Anyonje familiar with the 2004 era Pontiac Grand Prix?

[makenzie71]

Kalee needs a new car with four doors and we're looking at Bonnevilles and Grands Prix (I think that's the proper plural).  Anyway, we found a 2004 GT that's really clean in and out and fairly low miles (67k) but I rally don't know much about the cars.  I know I like the motors...GM's 3.8 is pretty grunty and gets an easy 30mpg on the highway all day long and they sound straight badass with a K&N intake....man that engine knows how to breath...but the rest of the car is alien.  What's the difference between the GT and the other trims?  I know the GTP (if it was made in that era) is the supercharged version but that's all I got.  Anyone here own one or know of any common quirks?

[GeeP]

I wouldn't touch one with a 10-foot hot stick, especially if I could find a 318.  Soooo much easier to work on.   

[makenzie71]

not my car...kalee's car.  I drive a 328 for a reason.  I get the toys I want, so she gets the ones she wants.

What's wrong with a grand prix?  particular issues or personal preference?

[GeeP]

I've never been very happy with any of the big three's quality.  I have no direct experience with the Grand Prix, but I do have experience with S-10's, Blazers, and Oldsmobile Ciera's which, I believe, have the same basic engine.  They like to blow head gaskets, radiators, and water pumps with startling regularity.  Removing the oil filter on the fwd V-6 engine involves having arms about 5' long with four joints.  Even then, you'll still drip oil all over your face.

That, and automatic transmissions of any brand are just asking for trouble.  I don't believe you can buy that car with a manual.

If she has her heart set on that particular car, well, there's noting wrong with that.  I'm just totally allergic to difficult to maintain vehicles.     

[shiznizbiz]

im not a big fan on front wheel drive anything.  Too much crammed into one space. on a side note. i did have a 2nd gen z24 cavileir that i gave to a freind and he transplanted a 3800 v6 and tranny from a grand prix gtp into it.  That fucker screamed! he didnt really have any problems from it. just complained when he had to do oil changes.

[makenzie71]

The olds cierra had GM's 3.3 which wasn't really all that great.  The Grand Prix has the 3.8 which is a very good engine...very strong, been around longer than the GS.  I had the same engine in a Buick LeSabre...the engine was great, very strong, but the transmission slipped anytime I towed something...but it was never designed to tow.

I do look at maintenance when I buy a car...be it for me or else...and I checked this car over.  The filter and tranny pan are both within easy access and the bay is pretty spacious...which did surprise me because it's not as big a car as her mother's Bonneville yet the Bonneville's engine bay is much more cramped.  I'll also add that Kalee's current Monte Carlo has an oil filter that's pretty easy to get to

[jserio]

my sister had a 2001 Grand Am (i know, not exactly the same) and it was an awesome car while she had it. (was not responsible enough to make payments.  )
it had quite a bit of zip to it. had a v-6 if i'm not mistaken. got ok mileage. i personally think that the v-6 engine is a great happy medium. decent power and still decent gas mileage as well. if it's what the wife wants and you're comfortable with the maint and feel good about the overall general quality of the car i say go for it.  just my 2 cents. 

[shiznizbiz]

The olds cierra had GM's 3.3 which wasn't really all that great.  The Grand Prix has the 3.8 which is a very good engine...very strong, been around longer than the GS.  I had the same engine in a Buick LeSabre...the engine was great, very strong, but the transmission slipped anytime I towed something...but it was never designed to tow.

I do look at maintenance when I buy a car...be it for me or else...and I checked this car over.  The filter and tranny pan are both within easy access and the bay is pretty spacious...which did surprise me because it's not as big a car as her mother's Bonneville yet the Bonneville's engine bay is much more cramped.  I'll also add that Kalee's current Monte Carlo has an oil filter that's pretty easy to get to

what year monty does she have?

[makenzie71]

1999 with a 3.1 i think.

[shiznizbiz]

hmmm, 91.....round, no "sexy" fender lines looks a shaZam! ton like a lumina?

[makenzie71]

pretty much a lumina coupe...a bit nimbler and mroe rigid but still.  Been a rpetty good car.  She's had it through my Supra, Porsche 944, and my bimmer and it's never left her stranded...something I can't say about my vehicles.

[The Buddha]

pretty much a lumina coupe...a bit nimbler and mroe rigid but still.  Been a rpetty good car.  She's had it through my Supra, Porsche 944, and my bimmer and it's never left her stranded...something I can't say about my vehicles.

Oh yea ... which is atleast 1 reason I dont work on cars with a vengeance. Plus, if I do, I wont have time for any thing ... already I dont ...
Yea ... you want your carbs ... OK OK yea comming ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[ohgood]

I wouldn't touch one with a 10-foot hot stick, especially if I could find a 318.  Soooo much easier to work on.   

not with a 10 foot hot stick wrapped in braided kevlar, super glued to the OTHER end of the space shuttle, sitting on an iceburg, remote controlled from new zealand for me.

i've had GM products, never again. even if they started (the HORROR!) making them in the US again.

ford, nope.

dodge, sorry.

The big T is for me. I'm lazier by the minute.


As far as what women want, give it to her. You're screwed either way if it turns out to be a POS or a wonderful machine.