Should I buy this Monte Carlo? Advice Please

[collegekid2008]

Okay, I am thinking about buying a 1996 Monte Carlo Z34. I really dont have much information about it at the moment, but here is what I do know.

It has 125,569 miles on it.

The dealer is asking $2750, but it needs a new fuel pump. He will reduce the price to $2600 if I put a new one it myself. He says his mechanic said the pump is "getting weak"
>>>How much would a mechanic charge for labor and parts?
>>>How hard would it be if I replaced it myself? I don't have much experience in working on cars, but my roommate works on his often. If its not too hard, I could get him to do it

He also said the car has a new fuel injector regulator.

Its all powered and has a spoiler. It looks real nice, but has a small rip in the seam of one seat.

I will add any more info as I receive it. Thanks a lot. Any help would be appreciated!

Also, the VIN is 2G1WX12XOT9263033. If someone can get a Carfax for me, I would greatly apprecitate it, Thanks

[fastmoney]

You can get a cheap pump for about $60.00 or 70.00

and labor is usually around 150.00

[phewop118]

I hate to say this, but I wouldn't look for a Z34 with mileage over 100k. The 3.4 is just too unreliable and too hard to work on and expensive to maintain, though it is very smooth and fast. Look maybe for a Z34 with the 3.8 (i think 97 and on, but might be 98 and on).

[richtazz]

IF you don't have mechanical experience, avoid this car like the plague. As the previous poster stated, the 3.4 DOHC is a tempermental, problematic, difficult bordering on impossible to work on boat anchor. To give you an example, changing an alternator on this car is a 6-8 hour job, and requires dropping the engine cradle down and removing an axle for clearance. How did the dealer determine the fuel pump is "weak". Unless it's noisy, it's either producing fuel flow within spec or not, there is no getting weak on an electric fuel pump. Pass on this car and find something more reliable, you'll thank me later.

[wafrederick]

I agree too,the 3.4 dohc is very expensive to fix and you will shake your wallet out for repairs.Stay away from it and find one with a 3100 or 3.8.The 3100 and 3.8 are the more reliable engines.The 3.8 is in the 1998 and up Monte Carlos.1997 was the last year for the 3.4 dohc.To work on the 3.4,you need special tools to work on it when replacing the timing belt and the special tools are from Kent Moore only.

[95montez34]

hey fellas. now dont get me wrong in anything i say here. i have the dreaded 3.4 DOHC 95 monte carlo. its pushing 118 thousand miles on it and i enjoy beatin the snot out of it. the one and only problem ive had with it is about two weeks after i bought the head gasket blew. we put it on the rack in my garage and tore the engine apart all the way to the gasket to replace it. it was out for about a week but we pulled it off. i wouldnt completely forget this car. again i trust the guys on here so dont go rushing to buy it. cya

[Kronikz34]

I Have A Monte Carlo Z 34 3.4 Dohc I Replaced The Timing Belt And All The Upper Gaskets Put A Sick 6 Ft Cold Air Intake I Got The Car 6 Mos. Ago With 7 Codes Down To 2 Codes I Love My Car Like I Love My Wife It Is A Nasty Beast Very fast And Reliable I Paid 3200 For Mine At 130000 Miles As Long As You Are Willing To Invest Money In Classic Buy It

[Tech II]

Why in the world would you buy a car from a dealer that has built in problems before you buy it?

The guys are right about this engine...avoid it like the plague....