Grand prix from 90 to 96

[croselx13]

Hi There. I'm looking to buy a grand prix from the years 90 to 96 and would like to know any known issues with these cars other than window motors (3 out of 4 cars I call have this issue lol). I want a car that would last me at least 2 years without major repairs, want to know if it will last me that long if it has been well kept or rebuilt.

Has to be on this year range as I only have about 1.5k to spend. And would like recommendations on what to replace as maintenance other than the basic spark plugs, wires, oil, rotor, etc. once I buy it. thanks for your time.

 

[Scottydoggs]

there are cheep 97-99's out there but will most likely need work same as a 90-96.

i got my 98 regal for 800, and sunk like 800 to a grand into repairs, that i did my self and saved a ton of cash on.

 

[JessicaRebel]

there are cheep 97-99's out there but will most likely need work same as a 90-96.

i got my 98 regal for 800, and sunk like 800 to a grand into repairs, that i did my self and saved a ton of cash on.

I agree with scotty. If you can do the work, then it will save you a good chink of $$. I have yet to see a car in the cheap range not need repair, but if its really minor stuff, or something you can fix, then its not to bad.

On how long from all my experiance, if they have been well kept, they can last a long time. I know someone who had a 92 bought knew and lasted them till 2005, when it was crashed had a rebuilt put in around... may 2000.

Even if it was well taken care of though, stuff can happen and it can take a dump lol, also gotta keep it taken care of

 

[blueguy]

IMO...if you don't like work...stay away from the 3.4 DOHC Grand Prix...the 2.8 and 3.1 MPFI motors seem to run foreva

 

[croselx13]

I don't mind doing work on the car, I plan on doing any repairs to keep costs low as long as I feel confident doing it (no transmission rebuilds).

I bought a '92 mazda b2200 a year ago and the only repairs it has needed were a damaged rear brake cylinder and broken timing belt, both which were under 50$ together and about 2 hour work. Engine and transmission have not given me any issues and it has over 130k miles.

On my area (puerto rico) I have seen the 90-96s on the 1 to 1,6k range supposedly running well, with a/c, decent interiors, most windows working fine, etc., But I want to know if the 3.1L is a reliable engine and if the transmission is good as well. I don't mind rebuilding the engine if it can make it 2-3 years without other major issues. This car isn't popular around here, mostly taxis and old people use them, barely anyone on my age range (20-21) considers this car as an option lol. The later model 97-03 is upwards 2k and if anything goes wrong I won't have anything leftover for repairs.

Summary, I want to know if the engine is reliable before and after a rebuild(same for the transmission) and other common problems I should be aware of before test driving the car and what things I should replace as maintenance after I buy it. sorry clicked post twice and double posted

 

[croselx13]

I don't mind doing work on the car, I plan on doing any repairs to keep costs low as long as I feel confident doing it (no transmission rebuilds).

I bought a '92 mazda b2200 a year ago and the only repairs it has needed were a damaged rear brake cylinder and broken timing belt, both which were under 50$ together and about 2 hour work. Engine and transmission have not given me any issues and it has over 130k miles.

On my area (puerto rico) I have seen the 90-96s on the 1 to 1,6k range supposedly running well, with a/c, decent interiors, most windows working fine, etc., But I want to know if the 3.1L is a reliable engine and if the transmission is good as well. I don't mind rebuilding the engine if it can make it 2-3 years without other major issues. This car isn't popular around here, mostly taxis and old people use them, barely anyone on my age range (20-21) considers this car as an option lol. The later model 97-03 is upwards 2k and if anything goes wrong I won't have anything leftover for repairs.

Summary, I want to know if the engine is reliable before and after a rebuild(same for the transmission) and other common problems I should be aware of before test driving the car and what things I should replace as maintenance after I buy it. thanks for replies

 

[ctracer]

ive had my 95 for about a year now, and its held up well. i only put on about 10k since i got it and it has about 77k on it now. i just had to replace my alternator, but im not surprised seeing as how it was 16 years old. i inherited my car from my grandfather, and right before i got the car there was a suspension problem so he had it fixed, still not sure what was up with it. the thing to be mostly concerned about with the 3.1 is the LIM gasket, they ALWAYS go on these cars at some point in time. i woudlnt even say the transmission is GOOD, but it should last if you dont completely beat on it everyday. ball joints are something to look at as well, i hear the earlier generation eats through them. if i think of anything else ill pm you

 

[Scottydoggs]

best bet as always is to bring the car you are thinking about buying to a mechanic and have them inspect it, they should be able to tell you what don't look good or what maybe on its way, that's what i did and that visit gave so much leverage with the price, i had up to 1600 in repairs at the shop rate, and pounded the guy down to 800, they wanted 1800 for mine.

and knowing how to haggle will help, don't get all excited when you see the car, act like you could care less if you bought this car or not, and are shopping around.


if they want to sell it bad enough they will work with you most of the time.

i think i looked at 6 or 8 cars, and walked 15 or so used car lots too before i bought the one i have now. witch i got from a used car dealer. and the blue book value of my car in my area is 2500 in poor condition, and 3500 in excellent condition 3000 for fair.