Can a 10-year-old Santana Vista still be driven?
2 Answers
Can a 10-year-old Santana Vista still be driven? Here is the relevant information: Exterior: The Santana Vista measures 4687×1700×1450 mm in length×width×height, with a wheelbase of 2656 mm. It is equipped with aluminum alloy wheels, green heat-insulating glass, leather seats/steering wheel, electric sunroof, remote door locks, 6-way adjustable driver's seat, retractable rear window sunshade, energy-saving automatic air conditioning, air filter, etc. Performance: The Santana Vista is powered by a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 5-speed MT transmission, delivering a maximum power of 70/5200 and a maximum torque of 140/3800. The cylinder arrangement is in-line (L-type).
I've been running a repair shop for old Santanas for over a decade, and I've seen plenty of Zhijun models. Whether a 10-year-old car can still run depends largely on how the previous owner maintained it. If it's equipped with the EA113 cast-iron engine, regular oil changes will basically keep it running forever. But you've got to watch out for the chassis bushings – they're probably all worn out by now. Squeaking over bumps is no big deal, but excessive play in the steering gear is downright dangerous. Just last week, a customer came in with a timing belt that had frayed edges from wear – if that snaps, you're looking at a major overhaul. The battery needs replacing every three years, and if the AC is slow to cool, the condenser might be clogged. If you want to keep an old car running, setting aside 2,000 yuan for chassis and pipeline maintenance is always a smart move.
