Dripping '97 Grand Prix SE 3.8L...HELP!!!

Hi all. I'm new here and I've enjoyed reading all the posts from the very knowlegeable Grand Prix folks. Here's my current emergency. My son and I test drove a '97 Grand Prix SE 3.8L this morning and we both want it.
My GAWD that thing flies.
When we were ready to give the private owner the $3500 he wanted, I looked under the car again and saw more than a small oil drip. It was literally dripping as if the filter was partially installed. That was not the case however and the owner said he thought it was nothing more than the pan gasket needing replaced. I could not confirm this since the car sits so low (or I'm too fat!). I felt around the top end and sides of the engine and all seemed dry and normal.
I couldn't get it to a mechanic right then, so I called a friend that suggested it might be an oil sending unit since the leak was coming from the area of the oil filter under the front right of the car.
I hate to let this thing get away from me since my son really needs a car for college and work. With only 85K miles this black GP SE is VERY clean, loaded and did I mention VERY QUICK? (perfect for a 19 year old!)

HELP ME PLEASE before it goes to another owner.

You might check to see that the oil filter was tightened properly.

My mom has a Bonneville. GM issued a recall for valve cover gaskets. Her's were not leaking but took the car in any way. She figured she should throw the dealership a bone since it's a small town so she had them change the oil and filter. Got the car back leaking oil. Turned out the mechanic hadn't fully tightened the oil filter.

Thanks for the quick response carnutcass.
I did feel all around the filter and it was dry.
This guy says he has had this leak for some time and was told by the oil change joint to just keep adding oil from time to time and he should be fine. My issue here is, if it was such a simple job to change the gasket, why was it not done already? I afraid my son and I may be getting the ole' "tell 'em something simple and sell it" routine.
We want to buy this soon but, we don't need a money pit to start with.
Is it possible that his assessment on the gasket or the sending unit could be plausible?

seems like the guy shouldn't have a problem having it looked at if you pay for it (inspection or just an assesment of the problem) unless he has something to hide. could save you money in the long run.

Thanks bcreverend, I had not considered asking him to have the evaluation done, and that's a good idea, but it seems as if he just wants to sell it without any extra effort from him. I will ask him though.
Does it sound like $3500 is a good price if this is a relatively simple fix?

I was looking to see if anyone has also had this type of leak, if this is a common " feature" and what cured the flood of lubricant.
Does the 3800 have any little quirks particular to 1997?

I was looking to see if anyone has also had this type of leak, if this is a common " feature" and what cured the flood of lubricant.

Does the 3800 have any little quirks particular to 1997?

I know that GM had a TB out on the oil pan gasket,since we seem to have problems with the oil pan leaking.The cost to replace the oil pan gasket is 500 bucks and the engine has to be lifted up to remove the oil pan.We also have problems with the valve cover gaskets leaking.


~Larry~

I know you really want this car but you could be buying a problem child. Take the car to a mechanic and find out where the problem is. If the oil pan gasket is leaking then ask the guy to knock off either enough to get it fixed or go half. If it is the oil sending unit above the oil filter then that is a cheap fix. If this car is in the condition you say it is in then ask yourself: Why is this guy so willing to sell it in the first place? Good Luck!

[Thanks GTP DAD, I thought the same about the need to sell on his part and he says it is his wife's car and they bought another car...new ford...Hmmm. I did ask him about the recalls done and he responded that they had it back for a couple of things but can't remember exactly what they were.
Are these Grand Prix's that irritating that people just can't wait to pawn...err or I mean sell them and buy another manufacturer's product? I have always liked the Pontiacs ( had a '67 GTO and '68 firebird many moons ago).

If this car is relatively easy to repair and maintain, it would be the perfect car car for my son to get to school and possibly have long enough to give to my daughter to learn on in a couple of years.

The price seems to be reasonable and if the inherent problems aren't too bad, I will jump on it. Again, in a very clean condition, does anyone with this vehicle sell for this price? I know what "Blue Book" says, but that can be very misleading. any suggestions?

Could possibly be the rear main oil seal. Tougher to diagnose and pretty expensive ($1000-$1400).

The price is very reasonable for a well maintainted car. Before you lay down the money take it to a mechanic and find out where the leak is coming from. It will be worth it in the long run. If it is rear main seal or oil pan gasket look for another vehicle especially if he won't lower the price to help defray the cost if the repairs.

I have a 1997 Grand Prix GT with a 3.8-K Motor. My wife likes it. I bought mine with 70,000 on it give or take. Just a friendly warning, be ready to spend a few bucks. If you have not owned one, read the postings that people have out there. These are nice cars but they leak everything. It is fortunate for me that I manage a shop and can do the work myself. I have replaced the lower intake gasket, which for me included new upper and lower gaskets, a new upper intake assembly, new valve cover gaskets, a coolant flush w/converting from Dex-Cool to EG, and thermostat. I replaced oil pan gasket, which was a bear. I had to either raise engine or remove cradle. I removed cradle and did mounts at the same time. Tire will run you around $550 for a good set. I also did a four wheel brake job. I used Brembo Rotors, which I am very impressed with and Akebone Ceramic Pads. I used semi-metallics last time and they squeaked like crazy. The ceramics are a very good alternative. I still have the problem many others have with the wet passenger side and the blower motor ready to fail. Both are probably connected. I have not had time to take of them. I like the car and my wife does. For us, we bought it right. If I was paying retail and paying a tech to do the work, I would have had around $3,000 in work done. Not to mention that the fuel injectors also have a tendancy to fail on these vehicles. I hope this gives you some insight on these vehicles.

Are you sure it's an SE? I thought they only put 3.1L in the SE's until 04.

The 3.8L 3800 is an excellent engine if properly maintained.

Thanks for the VERY indepth insight mauchrin. That really gives me some info I needed and proves this was indeed the best site I could have joined.

I am still interested in the 3.8 SE, but wasn't familiar with it's flaws or common repair needs. For $3500 with decent off brand tires, it sure seemed to be the perfect car for my son (or me!) to get into.

I'll be calling the owner tomorrow armed with some of your useful data.

Thanks again to all that responded and let all know how it comes out.

...75 Trump