97 GT vs. 96 eighty-eight

[civicMR7]

Ok folks, I need some serious decision making that I am having a hard time doing on my own, so all you car guru's out there please give me some insight.
About two weeks ago I had my civic stolen, they took it all =(. Life sucks and Im over it, but now I need a new car. I am split between two cars a 97 gt coupe and a 96 oldsmobile 88 sedan.

The gt is at 87,000 miles, leather package, no sunroof. The owner is a guy who lives on a farm, id say 25-30 years old. He told me it had the rack and pinion recall, 1 year old tires paid 170 a piece on, and a 700 dollar tune up recently.

The olds 88 is at 37,000 miles, no leather, pw/pl. He bought it from an elderly women at 20k and put 17k highway. He had to replace the shocks, 6 months ago, and the struts and springs 2 weeks ago. He also replaced the tires at purchase.

The gt is going for 3,500 and the olds 88 is going for 3,700. Now I know these cars both have a 3800 II series gm motor, so they both have some pickup. My main concern is what else could go wrong with the pontiac if I lean that way (ie transmission, intake gasket, oil pan leak). I feel that if i choose the olds 88, i wont encounter problems for a while becuase of the low miles, as opposed to the gt which has 50,000 miles on it.

What do you think is the right decision?

[kustomkid54]

Troubles most of the time have nothing to do with miles. They have a lot to do with how someone has taken car of the car. And how hard the car has been driven.
I have a GT (and a GTP and a GTX) they are nice cars. Fast for what they have. What I've found out is, most guys with a Gt kick themselfs for not buying a GTP. With all the bolt on parts, ("horse power and a low cost"). You can turn 40 extra HP for around $250.00.
If your just going to drive back and forth to work, buy either cars. If your going to want to race it...

[civicMR7]

ok now how would any of yall rate the gp vs. a honda civic, accord, or integra with about 120k miles.

my main concern is the upcoming repairs, ie. intake gasket, head gasket. how and when do i expect expensive repairs like that...

[austin944]

I have had an Integra a Accord and currently 97 GTP. I was considering a GT but found a GTP for a few hundred more. All are great cars. Bot honda and acura went to 180k before I sold them. Great cars but prices for part are high. I would go with the GT or if you can find one a GTP. These are the easiest cars to work on and you can find parts anywhere. Go with the GT.