Looking into a 98-01 or so Grand Prix

[Stealthee]

Hey guys. Name is Brian. Have been a long time poster here on AF but mainly in the 3000GT/Stealth and DSM area. I have had my Stealth for 8 1/2 years and its really beginning to show its age so its time to park it so I can fix it up right.

I am really interested in a 98-01 or so Grand Prix. I know they were the same from 97-03, but want to get as new as possible, without hurting my wallet too much.

I'd prefer a GT because of the slightly better styling and the 3.8 versus the 3.1. Are there any particular problematic things to look out for? Any particular years to avoid? Not sure if I have heard it about them or not, but how are the transmissions longevity? Are the spark plugs as much as a pain in the butt to change on a 3.8 as they are on the 3.1?

How about gas mileage? I read around online and saw some people saying 25 mpg day to day driving, and 30 mpg on trips. Speaking of trips how big is the trunk? Is there a difference in trunk size between the coupe and sedan? And how about comfort while driving on long trips? My Stealth has coilovers and is still suprisingly confortable. I have driven 400 miles non stop in it before. If a GP GT can't match that then I don't want it.

I know I am asking a bit of questions, but whatever answers you can supply, or even a link to a similar post would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

[tblake]

Hey Brian, welcome to the GP forum.

Like you said the newer the better. Best to try and find one from an older person because a kid is going to rape it. Your looking into a GT instead of a SE, but you didn't mention a GTP. If you do decide to get a GTP, its probably a good idea to find one that has not been modded, and if you want to mod it, di it yourself just so you know its done right. As far as plugs, I can change mine out in about a half hour, and thats taking my time. (You don't have to remove the upper intake plenum to get the back 3 plugs out, like on the stealth, LOL!). Trans's depending on who you buy it from and how well it was taken care of. I have heard of people having a lot of trans issues. Mine is the original at 160,000 and shifts like new. But I baby it as much as possible. Other common issues include Lower Intake Gasteks leaking coolant (on all motors, 3100, 3800NA, and 3800SC), and the Upper intake plenum on the 3800NA motors warping which can hydrolock a motor and worst case scenario bend or break a connecting rod. Other than that, pretty common repairs include wear items like brakes and shocks. Mine's been a great car, super easy to work on, and cheap to buy parts for. Its got 160k, drives like it has 10k, and I'd trust it to get me anywhere I need to go.

Good luck on your decision.

[Stealthee]

Highly appreciate the response. I'm really not looking for a GTP because I will want to mod it. I want something that can be a reliable daily driver. I currently drive 25 miles to work and just need a cruiser, and not a "sports car".

I'll probably start looking hardcore toward the end of the month. I'll have to take a few for a ride to see how I like them.

Any other advice anyone can bring forth is appreciated.

[richtazz]

I have a 99 GT, and it has been a good car. To add to Tim's list, typical problems with these cars are front hub bearings (ABS sensor issues), front lower control arm bushings, power steering pumps (they leak and growl), fuel pump/level sensor, and transmission pressure control/shift solenoids. Most of these problems crop up around the 125k and higher mileage.

The first 2 problems are common with all GM vehicles with ABS, and I feel the suspension/hub issues are as much the fault of the horrible road conditions here in the snow belt more than the vehicle design. The fuel pump/level sensor issue is at least easy to service, as there is an access panel in the trunk so the tank doesn't have to be dropped. I am very happy with my Grand Prix. It's a nice looking, nice performance, all around great commuter car. If I had it to do over again, I'd buy it again!

[Stealthee]

After so many years of 3/S ownership as well as a few DSM's in that time I have become a very seasoned mechanic. Minor issues don't scare me.

Appreciate all the input. If someone else feels the need to add a comment, please do. If I have another question I will be sure to add it as well.

[TDWPgtp]

ive had my 97 gtp for 4 years now and, although its had its problems, i still love it. in fact, my parents offered to give me my moms 2006 G6 GT (pretty close to fully loaded) but i turned it down cuz i love my Grand prix too much =) i find mine very comfortable over long trips as well

if your going to do turbo work, dont get a GTP, but if your down to work with a supercharger, by all means, get the GTP!

as far as any other common problems... they hit all the major ones i think. one more major is the rear main oil seal. from what i understand those tend to go near 100k. other very minor problems that are common include warped window tracks, which arent too hard or expensive to fix, minor (depending if you take care of it) rust under the fuel door and along the rear bumper by the wheel wells, and heater issues. i think that pretty much covers it.

again, its had its problems, but i still love it

[jeep2002]

I used to have a 2000 GT then traded to a 2002 GTP. You can mod a GTP and get wonderful gas mileage. I get 35-36 mpg with the cruise set on 55 and i have done alot to mine....and nothing inside the motor. I have not had one single problem with mine and I bought it with 6 miles on it.

[rkvons]

I bought my '98 GTP new. I love it. Always have. 75K miles. It's had a few issues that have been addressed. I've never given it a tuneup yet. Filters, brakes, whatever. But when I go to start it, it starts within a second every time and runs as smooth as silk.

[Stealthee]

Hey guys. Thought I'd drop back in for a few. Last Thursday I found out I blew my 4th differential and 5th transmission in the last 3 years in my Stealth. It's gotten to the point to where I can't trust it. The owner of the company I work for loves the job I do and he owns a lot of properties around the area and put me in contact with a local used car dealer.

I went there Friday night and found an 07 Grand Prix GT. It was already marked under book and he knocked a few hundred off the price since I came "highly recommended". The only negative against the car is the mileage. It sits with 123k, but looks like it has 23k. Because of the mileage the lots banks only wanted to give me 36 months on a loan and even with my $3000 down the payments would kill me. I'm going to try to go to my own bank and do a personal loan. I can also look into a loan with State Farm Bank.

I honestly really, really want this car. Its loaded with just about everything but navigation. The supercharger is muted, but the power is there. My mom gave me a ride into the lot and when test driving it she asked me "I wonder how fast it is?" I looked back at her and just said "Dumb question." and smashed the throttle. I let off after a few seconds but it got the point across.

Wish me luck. I'm hoping to be able to get things finalized and be able to drive it this week.

[BNaylor]

Good luck

[tblake]

Sorry to hear about the stealth trans. But don't let it go for dirt cheap. They are still up their in value.

[Stealthee]

Well I picked up my 07 Grand Prix GT today.

The only issue right now is it seems one of the lights on the radio display is burnt out. Its the one closer to the center on the display itself. Its got some light, but its harder to see further into the word. Does anyone know how to repair or replace that bulb?

[olopezm]

Hello,

Congratulations on your new GP!

I think this might be what you're looking for, there is a link to a video in post number 10

Radio Backlight Lamp Replacement

Best regards,

Oscar.

[Stealthee]

Well you had the right intentions, unfortunately the one link in that thread is dead, and the other for the removal wants me to pay $5 to get the instructions for removing the 04-08 radio.

I'm sure some google searches will net me the answers I seek unless someone else has a different write up.

[olopezm]

No, there is a video down there in post #10, I have pasted the link for you:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWzXaPL8MgQ

I guess I should have done that since the beginning... I don't know how different is to remove the radio, but in my '97 you only have to remove the bezel surrounding the radio and instrument cluster.