Soon to be new GA owner, have some Q's

[mdchaser]

Hi, I'm about to purchase a 2.4l 99 GA SE (I think thats the trim level) from a friend. It seems to be in good condition (only 72k miles) but I want to do some basic maintenance when I get it. Can someone tell me how many quarts the transmission and engine hold? I plan on switching to mobil1 engine oil and amsoil synthetic trans fluild (along with a good dose of seafoam to blow the carbon out). Aside from that is there anything I should know about the vehicle? I've tried looking up info on the engine but it's all pretty basic, hopefully it will give me better mileage than my v6 contour (NEVER buy one of those :) ).

The only obvious problem is that two of the windows don't work. Is there an inexpensive place to buy window motors? Looks like I'm going to have to replace both (not too bad since he's selling the thing for $1500!).

[mdchaser]

bueller, bueller, bueller...


Anyone?

[Matt95GT]

Personally I wouldn't make the switch to synthetic with that much mileage. The engine will take 4 1/3 to 4.5 quarts of oil.

When you change the spark plugs, use the stock ones (AC Delco Platinum) - the 2.4 is very pickey about spark plugs.

[mdchaser]

Thanks for the info! He's already got amsoil in the engine, I'm actually going to take a step down with the mobil1 :). I'll make sure to get the stock plugs, 72k is a little further than I would normally go on a set.

I've been told that as long as you do a drain and fill (not a full flush) it should be safe to change from dino to synthetic in the transmission. Anyone have any opinions on this? If it will hurt the trans then I'll definately stick with the natural stuff.

[Matt95GT]

Actually the service interval is 100K on those plugs (mine did that no problem too) but since you're doing some work, might as well get it out of the way.

Sorry... no experience with the automatic trans at all.

[LSPHillbilly]

as for the window motors, eBay or your local yard would be the most inexpensive.