OK. rec.fetish.masochism might be a more appropriate group to post your question in, but we can try to help you here. Hmmm? My memory is short I guess :-). Thinking about my experience with Chevette and later with Citation, I guess you might be right.
engine was made. That is an interesting and strange way to pick a vehicle. Not as long as deciding factor is combination of: rather boring not fancy and-or head turning (thievs), take me from A to B driver, price, size, fuel economy, reliability. Malibu, Maxx, or Equinox would fit "the bill".
The Chevrolet Equinox is powered by a Chinese-built version of the 3.4.
THANKS! This is the one I want to avoid at any cost - a result of my experience with stuff made there.
The 3.1 and 3.4 have a long and sorry reputation as inferior, mediocre, problem-prone designs. From power point of view, 180-200 hp is all (and more) I need . I was told (by a dealer) that 3.1 piston slapping problem was solved a "while" ago. All I know about 3.4 is very good mileage and at least a decent power.
Malibu and there is no dipstick to check automatic transmission oil level.
Right, that's GM's recent transmission philosophy: The fluid is a lifetime item. That is, when the transmission dies, the fluid's lifetime is obviously over. Are you saying that "lifetime" according to GM might be a way shorter than "lifetime" according to a car buyer like myself? Hmmm! What if you are right? Trannies are pretty expensive. If I remember right, an average life span of a car in N. A. is 12 years. I think an average mileage is 18k km-11k miles per year. Is there a lubricating fluid that will last that long? How about transmissions that work hard (mountains, pulling trailer, extreme temps, etc.), or are simply abused. How long will they last ? I think I take a closer look at something elese. Dodge 300?
Your reply helped me a lot. You kick started my thinking again. Thanks.
