96 SE Common Problems

[93GT]

Ok were looking into getting a 96 almost postive its an SE 125thousand miles, Looks decent but so did are 93. I was wondering whats some stuff I should look for? I know on the 93 I had no idea to feel the floor for wetness. So whats some things to look out for with 96 Grand AmS? Also the ABS light is on the guy at the car lot says he couldn't find anything wrong with it maybe a dirty connection the brakes work fine....any idea(s) what it could be. I figure they only want $1,900 there HAS to be something expensive to replace. Thanks in advance

[tenspeed]

I have a '96 Achieva and have noticed several people talking about the rear mount on the control arm. It is a donut and the control arm slips off it, making alignment impossible. Mine are bad and it makes the tire rub the fenderliner when backing up and turning.

[doobiess]

Also depends on the engine and tranny your looking at with this car...

As for the ABS light good chance your abs modulator needs replacing... and also your breaks will work fine but under hard breaking you just wont have ABS thats all...

As for what to look for ... if its a 3100 v6 look to check the lower intake manifold if there is any signs of leaking?

Are there any engine codes? Check the oil make sure there is no water or coolant in it.. look for little white bubbles on the dip stick. Is it an auto? if so check to make sure the tranny goes through all the gears normal and on a test drive that it will shift between gears with out any big jolts to the car..

Another thing is maybe when checking the oil see if it needs replacing badly? and check coolant on the color and how much corosion there is in the filler neck.. to see how well the car has been maintained?

Other than that just the minor things are left... and wouldnt be any big prices to fix....