Possibly buying used Grand Am...help?

[Melelio]

I used to own a 1995 Grand Am, leased it new. I really liked it, and I love the styling;one of the best looking cars on the road! I am now looking to upgrade my current commuter vehicle and would LOVE to have a Grand Am again. Am currently looking at a 99 or 2000 SE, 4cyl. AT type.

My issue is this: I've been to carsurvey.org, edmunds.com and such, and read owner reivews of their cars, and am scared to death by what I've read! Brake rotor issues, gasket issues, electrical issues, etc.....on and on and on...

Can you all help me either be comfortable that it's only the 'whiners' that are posting there, so I'm seeing just the bad, or help me be comfortable with the reality of the car? My husband will tie me to a fence3 post if I 'upgrade' to something that is going to cost us more money and time than the little Saturn I have now (which gets great MPGs but hurts my sit--down-on in a long commute...)

What has been your experience with the worst of the 'issues'?

Thanks

H

[Gimli]

Well, most people will never post "my car's running fine, I have no reason to be on this site" :)

There are some problems that are more common like the rotors (the intake manifold gaskets are somewhat common problems on the 3100 and 3400 SFI engines, don't think it is on the 4 cyl) but they are generally very good cars. The good thing about these problems is that they're fairly common so parts are available everywhere and cheap to get.

Like any other car almost 10 years old you'll have long-term maintenance to do but it should still be very reliable.

[Colin]

All cars have problems , it's just a matter of taking your pick of which ones you care to deal with . The 99 + Grand Ams are better than the older models in my opinion , if you get the 4 cyl. you won't have to worry about the intake gasket leak you may have heard about ( V6 ) . The brake rotors are a weak point , but lets face it , it's not a big deal if you have to replace them anyway . You can consider a warranty to cover yourself from major repairs . The resale value is not great on these , but that's a plus when you're buying . If you like the car , why not test drive one and compare it to a few similar vehicles . :)

[Big Joe]

take it from nike man . Just do it .

[AznGA]

Getting a 4 cyl might be a good idea, considering the gas prices right now.

[wiccanferret]

I wouldn't be adverse to a new 4-cyl GA, if I were in the market for such a thing.

[Riley1123d]

I'd get the 6 if I were you. The risk of the intake gasket is completely worth the extra power.. Atleast I think so.

[Madman]

the only problem i have had is with teh rotors, but i just replaced them with a set of crossdrilled and slotted from jc whitney for $150 with pads. i did all the work my self. 56k and running fine. (2000 GT coupe). the only other maintenance i have done is oil changes and front tires, they like to go bald.

[parker57]

I have the 99 se 4 cyl. I love it!! I had a couple of the normal problems.....wheel bearings and the drivers side window, but all in all, its been the most dependable car I have ever owned. ( oh no....I am tempting fate!! ) I say go for it!!

[Big Joe]

i dont think ur gonna get some one that tells you not to get it on this site

[01GrandAmGT]

So far my car has been decent, that was anything not to do with the accident damage.

My brakes are excellent, of course it has ABS. It will stop on a dime...but I am going to post a problem that other people might be having it might be that rotor problem.

My engine was knocking back in the winter when it was really cold but I haven't had a problem since then, just little problems really.