a/c myself and stuff so its all free...but if im gonna end up selling/trading the car after a bit..?..doesnt seem that worth it to me...last year i thought there was a plug somewhere in the system(according to the pressure readings), but this year i checked last week and the a/c clutch doesnt even come on now...grrr

bought it w/ 86k on it...have about 125k on it now
i honestly dont know anything about the previous owner..i bought the car from a vw dealer about half hour from my place..maybe they did beat on it
it had a SRI when i bought it and a diffrent stereo head unit...also about 2 months ago..i tried pulling the ft bumper off to change my horns(never finished) and see if i could fix my lip...(since its falling off)..and i found the ft crash bar is bent not horribly but still noticeably bent and slightly rusted where the paint chipped/flaked..im assuming the bend trapped the bumper in place..it was loose and none of the bolts and screws and stuff were attached but the thing wouldnt come off, it just flopped down a bit...so i put it back on w/out trying anythign else ate like 20 mins of messing w/ it

 

Sounds like the previous owner(s) ragged that **** out.

 

finally got around to fixing the ac...gave up on dealing w/ the heat...
OH MY GOD does it feel better...if i turned it up any colder id have snow flying out the vents...

still looking for somwething else tho....(need less miles...less issues...)
hey...any1 want to buy a 04 RA..?
or a 2nd one...?