How reliable are the mid 90's Luminas

[86Bird]

say around 96-98 or so?
Asking because I need another car to deliver mail in part time
My 93 with 150k is starting to nickel and dime me and its just stuip little shit but it always seems to happen when I need her.

[jeffcoslacker]

I can only speak for myself. If you were to read this forum, you would think they are pieces of junk. But that's why people come here, to discuss difficult to figure out problems. So I wouldn't put too much stock in what you see here.

As far as my own-it has been a fantastic car (1997) since new, it has only required front brakes, a battery, and I put on a new water pump and belt before taking a road trip, just for piece of mind, they hadn't gone bad yet.

At 115,000 miles now, I just replaced the factory plugs, and serviced the transmission. Both done for reasons of overdue maintenance, not because of any problems.

I would buy another one in a heartbeat, if they hadn't been discontinued. I expect the same reliability and durability will come from the new Impala, being based on the Lumina platform, with time-tested components under the new sheet metal.

I bought a 2000 Impala when they first came out, and aside from some minor fit and finish issues that are to be expected in a first year run, it seemed to be an excellent car. I only traded it in because of money concerns, not because I was unsatisfied with the car.

I think if you were to get one of either from a source that can verify the maintenance, you can't go wrong. I am a believer in certified used, I have had three cars now that were GM certified used, all were former fleet rentals, and all have held up very well.

Hope this helps!

[86Bird]

The 93 I have now has been a fairly good car. Its just getting old and worn out so now its little shit. But the motor and trans are still going strong

[jeffcoslacker]

This powertrain in its' different incarnations have been a proven winner for GM. I was reluctant to even consider a domestic FWD car until these came along. They are as good or better than any the Asians build. 'Course, they are all built in Mexico now, I think. At least my Impala's was. Engine and trans origin Mexico. Body-Canada. I think they put the hubcaps on here, or something.

[jeffcoslacker]

Only one recall (that I'm aware of) for all the buhzillions of this version that were made says good things too, to me. Lower pinion bearing, in case you are wondering.

[tblake]

ha, I stopped to get gas a few days ago, and this beauty pulled in next to me. he got out, and we were talking, his was I believe he said a 1995 Lumina Ls, he told me it had 190,000 miles on it, and the only thing he had to ever do to it was replace the alternator. I had asked him this because I was curious to see what to expect from my baby, a 2001 lumina. Thats amazing, all those miles, and only an alternator. And no, he wasnt a grandpa, and defenatly not a sunday driver out early. Anyways, I get consumer reports, and so far the best year for luminas is 1998. If you could get a 1998 LTZ with the 3.8, that sob will last forever.

[jeffcoslacker]

The 3.8 is one bulletproof motor, you got that right. As many alternators as I put on Chevy 3.1's, I expected to have to put one on by now. But it has the "ball shaped" one, not the angular old AC/Delco style, these seem to last forever. They look like a Jap alternator......hmmm...I wonder...

[bcuellar]

95C55 951001 Campaign - Rear Brake Hose Contact
95C55A 951001 Campaign - Rear Brake Hose Contact (Supplement)
95C08 941021 Campaign - A/T Defective 2nd Clutch Reaction Plate

[cadgear]

In the 5 years my car's been around it's been trouble free, according to its first and only owner (until me). She kept the changable stuff changed and the car gave her a smooth ride.

I believe if you keep any car up, it'll keep up with you.