QuestionWe test drove a 2001 sunfire for my 16 year old daughter today. The car drove great and ran great. I have a concern that the owner says in normal and I need some advise. The Temp. gauge ran 195 out of 260. The temp. did not go up no matter how long I drove it or if the air and heat was on or off. Is this really normal and should I be concern.
AnswerI don't know the exact temperature for a Sunfire, but if you want to know, just call any auto parts store and ask what the stock thermostat replacement is. They can tell you the temperature it opens.
Most cars today run close to 200 degrees (F).
Also, most temp gauges are just an approximate number anyway. It is rare these days to have numbers on them, usually just a cool range, normal range and HOT range.
IF it is near the middle of the range, it is just fine.
It sounds OK to me. If in doubt, take it to a pro-mechanic for a complete check over on a rack. This can run $100 (should not be much more) but might be worth it. Looking a car over on a hoist will tell you a LOT! Leaks, evidence of wrecks, rust, damage etc. Also you can fully check out the suspension, wheel bearings, exhaust and axles. if the car is at a dealership with a service dept, just ask them to put it on a rack for you.
Don
