Buying a Grand Prix

[Iron]

I recently sold my only vehicle and need a new one, I had formerly decided on an Impala but around here the Grand Prixs are a bit cheaper and honestly, I like them better too. There's a 2001 GT and a 2000 GTP that I am test driving in a few days. Are there any things about Grand Prixs that I should know about before testing these vehicles (any years I should try to stay away from, for example)? Are the supercharged versions in any way less reliable than the regular 3.8s?

Thanks!

[VR43000GT]

It's been a while since I have read up on them but I believe the GTP's have stronger transmissions compared to the n/a models. As far as the 3800 Series II motor, it is a very stout motor whether it is supercharged or not. Of course, when you add boost in the equation, it can be easier to blow a motor or damage internals if you mod without supporting mods (ie. just put on a smaller pulley and call it a day) and start to get knock. As much as I hated that damn Buick I drove when I was 14, the thing was nearly indestructable. The shifter was messed up on it (along with just about everything else inside the car) and I accidentally kneed the shifter into reverse going approx. 55 mph without even breaking anything! As long as you maintain them and don't rod the hell out of it, they seem pretty reliable from what I have read (the GTP that is).

[tblake]

2000 is getting up there man. I've had to replace quite a bit on mine recently (mainly due to crappy aftermarket replacement parts. List includes PS Lines, PS Pump, rack and pinion, lower control arms, struts, strut mounts x3 (dont ask), stabilizer bar, intermediate shaft, MAF, CPS, and my LIM gaskets are finally starting to leak.

the 3800NA is known for UIM meltdown issues which fills the combustion chambers with coolant. Both NA and SC (and pretty much all GM vehicles) have issue with LIM gaskets. I dont think GM has ever gotten a Lower intake manifold gasket right.

The only difference between the SC and NA tranny's is going to be the final drive of the SC trans is hardened, Other than that both trannys are identical.

As SL3000gt mentioned, boost and longevity usually dont go hand in hand althought I have been using mine as a daily driver and have had no major problems yet. Mine is taken very good care of though and was purchased after an old guy traded it in for a bonneville ssei. I have a few slight mods. I hardly ever rhomp on it, but I have taken a 4th gen firebird with a V8.