Hahaha, us old folks still trying to act like we're 17 driving a 1972 convertible Cougar. Sounds like a sweet ride and for such a great deal! But wait seriously, 32 MPG'* that'* way better than what I get... I really gotta get this thing fixed!

Hi Tom & thanks for the welcome! I've had the car for nearly 4 years. Bought from my dad (the old man, that figures ) It had 59,000 miles when I 1st acquired it and I just looked recently and it was exactly 111,111... kind of low miles for some of the problems I've had recently?

he goes in by 5 and gets done around 3, so he doesnt hit any traffic and all but the last 3 or 4 miles is 55 or 65 open rural road and expressway

Sensors fail or wear out or get dirty, if that'* the only problem you are having I'd say you are doing pretty good! The great thing about these cars is we have documented just about every known problem as well as the common problems and ways to fix them. I've had my SSEi for about 5 years now and I've never been left stranded or even had a major failure that I can think of, but I also do a lot of preventative maintenance.

Bottom line is, don't give up on her! Rust and head on collisions with a semi truck are about the only things that can take one of these cars off the road.

Hi there Justin and sorry about the tardy reply as life happens between my plans. Still though, 32 mpg is amazing for a 3800! My ride to work is probably 3 miles at 30 then 12 miles at 55-65 then 1.5 miles at 30 and I don't get nearly that good of gas mileage, so as I said, I really need to get this puppy running properly.

Hi Tom, I appreciate the response, so sorry about my late reply.

Hahaha and yes, I do agree with that "Rust and head on collisions with a semi truck are about the only things that can take one of these cars off the road.". I do agree with that entirely and have no intention of giving here up.

As for preventive maintenance, I do agree with you in terms of scheduled stuff, like oil changes, fuel filters and serpentine belts, but as for O2 sensors in the engine pipe and the cat, do you regularly change them periodically? Perhaps I'm wrong when going with the old school philosophy, if it ain't broke, don't fix it?

Many thanks,
Dan

they wear, like fuel or air filters so just because the pcm isnt throwing a code doesnt mean they arent getting wore. the o2s get lazy after a while

What justin said^, and when the upstream 02 gets lazy your fuel mileage will typically go down. It is the upstream 02 sensor that is used in engine calculations, the downstream only tells you if the CAT is working or not and doesn't need to be very accurate. Waiting until the downstream fails to replace it should be acceptable. The sensors shouldn't cost you more than $25, but poor fuel mileage can add up quickly at $4/Gallon. I had it recommended to me to change them out every 50,000. I have also had friends with old cars (130,000 miles on original sensors) and getting very poor mileage. After cleaning the MAF and replacing the 02 they are now enjoying a very noticeable difference in MPG. I'm going to give it a try on my girlfriends Buick next week, she is at about 150,000 and probably original sensors, plus she is using much more fuel than she should be in her NA 3800.

All great advice Justin and Tom, so I'll go with your recommendations and get a new upstream O2 sensor when I pickup up my new MAF sensor (free replacement) on Wednesday. I bought a new engine compartment fuel line with connector yesterday with no time to put in today because I had to work and yes that'* right, on Labor Day.... but then we had an awesome cookout Thanks guys and hope you had a great holiday weekend!

I`m glad to hear that.Best I can figure,my 89 Bonnie is getting close to 30 or a little better.