Possibly buying a Grand Prix, need advice

[buddhamanjb]

Hi all. I am thinking about buying a 2000 Pontiac grand prix GTP. Car looks and runs pretty solid, but this would be my first Pontiac. From the consumer reviews, this seems like a very solid and fun car. Are there any major issues with these cars? Anything I should look for?
Thanks

 

[RegorHtims]

Transmission is one of the main things to look for. Just test drive it and make sure it shifts good

 

[01gpgt01]

intake manifold gaskets fail. Theres a revised gasket thats alot better. If it has the stock gasket it will fail at some piont. Wheel bearings are another common failure on these

 

[blueguy]

Advice?

Walk far away...

 

[FordMan77]

Advice?

Walk far away...

Walk?? Hell, run!!!!

j/k, lol... How many miles on this GTP? Drive it and get it to full operating temp and check the trans. fluid for color and smell (on a white towel), oil, etc. Does it still shift into overdrive and stay there? See how the steering feels. Is it loose? How's the suspension? Any wierd clunks over bumps or play in the wheel? Any strange growling/roar while driving (this could be wheel bearings- easy fix). A trans isn't too hard to swap but this is based on the thought that you can do this yourself w/o paying a shop.

 

[buddhamanjb]

I took it for a test drive a little while ago. He just got back from the mechanic shop so it was up to temp already. I took it out and it drives great. No odd sounds, engine is surprisingly quiet. But sounds great when that supercharger gets going. i didnt see any leaks anywhere and no odd vibrations. only thing I noticed is the little display in the middle of the dash doesn't work. I assume thats the computer for fuel mileage etc. Maybe the screen is busted? Not really a big deal i guess so long as the mechanics are sound. To answer a previous reply the car has 120k on it.

 

[redlinepontiac]

check rockers and rear strut hats for rust