Good car to get?

[Aphix]

Hey I was thinking of buying a Monte Carlo to drive to work. Its about a 40 mile commute altogether. I live in nebraska and the weather isnt always friendly, like the winter and such. Im also one who likes to do some recreational racing every now and then. I was looking at a mid 90s model because its what i can afford (around 3k or so) and I plan on buying it wrecked and fixing it.

[diesel1962]

Nah!! I would buy a rear drive V-8 car or pickup for winter driving.I live in a bad winter climate also(michigan).I have a non wrecked 95 monte that I would sell just to pay off the dammed bank!! Has blown head gasket,And I do not want to work on it in the cold weather (I do not have a garage)!! Have a good day!! Diesel 1962

[growe58]

Presumedly the people on this board own a Monte Carlo because they like them so I apologize if I'm stepping on any toes. The only reason my son has one because we got a great deal on it from a family member. While I appreciate the family members generosity, I don't think much of the Monte, a big car that basically only holds two people, lousy gas mileage considering the average performance and GM is absolutely clueless about seats. The engine suffers from major gasket (intake manifold and head) issues. It's difficult to work on. And the doors are bigger than some New England states.

On the plus side, it'll last a long time if you don't have a gasket issue, it's quiet and rides well, it's an attractive car (at least with the doors closed) and it's easy to find parts in the junkyard.

We've only done some limited driving in the snow, but GM usually gets that part right. Condition of your tires is critical of course in bad weather.

You're going to race a big, understeering front wheel drive car that only comes with automatic transmission? I'd spend my $3000 elsewhere. Toyota Celica anyone?

[Aphix]

When I said race I meant with people I meet on the highway.

[growe58]

Originally Posted by Aphix

When I said race I meant with people I meet on the highway.

That makes more sense. Big duh on me. For some reason, I assumed you meant SCCA or autocrossing or even drifting...

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by growe58

Presumedly the people on this board own a Monte Carlo because they like them so I apologize if I'm stepping on any toes. The only reason my son has one because we got a great deal on it from a family member. While I appreciate the family members generosity, I don't think much of the Monte, a big car that basically only holds two people, lousy gas mileage considering the average performance and GM is absolutely clueless about seats. The engine suffers from major gasket (intake manifold and head) issues. It's difficult to work on. And the doors are bigger than some New England states.

Having owned a few Montes in the past, all 1970's and 1980's versions, I can say with some experience that the mid 1990's Montes are no where near the size of their ancestors, especially when it comes to the doors LOL.( Ever try to change the door bushings on a '76 Monte Carlo? Not fun!) Isn't the intake gasket problem limited to the 3.4L engines? I have one in my '97 Venture and had to replace it with an updated version. I used to be able to sit 5 people in my Montes, and I would think the newer versions should be able to too, since they are still "midsized cars" albeit smaller in size than previous models.