Advise wanted - Should I buy 99 Montana

[GSeven]

A dealer in town here has a 99 Montana with 65000mi, good shape all around for $6995. One owner, no accidents, 4 door, cd player, extended van. One problem that I found was a leaking real engine seal. Cost to fix is $450 to $500. I want to use the van for a long trip around the country for just myself, sleeping in it most of the time. They will not fix problem at $6995 price. Any advise or experience would be helpful. Thanks.

[GSeven]

I think it is a good price. What I am concerned about is reliability and what historically needs repair at this state in the history of this car.

[1Bradymichael]

Some other things to check........how are the brakes,tires,etc etc.

Tranny fluid smell burnt?
Original air filter yet?
This motor was/is FAMOUS for leaky intake and head gaskets.Make sure the areas by the intake and heads are not damp.This is a sure sign of trouble,and intake gasket replacement will run around 800$,head gaskets about double.

[umina]

Yah, the price is right on that van though. Pop off the radiator cap and look for sludge (peanut buttery texture) on the cap or inside the radiator. If you see it, walk away!! Also, pop off the oil filler cap and peer into the motor with a flashlight. Look for gunk on the rocker springs. It should be pretty clean inside if properly maintained with such low miles on it. Also drive it and inspect the shifts from the tranny. They should be pretty smooth, not rough or jerky between 1st and 2nd gear. Also, make sure all power options work, many people have had problems with water seeping into the vans and corroding electrical connections beneath the carpets. This would affect power windows and locks mostly. i've got a 99 with 87K miles on it and it runs like a champ for the miles and age, and they get great highway mileage. I've done as good as 29mpg on flat highway trips of about 400 miles. And i've put over 600 miles on it before filling up, it can just keep going and going and going......

[1Bradymichael]

"Mud" or "peanut butter" is not always a sign of trouble. A lot of times it is just a sign that the cooling system needs a good flushing. Trouble is it can be a sign of trouble from intake,etc.So checking under the oil fill cap is a good idea

[hazeldell]

Don't walk away from this vehicle. RUN. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!! I own a 98 and it is a nightmare. The litany of problems I have had are too many to list. G.M. stands for Garbage Motors. No wonder they are going broke.

[shogunl]

I second hazeldell

[big dave]

Originally Posted by shogunl

I second hazeldell

I have had a 95 Trans Port and now have a 00 Montana, Love them both.