Finally gave in... bought an automatic

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by jcp123

I'm guessing the Echo attracts the type of owners who neglect their cars.

Yep, unfortunately many econo owners by definition may not have the cash to splurge on frivolities like car maintenance.

On the other hand, some econo buyers (I'm going to stereotype seniors here) can be pretty faithful to the maintenance schedule.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by metrompg

yep, unfortunately many econo owners by definition may not have the cash to splurge on frivolities like cleaning and bathing.

ftfy.

[Stubby79]

Found an old brochure online. Thought this part was interesting:





I remember those days...Hyundai's claiming to get 50mpg. Same year(s). Yeah, maybe under ideal conditions.

And on a related note, my Echo appears to be a "CE" model. Canadian Edition? Cheapass Edition? Dunno. Bare minimal on everything. Good thing that all the hatchbacks include anti-lock brakes! The wing must have been an add-on, as they only came standard on the 5-door "RS" models.

Manual steering, no A/C...perfect for fuel economy!

[MetroMPG]

Mine was CE also. BARE BONES. No AC, manual steering.

"Quebec Special", they call them around here.

[Stubby79]

Another 2.5 hours cleaning the interior today...but it's done, for now. I shouldn't feel the need for a tetanus shot after every time I drive it anymore.

Discovered the hard way that after a couple of hours with the radio and fan on, the battery will go dead. Go figure! I haven't done that in a long time. That's what I get for working on it outside - for the light - rather than in my garage.

[Stubby79]

Headlight Restoration...

Before:


After:

[Xist]

There are maintenance schedules?!

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by Xist

There are maintenance schedules?!

Don't worry...they're only suggestions, apparently.

[Stubby79]

I know where my brake pulse is coming from...



Other side isn't much better:



Ordered replacements, though I'm starting to question if the brakes are the same on Canadian '04-'05 models. (The brake pads have a part number that supposedly fits a Lexus SC300. Certainly doesn't match up with an Echo)

[Stubby79]

This morning's work...

Driver's window regulator. Flimsy piece of tin, flexing where it should not:



Straightened and reinforced with JB-Weld:



That done, might as well look in to those strange, crackling speakers:



Was wondering what was with the RCA wires behind the glove box:



Oh, look...they run straight to those weird, flat panel speakers:



Apparently they had no idea how to use shrink tubing, as they put it on without heat and then applied duct-tape:



.........sigh...

Might as well use said shrink tubing myself...



And put in a spare pair of car speakers:



Did both sides. All better now. Window goes up and down, and stereo turns above 10 (on a scale of 50) without crackling any more. Heck, it sounds pretty good!

Yay! I can listen to tunes and go through the drive through again!