thinking about buying a used Grand Am

i'm thinking about buying a mid 90's Grand Am. Don't have a particular one in sight yet, just sold off the mini-van and looking for something in this class. I've been reviewing the posts here to look for common problems and complaints, but would really like some input on years to look for or avoid and which engine is most reliable?

Also, I've never seen one with a "standard transmission". Did they make any with a stick shift?

I'd go with a 94 with a 3.1 L - 155 hp (available in stick). The 3.1 is a workhorse and is very hard to break. Those things last forever. You should be able to find one for 2900 to 3300 $$.

The most popular mid 90's grand am's with a manual transmission had the quad motors, they are kinda notorious for eating head gaskets. I personally have not seen one with a v6 and a manual transmission, but I have heard of them. Good luck.

Good choice of Grand Am's... 3.1 v6 does come in a manual, they are hard to find, i believe it was only available on the GT models between 94 and 95 model years... so if you are looking for one in the 3.1- standard, look into the GT's. Good Luck, Check out Ebay and autotrader, you may just get lucky

stick shift is not really a requirement, but 4 doors is. i haven't seen the GT in 4 doors. What's the SE model? any difference in supensions on the different models i should look for?

If you are going to buy an automatic, look for a v6 as the quad with an automatic won't get out of its own way

And I have seen a bunch of gt's with 4 doors, i even have one

There is not much difference between the SE and GT models. The Gt is said to have a better suspension, different body mouldings/bumpers and rims. Their are other "features" that with the GT as well but you can find most on the SE as well. The Gt is much sportier looking though, Both come with the same engines, (varies upon the year you look at) I do agree with skibum1111 if you get an automatic get the 3.1 V6.

Ditto on the 3.1 V6 w/automatic. The 5 spd would be more durable than the auto though. They are the most reliable, even the Olds 3.1s are hard to kill, and thats coming from the killer of all engines. I'm pretty sure the 4 door models are about 18" longer than a 2 door models.

hey, thanks for the info guys, really nice to see such an active forum. i post in the Bravada forum also.

i went to the Kelly Blue Book web site, kbb.com, and found out the 94 4door automatic has a trade in value of $1,090 and a high private party sales value of $2,260 in this area. right in my price range.

what kinda gas mileage are you guys getting with the v6 automatics?