Should I Buy Or Should I Not 2000 Pontiac Grand Am Se

[m5fromns]

My husband was in an accident this weekend that left us with no car and very little money to buy a new car and now we lose our rental car on Monday so we have to do something quick. The only decent car that we've found for what we can afford is a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am SE. It has 86,000 miles but sounds and looks like its been well taken care of. This car has to last us at least a year or two in the heat of Phoenix Arizona so I'm just wondering if any knowledgable people could be willing to tell me what you think, cause I know crap about cars and I can't find a lot on the internet other then that people have had brake problems. Also if anyone can tell me FYI facts like normal life span of a 2000 grand am's engine or anything to look out for or that I should know PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know, I would greatly appreciate it so much. Thanks, Kellie

[Hoags]

M5fromns, All I can tell you is that my experience with the Grand Am's is all positive. I have a 96 Grand Am GT and it has 118,000miles and is still going strong.

I used to sell Pontiacs for a dealer in PA. The GA was Pontiacs best selling car from the mid 80's on, and it was not unusual for me to see a trade in Grand Am with 150,000 plus miles on it and the car would get a very fair $ for the trade value. If I were buying a used car and if the car is as well cared for as you seen to think I would have no issues in buying a GA with 86,000 miles. But you may want to get the car checked buy a mechanic, and unfrotunately it is a car and unforseen things do happen.

Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.

I hope your Husband is OK! and Welcome to the Forum. If you happen to buy the GA, Don't hesitate to use the forum to ask questions. You can even send me a Private mesage (just click on my name on the thread screen) if you have any other questions.

Hoags

[doobiess]

well as for the GA you can go to the website gaownersclub.com and look for more info, Well as for what to do make sure you have a mechanic look it over.. just because the salesman says its well kept it might mean it just has never broke down yet.. Have the mechanic to look it over since i assume being a 3400 engine make sure the lower intake manifold gasket is inspected since they are prone for replacement. Also take on a test drive and test brakes since the GA doesnt quite have a fully sufficiant brake system.. ie. test the brakes make sure it dont pull either left of right.. and or get on the highway and when you brake check to see if there is any pulsating in the brake pedal if so.. you need parts replaced ..

My GA is a 94 3100 auto.. and i have 233 000 km's on it.. and my dad being a mechanic is shocked at how well my engine runs.. he says it runs like there is only 50 k on it.. So the GA can be a great car .. just make sure you maintain it and your mechanic approves of it.. and you should be good to go

[bmaynar2]

Test Drive It First And Look For Leaks In The Floor. I Suggest You Test Drive It While Its Raining!

[skibum1111]

A Carfax report might be a good idea as well. It will tell you about odomoter fraud, accident damage, recalls, things like that. I have a 95 gt with 239000 miles on it, and I have had a few problems, mostly after 200k miles. The quad motors are known for headgaskets, and the v6's are known for intake gaskets, but usually the head gaskets are around 150000 miles.

[jarhed]

I would not recommend a 2000 Grand Am. First problem is the almost instant and devastating loss of value. They just cannot seem to hold value whatsoever. Second, expect fuel injector clogging out the wazoo. Third, minor thing will start popping up like popcorn. For example, the drivers power seat motor. If you have a six way, it should be fine. The two way (height adjustment only) is a disaster waiting to happen. I've spoke to too many people around where I live about that problem. Nobody has seemed to figure out a fix other than buying new seats.

Just my .02, not trying to be an azz or anything. I personally wont buy another GM because of the way they treated me when I complained about some damage a GM dealer did to my car during a recall. So ends my 22 year love affair with anything GM.

[jarhed]

BTW, what engine does it have? 4 or 6 cylinder? Alloys? Sunroof? Spoiler?

[doobiess]

as i said only go to gaownersclub.com and ask them since all 100% of em own a GA and you can ask people specifically and see what they say to watch for and what not

[jarhed]

Originally Posted by doobiess

as i said only go to gaownersclub.com and ask them since all 100% of em own a GA and you can ask people specifically and see what they say to watch for and what not

Thats actually a very good piece of advice!! Matter of fact, I'm going there to find answers to the GA mess I'm in! Thanks doobiess!!

[m5fromns]

Thanks to all who gave advice, I greatly appreciate it and it was a great help. Found out the brakes have had problems and also the alternator sounds like it was going to go out. Plus we were able to finance a 2004 Chevy Malibu with a V6 and 20,000 miles for a lower monthly payment then we could have had we gone with the grand am, and we didn't have to fork over our $2000 so that was nice. Thanks to all! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!