Maybe a newbe

Hi GP Gang,
I'm considering a '96-'00 GP w/3.8 .
Is there anything I need to consider in your opinion?
Thanks

Welcome.

To start you can scratch off looking for a '96 GP with a 3800. Doesn't exist. The SII 3800 was first available for the 1997 model year. There are alot of variables to consider. There are 3 models with different trim levels, engines and transmissions. The SE, GT and GTP. If you are looking for performance consider getting a GTP.

I agree with bnaylor on the GTP. I bought my GT, because I think the 97-00 SE front facia with the anteater grill is ugly (the 01-03 SE's have the same facia as the GT and GTP) , and at the time I didn't like the price of premium fuel the GTP likes. When I'm done with this car, I will be looking for a GTP, as they are so many bolt-on modding options to suit your need to go faster than they already are stock and I'm still a kid at heart. If gas prices don't scare you, the GTP is the way to fly. I believe you can't go wrong with any model Grand Prix, it's all personal preference.

I think the 97-00 SE front facia with the anteater grill is ugly
i agree with you on that too rich

Hey thanks for the info. Since it'll be what I'll suggest to my daughter, I'll likely pass on the blown version. Are the transmissions holding up OK? I had a shift solenoid go bad on my '97 Bravada which then burned up a set of clutches $$$$$$$.
CV joints? Heater cores & AC evaporators? Looks like those are right in the middle of the firewall making complete dash removal necessary...what do you think? Fuel pumps?
I think I saw the crankshaft position sensor right up front and easy to get to...water pump too.

Not too many issues on evap cores and heater cores on 97-03 GP's that I know of so I wouldn't worry about that. The trunk has an access door for the fuel module if it goes, so dropping the tank isn't necessary. Hub bearings, blower motor speed resistors, trans solenoids, and ignition harness assemblies are the biggest/most common GP issues.

I think the 97-00 SE front facia with the anteater grill is ugly
I couldn't agree more, but I got too good a deal on my SE to pass it up. How hard is it so change out the front clip to the GT style?

You can pretty much plan on the blower resister crapping out. My dad had both a '99 and '01 GP as company cars (the 99 is now mine) and we've replaced 3 blower moter resisters in the last 4 years.