I've started looking for a used car. Actually both of our current daily drivers are getting tired and need to be replaced. They both need work but are not worth putting the money into. I've been looking at bigger sedans such as the Impala and Grand Prix. The question i have is about the issues with upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. I've been reading that 04 Impala and older have this problem, same with 04' and older GP's. Does this affect both the 3.4 and 3.8L cars? I'm looking for a car with the 3.8. The same for the Grand Prix. I thought the GP's only came with the 3.8 but there's a 3.1 on cars up to 03? On the 05' GP how bad is the front steering problem? I'd go with as old as an 03' if i knew the car was reliable but i've seen these problems and have been looking for an 05 Impala or maybe 06 and the 06 GP. I'm also interested in the Vibe. Any major problems from 03 to 06? I'm staying with GM with whatever i purchase. If i can replace both vehicles then one larger and one smaller, both 4dr is what i'm going for and automatic so my wife can drive either one. I'm looking for vehicles with up to maybe 175k on them, don't want any more than that as i'm hoping to make these last for a while. Any feedback would be helpful or suggestions on other cars. I'm not looking at vans or crossovers and a midsize is as big as i want to go. I'm planning on buying from a dealer as i'm going to get what i can for a trade in.
-- Edited by blacktransam on Wednesday 16th of February 2011 05:44:58 PM
I would for sure stay away from the 3.1 and 3.4L's, way more issues than the 3.8L. The standard 3.8L in the long run much more reliable for the supercharged ones tend to be real oil leakers as they get up in km's. We have an '01 Grand Prix GT and no problems with our 3.8L. Just a note there now is a replacement steel intake gasket instead of that garbage plastic one. I believe Felpro makes it. A little more money but well worth it in long run. JC
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'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).
I cannot say enough about the Pontiac Vibe. I heard there were minor issues with the first year 03. We bought an 04 in April 04. For four years it was primarily the wife's back and forth to work vehicle. Then when gas prices were high, it was the vehicle of choice to drive 350 miles to visit out Son or to drive 670 miles to visit our Daughter. Winter of 08,09 and now 2010 the car is stored Jan.-May. while we are in florida for the winter. This spring the car is seven years old with low 70k's on the odometer. During this seven years we have, changed the wiper blades, new tires & a battery. Dealer called it in for one recall. This car gets consistant 32-33 MPG on Hwy. No variance, w/air , w/o air, 65-80 mph. I haven't checked in awhile but I would say about 23-24 around town. I installed a K&N air filter and change the oil and filter every 3k miles with good oil. My only complaint, on trips of 200 miles or more, I could use a little more leg room when driving. With back seat folded down, rear cargo space is the best. Better than any of the simular models with a sloping rear roof line. Prior to the Vibe, best car we owned was a Buick Park Avenue, 1991-2004. IMO you can't beat that non supercharged 3.8L
iam a former GM dealer employee aswell as Todd. I cant not say enough good things about the Vibe....greta car, rarely heard complaints and if we did they were compaliners about anything just to whine and b*tch about nothing. I own a 3800 Boneville. and its awesome. Great one fuel. My gaskets dont leak but then again I got it with good kms....yes they are notorious for gaskets but hey they all have their faults. Id rather replace gaskets at some point then a motor. Also GM 4 sp automatics are notorious for the TCC valves in the trans going bad(slipping), had mine done by a friend for $350 cash. Now it works perfect. Thumbs up to a Vibe. IMO Best of luck.
Another option i see is the Malibu, i'd be looking at probably the last generation so i guess 2006 and older. Any opinions on these? I looked at one dealers site regarding warranties...got to be careful what you pick. They didn't offer a warranty to cover everything. So if you think the engine won't be a problem you pick the warranty that doesn't cover it i guess! Otherwise if you think it's a problem you don't get covered on braking, electrical, gaskets. I've never got a warranty before but can see the benefits, of course you better know what the problem areas on the car!
-- Edited by blacktransam on Friday 18th of February 2011 04:53:08 PM
The new Malibu is much better than the older generation. If it was me, I'd go with the older Impala/Grand Prix rather than the Malibu. I would say the older Malibus are high maintenance.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
I just thought the Malibu might be good due to size of the interior but was wary after looking at consumer reviews. I'm finding Edmonds very helpful...along with you guys.
I've always liked the look of those 96 to 03 GP's. Carl i'll definately be checking out warranties. I just found a car in town i want to test drive, maybe tomorrow. It's an 03 Regal.
This morning i went and drove that Regal. Didn't like it. I wasn't sure how i'd feel about the plush ride but i see now that i do like a more responsive feel. The dealer also had an 04 Montana there, same mileage and price. I thought since i was there why not try it. I have to say it felt like driving a car. Very responsive feel and drove nicely. The van didn't feel big which i liked. It's the short version but i'm going to assume the extended body wouldn't feel much bigger. Looks like it will be sold with both all season and winter tires. I might go back and look at this one again. Get them to put it on a hoist and give me appraisal on my trade in. Meanwhile i'll continue looking. Any thoughts on the 2004 Montana? I know i stated no van but this thing might change my mind.
Thanks Ken, I was told this one had the intake replaced recently. I know i don't like the idea of less fuel economy. I've been spoiled with the Corolla but i need more cargo capacity.
My buddy has a 07 Impala SS with the 5.3 V8 for sale on his lot @ $10,900( I think) Apparently they are really fast. It looks good, and I don't like Impala's.
Gee you guys. This didn't help at all. I'm reading all the good stuff you know about a Vibe, and I'm sitting here with a cheque in front of me.......for my Vibe. I didn't want to sell it, but I'm totally screwed for parking here, and I have my replacement, my CTS, but why am I so sad? It had to go.
Buy a Vibe, or at least a Matrix........and buy a warranty.
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"Repulsive since 1959"
2015 Camaro SS1 2014 GMC Sierra 1969 GTO 2005 Dodge Daytona Short Box Regular cab P/U 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix Enduro stock car
It had to go.