stiff steering at slow speeds (2000)

We are interested in buying a 2000 Sunfire and it seems to be very sound - all the fluid levels are normal and there isn't any leaking. The only issue we had was with the power steering. It worked fine when we were driving down the road, but was noteicably stiffer at slow speeds. The owner said it has always been like that and assumed it was common for Sunfires. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks. Terri

it sounds like your power steering went. to see if it works start the car pop the hood and have one person listen for a nosie when you turn the wheel if you do not hear a nosie then it s not working. another way to check is turn on the car so your steering colum unlocks and turn the wheel then start the car and turn the wheel and if it feels the same as when the car was off then its not working.

hope this helps you