Hello, not new to Pontiac but this is my 2nd Grand Prix. I have always been a pontiac fan with my most fun car being a 1999 Trans Am that I used to drag race long ago. I've long since got rid of the car due to family growth and wife at the time (now divorced).
My first Grand Prix was a 1991 Grand Prix LE. And I had that car from 55k miles and when I traded it off the mileage was up to 182,000 and the car was still running strong. Never gave me problems other than the motor mounts being replaced and 1 alternator. It was all highway driving.
This 1997 Grand Prix GT is what I got now and since it's just me and my 2 kids we fit perfect. The previous owners sadly did not take the greatest care of the car but it still looks good. There is parts where the paint is coming off on the trunk and two minor dings/slashes in the front bumper where it looks like they ran into something. But it's nothing major.
As for problems, just cosmetic for the most part. Dash board is coming apart, looks due to heat and age. And some electrical problems here and there but again simple stuff that I can resolve over time.
The only major problem I have with this car (bought it last Friday, has 140,000 miles on it) is the coolant. I know the LIM and UIM are the most common problems for coolant leaks but it doesn't seem to be coming from there. I've looked all over that and the top of the Transmission and don't see any leakage or anything wet there. But there is a leak as I have to replace the coolant. I put a coolant sealer in for the meantime just in case till I get the funds together to get it checked out.
However going under the car the leaks seems to be all aimed at the (if facing the car) the right front side. Just below the holding tank and radiator. I am thinking it's either a hose or elbow joint for them. I'll probably get the coolant flushed and just replace all hoses and joints anyway due to it's age and mileage. I plan on keeping this car for a long time so might as well get it done.
Thanks and looking forward to some reading on this site.
Mike
My first Grand Prix was a 1991 Grand Prix LE. And I had that car from 55k miles and when I traded it off the mileage was up to 182,000 and the car was still running strong. Never gave me problems other than the motor mounts being replaced and 1 alternator. It was all highway driving.
This 1997 Grand Prix GT is what I got now and since it's just me and my 2 kids we fit perfect. The previous owners sadly did not take the greatest care of the car but it still looks good. There is parts where the paint is coming off on the trunk and two minor dings/slashes in the front bumper where it looks like they ran into something. But it's nothing major.
As for problems, just cosmetic for the most part. Dash board is coming apart, looks due to heat and age. And some electrical problems here and there but again simple stuff that I can resolve over time.
The only major problem I have with this car (bought it last Friday, has 140,000 miles on it) is the coolant. I know the LIM and UIM are the most common problems for coolant leaks but it doesn't seem to be coming from there. I've looked all over that and the top of the Transmission and don't see any leakage or anything wet there. But there is a leak as I have to replace the coolant. I put a coolant sealer in for the meantime just in case till I get the funds together to get it checked out.
However going under the car the leaks seems to be all aimed at the (if facing the car) the right front side. Just below the holding tank and radiator. I am thinking it's either a hose or elbow joint for them. I'll probably get the coolant flushed and just replace all hoses and joints anyway due to it's age and mileage. I plan on keeping this car for a long time so might as well get it done.
Thanks and looking forward to some reading on this site.
Mike
