# Where do I start?

**URL:** <https://forums.speedlife.net/t/where-do-i-start/124686>\
**Category:** SON240sx Automotive\
**Created:** [May 22, 2009, 8:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/where-do-i-start/124686 "2009-05-22T08:28:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 11

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**Author:** ![touge8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d6d6ee/32.png) [@touge8](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/touge8)\
**Post date:** [May 23, 2009, 11:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/where-do-i-start/124686/11 "2009-05-23T23:02:01Z")

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> [@Amherst Cop Cars](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/amherst-cop-cars/22124/12):
>
> Hey, I just recently obtained an S13 with a KA24E engine, and some of the problems it is facing are the following:
> 
> 1. engine start issue: sometimes the car doesn’t start, and the person who sold it to me said it could be either: a) require an engine flush. b) battery. But now I think it could also be anything else like the spark plug, etc.
> 
> 2. there seems to be a rattle at the back of the car sometimes, which the seller told me it might be a driveshaft issue.
> 
> 3. the clutch doesn’t return properly. It lags when it is returning (doesn’t stick onto my feet). The seller says it could be an issue of not bleeding the clutch wire properly, or it could be this “plastic thing” that is worn out. However, my other friend told me that it is a big issue that should be taken into a shop and be looked at and fixed asap.
> 
> Those are the three main issues I see on my car at the moment. As of right now I would like to fix the car to the point where I don’t have to worry about the car dying on my at any minute. Which of those three should I take a look at first? Also, my budget (for this summer) is no more than $1,000, because I also have to save up money for school. Where do you guys advice me to look/fix first?
> 
> Thanks!

1. Anytime you buy a car…do a full tune-up. Spark plugs, wires, battery, engine/tranny/diff oil, and anything else that needs replacing

2. Rattles can range from the exhaust hitting the bottom of ur car, to the bearings in the rear, the differential, or even uneven tire mounting…check all of those. Im no expert, but from my experience with cars, those are worth looking at for starters

3)Listen to your friend…that is a big issue that should be looked at ASAP, regardless of the cause of the problem.

FINAL: You need more of a budget than 1000 bucks IMO. Even as a DD, cars are the next biggest expense to a house so with that in mind, you must be absolutely sure you can afford it cause like everyone says b4 you get ur license “cars are a luxury, not a necessity”. find a job, work some more, and be ready to pay to fix all those problems cause in the end old cars need more maintenenace than new cars and more maintenance = more money, so GL and congrats on the new car.

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