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Just bought 2000 GTP - Did I get ripped off?

T

Tfreeds

New member
Hi all,

I just bought a 2000 Grand Prix GTP w/92k, blk on blk looks good inside and out probably repainted. Well it was about 10 degrees when I bought it and evidently didn't check it out very good. The car seems to run good, has power, good brakes/steering. Here's what I have found since buying the car one week ago:
Bad power window motor - replaced
ABS/TCS comes on started intermittant now most of the time
washer pump not working - no sound when button is pressed & leaks
Both floorpans soaked with water - trying to get dry - hoping sunroof wasn't closed completly caused this - I knew motor needed help to close when I bought it.
Poor Gas Mileage showing 11 mpg
Temp guage only goes up to 180-190 if that
Valve covers leaking - thay cleaned the floor in the garage b4 i got there
Heat works but not very good
I'm afraid to try the AC

I know a lot of this is minor easy to fix stuff but it just seems to be one thing after another. Of course the seller told me everthing worked - no problems man. fxxxxxg Liar.

I need to start with the water leak and tune up

The car is a 2dr and looks really sharp I paid 5,200

Your thought -Advice

Thanks
 


Ouch.. Just bought a 2000 with more miles for 2K.. So you might a paid a little to much. but all the things you mentioned are easy fixes for the most part.
 


Since you already have the car, I would suggest for you to work on the most important/drivability issues.

I would replace those valve cover gaskets quickly. There is a recall bulletin for the front one... prolly can get it replaced free from a GM dealer. Get your VIN number and call a local GM dealer and ask if the recall service has been completed or not. But these cars are known for catching on fire... so I think thats the first thing to address.

I would change the oil, tranny fluid & filter, and coolant. Check belts and hoses for cracks ..etc. The ABS/TCS issue is most likey the sensors in the front wheels behind the rotors. It would be a good idea to get the car scanned for Check Engine codes as well. Once you have those you can come here and see what the issue is.

You got the car now, lets make it better. Also, check out the HOW TO section on the forum. Lots of good info there.
 
You did pay too much for the car. But, you just have to deal mostly with the notorious GP issues that most of us have had to deal with. If they haven't dealt with it, the previous owner did, or they will soon have to deal with it, then their cars won't seem such a good deal. Your car's issues are somewhat cheap to fix. Just takes your time to fix them and the know how to do it.

Plugs and wires - $50
Thermostat - $15 probably fixes whats most likely your heat problem or heater core that would need flushed which is free. Just your time.
Water in the floor board - $2-50 depending on probably the weather stripping fell off and/or leaking sunroof.
Washer fluid pump - $10

Most expensive will be probably a wheel bearing.

Power window motor.... could be a switch, regulator or just the motor. What happens to the defective window when you push the switch? Any sound? All the other windows work?

Anyway's, I bought my GP for $1500 and now have about $3500 in it. Still has issues, but they are minor. Don't feel too bad, most of your problems are cheap to fix, but it just sounds bad with the long list.
 
Thanks all for the input, Just drove the car and the heat works fine my son drives the car to work and works close to home probably didn't give it time to warm up. I rplc'd the window motor fixed that prob. $50. Just got back from the auto parts store, oil, filter, washer pump, pcv, fuel filter, valve cover gaskets. Still need the plugs and wires since I plan on doing everything at once. Will try a new thermostat maybe they put 160 degree in? I am going to a repair shop tomorrow to check the codes for the ABS/TCS. The rear valve cover gasket looks like it will be fun. Still having trbl drying out the carpet- might try the heat gun tip I read on the subject.
 


195* if you're stock, maybe a 180 if you're gonna try to move down to a 3.4" pulley, which would also require other mods... Namely exhaust and not catback.
 
matt5112 said:
195* if you're stock, maybe a 180 if you're gonna try to move down to a 3.4" pulley, which would also require other mods... Namely exhaust and not catback.
Click to expand...

I think he just wants to get his stock gtp running good. If he does a 180 t-stat his temps will be all over the place in a mix of around town driving and out of town driving since his PCM is programmed to kick the fans on at stock temps. But if you want to mod the car, then do what matt says, if you want to stay stock, go with the stock t-stat and plugs.
 
Joel, Your dead on I just want to get everything running good, Right now the temp guage doesn't go above 175 but both rad hose are warm to touch
 
Tfreeds said:
Joel, Your dead on I just want to get everything running good, Right now the temp guage doesn't go above 175 but both rad hose are warm to touch
Click to expand...

If thats even after sitting in heavy traffic then your car probably has either a failing t-stat or a 180.

Just get the 195 and a gasket and call it a day.
 


Good luck gettin her all put back together
The water in the floorboards sucks and can be a pian to get dry
as has been said you got hosed on price but at the same time all the issues arent that bad and if you have the ability to fix them its all good
 
Honestly the temp gauge sounds correct. The gauge on my 99 starts at 160, norml runing temp is 180-190. The neddle really does not move, but the gauge goes a lot higher. I replaced my coolant temp sensor thinking there was an issue. It was normal and I read the temps with my scan tool to verify, the gauge was correct.

For the power sunroof issue. Mine also needed help to close, not all the time but it did open and close slowly. Sometimes it would stick..

I did this mod here...

ZZ Performance

And it fixed it! It opens perfectly every time now. It is amazing what grounds can and do, do! Check it out it is free and cannot hurt.

The water on the floor could be clogged or disconnected sunroof drain hoses. The run from the roof, down the A pillars. The water on the pass floor could also be from water entering through the blower fan. Search the site here, there are threads on the issue and how to fix.

My washer pump was bad too and leaked. Get a new pump, usually $10 and also the rubber fitting. If you cannot find the fitting, just use a scrap piece of rubber hose. The rubber cracks as it ages. I repalced my pump and still had a small drip, then I replaced the rubber fitting. No drips now!

Go to a Pontiac dealer with the cars VIN and ask them if the oil issue recall has even been done. They will be able to tell you.

Poor fuel milage could be a very diry air filter, or failing oxygen sensor(s). Replace the filter and monitor. If still bad, go to rockauto.com and get both O2 sensors, they have the best prices. It probably would not be bad to replace them, due to mileage.
 
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