98 Cavalier Problems--Cold Weather

I bought this car new back in May of 1998, and for the first four years, it was very reliable. I got the scheduled oil changes and maintenance, but since December of 2002, it's really collapsed on me.

I've had to replace alternator belts, pulleys, spark plugs, brakes (more than twice), and a few other, smaller, things.

Last Tuesday, here in cold South Bend, Indiana, my car wouldn't start. I waited till the next day when it was a bit warmer, and tried it again. The car started, so I took it to the place where I had the battery changed in December 2002. It was still covered by warranty, so they replaced it. I went out to start the car again--one week later--and again it wouldn't start. I'm thinking that maybe there's something wrong with the alternator, which the dealership allegedly fixed two months ago. But no warning lights came on, and I only drove it four or five times since I got the new battery. So I doubt if that's the ENTIRE explanation.

I'm giong to try to get a jump and get it into the shop tomorrow, but I'm really considering just cutting my losses. I'm beginning to be afraid to rely on the car--it died on me in the Ft. McHenry tunnel--and once that happens there's no point in hanging onto it.

It has just under 40,000 miles on it. I'd say the largest chunk of that--at least 25,000 plus--is highway driving.

Has anyone had any similar problems, or experiences, and can share some advice? I'd appreciate any advice.

the car that i drive once in awhile now was my moms car..its 93 2.2L but she bought it new July 1993. You're right about car being reliable for few years because i remember that my mom had to bring it to the dealer many times for fixing something that wasn't supposed to break yet those years. I think the car had a problem in 95 when the driver's side door started to get stuck and wouldn't open. Dealer fixed it. Then i think 96 when the transmission became loose i think and dealer had to fix it again. When it came to 1997 the car became worse especially when the warranty elapsed by July 1996.

1997: had a problem with a/c, and some other stuffs in engine. car wouldn't start and had to change the battery few times and most off the belts.

1998: battery problem, coolant leak, replaced alternator and don't remember what else

1999: replaced starter, thermostat, timing belt much more that I don't remember

2000: don't remember any other than brakes and a/c problem

2001: transmission have been replaced, battery, alternator and much more

2002: we had enough of it spending morethan $6000 cnd for the last 3 years

2003 to present: cluster light problem, shiftknob problem, heater airflow not working, a/c is not working, coolant leaking, alternator belt squeking.....too much to list. anyways when i asked to qoute they told me to prepare at least $450 cnd for just diagnosing where the problem is. So let say morethan $2000 to fix everything. so i'm just waiting for the car to die now and give it away for free.

Will the car start with a boost? If it does, you may have a bad alternator or a battery drain. Putting a voltmeter across the battery gives you an idea of the charging system temporaily. However, doing a proper AVR test on the battery will tell you the condition of the alternator diode as well. I have notice that customers get their alternators checked and are told that it is okay, but when they come here with the same problem, we find that the voltage is okay but the diode is bad. In this case, the alternator will charge sometimes and has less output other times. Make sure they chek for a draw too.