Hey y'all, remember me? Been awhile.
In April I took a new job and my commute went from about 10 minutes to 60. Last October I bought a Saturn SL1 to replace my Trailblazer and it's been great for my commute. Until now.
The car is solid as a rock and really low miles, but I think the seat is taking its toll on my back, spending 100 miles and 2 hours a day in it. Not to mention my kids are growing and although usually I haul just myself and my gear, the other day I had to cram all 4 kids in it and it was... Interesting.
I've been patiently shopping and stumbled upon a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. 113k miles, located here in my hometown, and I can pay cash.
Anything in particular to look for? From what I've already gathered, the series 3 engines are pretty reliable, and the car seems to be in decent shape. Planning on looking at it tomorrow.
Stampie
MegaDork
11/18/21 6:43 p.m.
Hey Brandon! Glad to see you back. Don't know E36 M3 about those engines but just wanted to let you know I'm glad to see you back.
Doesn't the Buick version of that car come with a supercharger?
Good engines but the weakest link is the plastic coolant elbow. Factory version is plastic and $4.99 to buy replacement but the smart money is to spend the $8.99 and get the metal version.
The plastic versions crack and then coolant steams out but only under pressure and only while running. The steam vapors will get the block wet where it meets the head. It will seem like a leaking head gasket. It's never the HG, just thee little elbows. But, if the seller thinks it's the HG, the price could go down in your favor. It is common for the car to go low on coolant every two week but never seem to leave a puddle under the car. There will clearly be the distinct smell of coolant under the hood.
Pretty easy job to replace. Does require alternator to come off. Watch some videos because on bolt can only bee felt, not seen towards the firewall.
This quick video will show you where they are located.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEtMNmTzXH8&ab_channel=Barbour%27sAutoHelp
The 3800 will also give you the power of a small V8 and the economy of a large 4cyl which is a nice combination.
Expect 25 mpg combined
John Welsh said:
Good engines but the weakest link is the plastic coolant elbow. Factory version is plastic and $4.99 to buy replacement but the smart money is to spend the $8.99 and get the metal version.
The plastic versions crack and then coolant steams out but only under pressure and only while running. The steam vapors will get the block wet where it meets the head. It will seem like a leaking head gasket. It's never the HG, just thee little elbows. But, if the seller thinks it's the HG, the price could go down in your favor. It is common for the car to go low on coolant every two week but never seem to leave a puddle under the car. There will clearly be the distinct smell of coolant under the hood.
Pretty easy job to replace. Does require alternator to come off. Watch some videos because on bolt can only bee felt, not seen towards the firewall.
This quick video will show you where they are located.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEtMNmTzXH8&ab_channel=Barbour%27sAutoHelp
My Mom's Buick lost all it's coolant. Filled it up and it came pouring out the belt tensioner! Wut? They route coolant through there? The plastic elbows blew out.. It wasn't a hard job to replace though
