Looking at a '99 GA...opinions?

[Goldie]

Hey, I'm new to the site. As the title says i'm looking at a gold '99 GA 4-door sedan (automatic). I'm pretty sure it's a GT as it has the V6 and rims, but i'll have to check for sure. It belongs to a friend of the family so me/my dad didn't inspect it too carefully yet, as it definately hasn't been beat. She was asking $6000 (canadian) but will drop to $5000 for us. There is a little bit of rust at the corner of the rocker panel near the rear wheels on both sides. The paint has bubbled up, but it hasn't broke through. Also the SES and change oil lights are aparently stuck on since she bought it from her parents (who bought it new)...The car runs fine and even the local mechanic (also a frind of the family) doesn't know whats wrong either. The codes haven't been read, so i may have that done to figure out what is wrong before i buy. So, is a good deal? Also are there any common problems with these cars that i should be looking for?

Thanks,
Phil

[Bjornboy81]

Welcome to the club Phil!

check out this thread...it lists some common problems with the GA with the V6 (se or gt). http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=58173&highlight=WATER+PUMP

for the change oil light, you have to reset the oil life monitor. In the drivers side fuse panel there is a reset button. Push it once and the lchange oil light will flash. Push and hold until it goes out. As far as the SES light, get it scanned for codes...Many auto parts stores will do it for free. How many miles? :)

[Goldie]

Thanks for the link, I did a quick search but didn't find that one. I forgot to put the milage...It's 130xxx Km or about 81xxx miles. For 5 grand canadian is it a good deal?

[Bjornboy81]

I'd defenitly check on the rust and the paint bubbling, but it seems OK...maybe a little high because of the rust and paint issues.

Check out www.kbb.com and you can get the blue book price. :)

[XoticGA]

I thought I was going crazy.. I was about to say I know someone just posted about this :lol:

[HondaCivicsSuck]

how many miles are on the car man?... i think 99's are the best year myself

[Goldie]

ummm....
Originally posted by Goldie
Thanks for the link, I did a quick search but didn't find that one. I forgot to put the milage...It's 130xxx Km or about 81xxx miles. For 5 grand canadian is it a good deal?

:D
Yep, well it looks like i'm getting it monday! I'll post pics as soon as i get it.

Phil

[Shad0wguy]

Just be wary of the dreaded LIM!

[Goldie]

Originally posted by Shad0wguy
Just be wary of the dreaded LIM!

Yeah, I've heard it's a common problem... Where should i be looking for leaking / evidence of a past leak etc.? Also, how much is it to fix this problem? Is it the sort of thing that i shouldn't touch the car if it is leaking or is it something that will probably happen eventuially(sp?)? I pick it up at 1:00 so let me know before then. Thanks!

Phil

[Shad0wguy]

It is near imposible to not get the issue on any pre-03 GA. Depending on where you go, I have heard the repair running anywhere from $700-1200.

[XoticGA]

Psh.. even 03's fall victim :(

[rys99grandam]

my 99 grand am runs wonderful, 60k later, and its still hauls major butt :D great car so far

[Goldie]

Thanks for the replys...I got the car and i agree, it does have more balls than i thought it would...Too bad it's not manual. I'll have pics up soon.

Phil

[99blackSE]

I think if the LIM is leaking you might have coolant puddling on around the TB...

[Goldie]

...and it is **** When i test drove it it had just been washed inside and out (including engine bay) so there was no puddles of coolant. I looked around for any evidence of leaks, but since i wasn't exactly sure where the leak was i was looking for, i just decided that it was fine. I didn't think to check againwhen i picked it up... now 4 days later, i check everything out to be sure it's fine and find puddles. The previous owner said it was in "perfect mechanical condition" so i called him back and bitched. He obviously knew of the problem and was like "Get it fixed and i'll help you out with the bill". This on top of busting a brakeline on the way home just after i got it and then the guy at the garage looked things over and added up an $1800 bill to fix everything that was wrong with the car (cracked shock, leak in trans., front breaks dead (pads, calipers & rotors), alignment off causeing bad wear on the tires...) All this and not even looking under the hood (didn't know about the LIM leak at the time). I'm thinking i bought a lemon...

[99blackSE]

I would press on with some of the repairs from them. Not sure how much money you will get them to pay for it but. I wouldn't necessarily say it is a lemon. Rotors go every 30k, and shocks are probably stock still, so some of the stuff can be seen as older aged maintenence. But some of that stuff is rather deceitful...

If you are replacing the brakes, I would suggest going with aftermarket equipment, such as Powerslot rotors from pfyc.com and EBC or Hawk pads if you wish (Monroe or Wagner or "x" generic brand will still be fine for pads though if you don't want to spend extra on pads). The reason being is because you end up paying a little more but don't have to go through with GMs defective rotor design (not limited to your car specifically, it affects all of us) and you also get some better stopping power, which is always a good thing to have.

My 2 cents.