I Need Some Info On...

[Jason Lesbirel]

...the 2001 GA SEs with the 2.4l TwinCam engine.

I was looking at one today, a 2dr, 5spd., Red, w/ Monsoon CD stereo, ETS, cruise, A/C, power windows and locks, the same 16" aluminum wheels that Kelly has on his ride, etc., etc., body and engine bay in immaculate, IMMACULATE, shape. I t has 80,474kms/50,004mi.

The price? 9,980CDN$.

So what I need to know is: what kind of problems were there with the engine, the chassis, from that year that I should be aware of and/or looking for?

[sunrunner_pei]

Hey Jason! Long time no see!

In terms of the 2.4L TwinCam, I think the most common issue is with the waterpump. As far as the '99-2005 Grand Am chassis, the most common issue is with the front hubs. Both the wheel bearing and wheel speed sensors are prone to premature failure. The good news is that there are better aftermarket hubs available with a new torque spec that address both problems.

The price seems a little high for an '01 SE, but with the low KMs, and the 2.4L/5-speed combo, it's a somewhat rare combination.

Best of luck, buddy!

[Jason Lesbirel]

There was something else - what's it like on gas? Is the 4cyl. not enough engine for the heavier car, or does it actually get decent mileage? Anyone with good numbers here is definitely welcome...

[sunrunner_pei]

The '99+ 2.4L basically got 1-2 more MPG than the V6. I get around 30 MPG with my GT, I'd say you'd be around 32 MPG with the 2.4L, assuming it is in good tune. Although... that was with the Auto, so you may be slightly better with the 5-speed. I guess it all boils down to driving habits.

[Jason Lesbirel]

Driving habits, huh?...I'm in trouble.

[sunrunner_pei]

:funny:

Off topic, but what have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you around much.

[Jason Lesbirel]

well, I've been trying to keep my business running, which can be a challenge when your clients don't pay on time - I've tried to lessen the impact of late payers by taking on a part-time job at the container pier in Fairview.

I also won my class (FSS) and finished 12th overall out of 90 competitors in my Mazda 323 I'd prepped for this past autoslalom season - which is not bad given that I was only able to make 7 of the 11 events run this year (the car won 5 of the 7 events in class - me for 4, and my friend Scott who was co-driving this year won once)...damn mechanical gremlins....and one electrical....I even managed a top 5 and several top 10 overall finishes.

[sunrunner_pei]

That's awesome! :) Well, except for the 2 jobs thing. ;)

[99GrandAMSE]

... there is a 2001 or 2002 SE with a 5-speed here in Sackville at a lot with only 40,000 KMs +/- and it is only $10,000 ... might want to come for a drive to Sackville and look through the 100 car lots we have if you haven't already ... let me know when you do and I'll meet you :)

[2K SE]

I think I can answer your question. Stop and go to work I get about 27 mpg. And on a recent highway trip I got just over 30 mpg. I can do a lot better if I keep my throttle off the floor, but what fun is that? As Shawn mentioned above I had to replace my front bearings once at 80000 and of course the brakes suck, have changed them twice once at 30000 and again at 60000. But the 5 speed may help the next set last longer, already have almost 40000 on those until I do the rear brake disc swap and put on my new powerslots, when I get them from RSM.

[Jason Lesbirel]

UPDATE: well, guess what I'm picking up tonight?.... :)

P.S. Thanks for the offer, Kel, but the interest rate available at Steele was much more appealing - they were actually able to get me into the single digits at a reputable bank, instead of a finance company, something the Sackville dealers couldn't manage.

[sunrunner_pei]

Congrats, Jason! And of course, we'll needs to see some pics ASAP. :thumbup2:

Does this mean you'll be coming to the next Maritime meet? :poke:

[2001GAGT]

I was wondering the same thing Shanw. OH and congartes Jason.