Help wanted with my new X

[freakazoid]

Hi guys.
Just bought a '97 Eddie, with 107K on it.
I bought it on auto auction, and, of course, discovered a few suprizes.
To make a long story short, i'm pretty sure that odometer was rolled back, and the vehicle overall condition is pretty sad. It also drinks gas like a madman (spent full tank - 20 gal - to put 160 miles).

Now, my question: whats to be done with old, squiking, shaking and feels like ready to disassemble itself car? And whatS it's gonna cost me?
I'm already told that i need to install new shocks. I can get standard ones, for around $25 a peace, and more expensive ones, around $60. Could you tell me, what difference in quality should i expect (in persentage)? I mean i it's a 15% difference, then i dont feel like paying moe then twice the price.

Thanks for reading this. My english is marginal at best, and it is my first car. So please be understanding and caring. hehe

 

[nserafini]

Welcome,

Well, sounds like a tall list but you'll be able to get by here..

Look in the suspension area for shocks and info. Many people have debated this over and over and over again. Depending on how you plan to drive it ( on road/ off road; in brooklyn it's all off road you'll find a fit. Personally, I'm not an off roader, and went w/ the monroe shocks at sears for 22.50 each ( all 4 w/ labor was like 140 or so ). I'm happy with the performance of them over my old 150K mile stockers !

As for it breaking up and shaking like a mental patient at highway speeds, there are alot of simple and expensive things it could be. RA bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings ... it goes on and on ... I'd suggest you take it for an alignment estimate, and have the guy see where the fronts are. Also, ask if he can check the ball joints and bushings. Take it somewhere decent, so he doesn't say " hey, you need everything ! "

Also, get a tune up ( or do it yourself ). If it wasn't treated nicely, I'm sure the plugs, wires, PCV, fuel filter and general tune up stuff will help the gas situation out.

 

[freakazoid]

Thank you for your reply.
As i said, it's my first car, so please no abbriviations.
I'll put it this way - i'm ready to spend $400 in nearest future to make it run better. What are my best shots?
All i did for now was oil change and transmission tune up.
Thank you.

 

[Garth]

Plugs, wires, air & gas filter, check your tire pressure for (gas mileage). The back glass always shake so just forget that for now. Dont keep anything heavy in the glove box, oil the door joints(for interior noises).

 

[ExplorerEB96]

Well as far as making it run

I agree with all of the above...but just so you don't "run" into anything the all important brakes should at least be checked...

just my $.02...

Karol

 

[doradexplorer]

Have them balance the tires and rotate them.
S