Help-1997 Grand Prix GT

[Phoenix69]

Hey guys I’ve been looking for a car for some time now. I’d like it to be reliable, somewhat stylish, and at a low price. I recently have come across a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. The car has leather interior, CD player, premium sound, Head Up Display, MPG Display, alloy wheels, spoiler, and no scratches or damage to the body with a mileage of 48k. The dealership is asking for 7,800$, coming out to about 8,500$ after taxes, plates, and title. The car runs very well and has no apparent problems. The interior is spotless and the car appears to have been treated very well by its previous owner based on appearance. If any of you have two cents to say about the car I am willing to listen. I have heard about problems with the engine and transmission in the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L 3800 II V6 engine and oil leaks along with small problems such as faulty windshield wipers. I checked out the car and found that there was oil leaking or spilled on the passenger side oil pan, the coolant fluid needs to be flushed, the brake fluid needs to be flushed, there was condensation in the drivers side front turn signal, spilt battery acid on the battery try, and a small bit of weather stripping coming off. I need to act fast about purchasing the car and was wondering if any of you could give me some input.

summary:
97 grand prix GT for $7800 before taxes titles plates for sale
some oil on passenger side oil pan
needs brake fluid flushed along with coolant
condensation in front drivers side turn signal
a small bit of play in the wheel but not much

[BIG-L]

summary:
97 grand prix GT for $7800 before taxes titles plates for sale
some oil on passenger side oil pan
needs brake fluid flushed along with coolant
condensation in front drivers side turn signal
a small bit of play in the wheel but not much

Kelly Blue book says that its worth $8,515.....but before id pay the dealers price id have them fix the oil pan leak which we all have problems with along with leaking valve covers and as far as the battery leak, make sure the battery has been replaced,because the stock ACDelco had problems with acid leaking out of the post....also have them flush radiator and brakes.also there is a recall out for the wippers and for the rack and pinnion on 97/98 GPs and they should be able to check the Vin # to see if they have been preformed....~Larry~

[Phoenix69]

Thanks for the help, i appreciate it. I looked at blue book value of the car and for private seller its around 6,000$ and for dealership i see aroung 7,900, not 8,500, if you could explain how you came up with the figure of 8,500 id appreciate it (does that include tax?). Also, i've heard horror stories about pontiacs in general. My brother had a 94 quad four grand am and the car was a piece of garbage, a true true lemon. I was curious if pontiacs are reliable cars. The oil leaks to me sound costly, along with transmission valve body repair with seems to often fail not to mention several sensors in the motor. If anyone can help sort out these facts to me please do.

[BIG-L]

Thanks for the help, i appreciate it. I looked at blue book value of the car and for private seller its around 6,000$ and for dealership i see aroung 7,900, not 8,500, if you could explain how you came up with the figure of 8,500 id appreciate it (does that include tax?). Also, i've heard horror stories about pontiacs in general. My brother had a 94 quad four grand am and the car was a piece of garbage, a true true lemon. I was curious if pontiacs are reliable cars. The oil leaks to me sound costly, along with transmission valve body repair with seems to often fail not to mention several sensors in the motor. If anyone can help sort out these facts to me please do.

I think our cars are very reliable as long as you dont hammer them...most problems with our cars seem to be Oil pan gasket,valve cover gaskets,rear main seal,alternater.....since they are ran off of the PCM/OBDII there are a few sensors that in time will go and need to be replaced like the crank position sensor,low coolant sensor and as far as the tranny goes just make sure the fluid and filter gets changed at least twice a year and dont try and do pwr brake burn outs and it will last a long time..

Ive had the Oil pan,valve cover gaskets,rear main seal and water pump replaced under my extended warranty....other then that ive not had any other problems with the car....and ive owned it since it was new at the first of 98 and now have 81,000 on her.............~Larry~

[Phoenix69]

Hm, well for 7,900, 8,500 after taxes titles and plates, do you think that this is a decent deal? I don't think they have done any repairs on the things that you've mentioned. What would you say it would cost to do all of those things, including the fluid flushes? I'm not willing to spend over 1000$ in maintenance at the moment. It seems these cars do have typically more issues that others too.

[BFT]

I have the 1998 3.8 ltr SE and the car has 198000+ miles on it. The car performse well and just has the average problemss that all cars have as they get older. Take care of it and it'll take care of you.