2000 & 2001 Lumina chronic problems?

I am new to this forum. I hope I am doing this correctly.

I am thinking of buying a '00 or '01 Lumina. I have spent months looking at several web sites that show recalls and problems with these cars and get very little inormation.

Is there anyone on this forum that is familiar with these 2 years with the 3.1 L engine that can give me any feedback as to: chronic problems? Defects? Am I wasting my money? Will this car be always breaking down? If I do buy one of these, what would I be careful to look for before I purchase it?
Are there any another Chevrolet models ( 1996 to 2001) that are more reliable? I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me.

The car I have now is a 1985 Monte Carlo, I bought 21 yrs. ago, (4.3 L engine) with 229,000 miles on it. The transmission is just now starting to slip and get temporarily stuck in certain gears if I drive it more than 15 to 20 miles, otherwise it does fine. that is why I am looking for a different car.
Also, I know nothing about working on cars, I have a good reliable mechanic to go to.

Thank you,
Clyde Howell

Intake manifold gaskets are the biggest issue here some have been done most that haven't will need it, I would try to find a Buick or maybe Olds with the 3.8, the 3.1 is fine except for the intake problem. The 3.8 has upper intake issues but is much cheaper to fix. Trans can be a some time problem with the o/d unit but not chronic. My 1997 Lumina 3.1 ran 180 k with no major problems, but I had it from new a it was very carefully maintained, I now have a 99 LTZ 3.8. also a good car.

Intake manifold gaskets are the biggest issue here some have been done most that haven't will need it, I would try to find a Buick or maybe Olds with the 3.8, the 3.1 is fine except for the intake problem. The 3.8 has upper intake issues but is much cheaper to fix. Trans can be a some time problem with the o/d unit but not chronic. My 1997 Lumina 3.1 ran 180 k with no major problems, but I had it from new a it was very carefully maintained, I now have a 99 LTZ 3.8. also a good car.
Than you very much for answering my questions. Canyou tell me what is the model LTZ ?
Thamk you,
clyde howell

I myself love my car, its very dependable, and has never broken down on my yet, 65,000 miles, intake gaskets seem to be holding up also. If I were you, I'd look at a 98 lumina ltz, it has the 3.8 in it, like maxwedge said and is very dependable. However, my 3.1 is a very strong motor, and everything that needs to be dont under that hood, with the right know how, I am able to do it. I also get about 27 mpg mixed highway and city driving, not bad at all for being a bigger car and with my driving habits. All in all, the 2001 is a good strong solid car, and 2000 is more than likely the same. The luminas were phased out to make way for the impalas, so before you buy, check out an impala, they come standrad with the 3.8 and an ss will come with a supercharged 3.8. DROOL. Well, good luck, either 2000 or 2001 lumina will be a good choice. take care.