Arctic White Grand AM GT w/ Ram Air

[Flambo]

I've eyed up an Arctic White Grand AM GT w/ Ram Air at a local dealership for $13400 Canadian (60 000kms). Now for me, this is alot of money to be spending on a car. I took it for a test drive today and I was impressed. Though there are some problems, I was just wondering if these problems are normal

1) There is a noise in the air vents, like the fan is rubbing up against things, easy fix?

2) There is a kind of knocking noise in the engine after it is shut off (could this be from it cooling down?)

3) There seems to be some kindof noises in the car when it hits bumbs, its not louds noise, there subtle, its almost like the frame is bending, anyone else have this problem?

4) The previous owner had a sunroof put in the car, it looks great but could this possible ruin the structure/strength of the frame if it was not installed properly possible contributing to the noises in the car when it hits a bump?

Thats pretty much all that I can find wrong with it, I am really tempted to buy it but these problems are making me think.

If you want something clarified just ask, I am kindof dozing off here.

Here is a picture of the car

http://canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?ID=23009059&pgno=1&srt=1

Also, what are the chances of this car being a lemon? How would I tell if it was in any major accidents?

Thanks for the help, sorry for the long post.

[Shad0wguy]

The noise in the vents was caused by the blower. I had that issue for a while, it eventually went away on its own.

The knocking noise is what concerns me. Before you buy, ask if you can get it checked out by a mechanic. It may cost you a few bucks, but it is better than buying a heap.

The noise when you hit bumps may be the springs as they may squeak when they bounce.

Aftermarket sunroofs are not something to wory about as long as it was installed proffesionally. The only thing of concern with aftermarket sunroofs are possible leaking, which can be fixed.

So the only thing of concern is the motor. Get that checked out before you buy anything. Grand ams are a very common car, so even if you miss out on this one, you will find another.

Oh, and one more thing... :welcome:

[rys99grandam]

1) Not to sure about the fan thing, Grand Ams have pretty powerful fans
2) Sounds like oil hiting the pan
3) Most Grand Ams do that, its more or less the strut mount is worn. Not that big of a deal.
4) Possibley make noies and stuff dependng on how installed. but strctual strength? I don't think so.

The best way to check for accidents is compare the gabs between the door/fender/etc. see if its the same or not. if they are even all the way around, then it probably was not in a wreck.

[Flambo]

Thanks for the welcome, there is one more thing, they brought this car in from another province and in order to get it accross the border it had to be safetied. Do they check over the motor or anything when they safty a car? The knocking noise doesn't seem to harmful, it's only after the car has been shut off, could it possibly be something cooling down?

[rys99grandam]

Yea, 2 or 3 of my saturns had the similar ticking noise after cool-down, and my pontiac does it too.

As far as Safetied I have no idea what that is...

[Flambo]

A car needs to get saftied to cross a border, this involves a mechanic checking over rotors, wheels, belts all that stuff I believe. The car needs to be in pretty good shape in order to pass the safty. This prevents old junker cars from being tossed back and forth from province to province.

[rys99grandam]

This is what I did when I bought my car. and my car was inspected by a persoanl GM Mechanic friend who found this car for me, and I still do it.

I get all dirty so be sure to wear a crappy shirt and pants.

First I craw under the car, I check for any leaks around the oil pan, and transmission, Notice Red, Or Oily, I also check the suspension compoents make sure no bushning are incredibley worn or torn, ( they are easly seen ) I also check to make sure nothing is bent.
I also check the exhaust at this time to ensure its not rusting away, if it is, then get it address by the place I am buying it from in either a discount or repair. Grab it to make sure it does break loose, loose exhaust = annyoing as all tomorrow. I also check struts by testing them and making sure their coil correctly.

Secondly I check all fluid, Normally I take like a turkey baster so I can get a lot of fluid and take a look at it, and see if its mixing with anything like coolant/oil, etc.

Third. I check the belt itself by feeling across it. seeing what it does.
and the other componets to make sure the hoses, and power steering do not leak

Forth I check the interior, Sunroof, Windows, Radio, I set each sp eaker to play to ensure they work. I also test Heat/Air at this time as well and see what it does.

Fifth I check for actual body damage, and see if there was a wreck if so was that work done, that sorta deal, I also check tire tread, and etc.

Finally, with a car that many miles expect to do the following

-Spark Plugs, sure GM says 100k, but we know its not true
-Fluid Flush of coolant,
-Transmission Service
-Fuel Filter Replacement,
-If I miss something do so corret me.
-Brake pads, turning rotors. Probably due.

Hope this helps.

[Flambo]

Ok cool, thanks.

[Colin]

Originally posted by Flambo
Thanks for the welcome, there is one more thing, they brought this car in from another province and in order to get it accross the border it had to be safetied. Do they check over the motor or anything when they safty a car? The knocking noise doesn't seem to harmful, it's only after the car has been shut off, could it possibly be something cooling down? A safety check is no guarantee on the engine or trans etc. , all it means is the car meets minimum requirements to be safe to drive . It's only good for 30 days , so if the brakes went out after that for example it would be your problem . Most engines tick after you shut them off , it's just cooling down .... ;)

[coupe]

02 grand am gt for $13400? Isnt that like way expensive even in canadian funny money?

[Flambo]

Not really, that's around the average price according to the blue book and red book.

[03grandam]

What does that milage break down to in american? I bought my 03 se 1 1/2 years ago for 11,900. with 49,000 miles on her, and i have no regrets as of yet. Welcome.

[Colin]

Originally posted by 03grandam
What does that milage break down to in american? About 37,500 miles

[03grandam]

Well i looked it up on kellybluebook for my zip code and it says about 11,270.00 USD.

[Flambo]

So, the price is right?

[Shad0wguy]

Sounds about right.

[Vhrus]

1.blower motors sometimes make weird noises (sometimes leaves and shit find there way in there) but usually last alot longer then 60k kms,
2 if the engine noise when its turned off is just a ticking all cars i've ever driven (including my GA) do it, its just the block cooling down (things cool they contract and I guess tick),
3. Yea grand ams seem to make some weird noises when hitting bumps, I think its just cause the GT's have such stiff suspension, but if your worried about it you should be able to find a suspension shop that does free estimates take a quick look and make sure everythings good.
4.If it was installed proffesionaly it should be fine, but if it was installed by some hillbilly in his backyard it could be trouble since unibodys need the roofs structural support.

The saftey is (as said) just brakes, suspension, glass, bulbs and other stuff that could contribute to the saftey of driving the car. Your car doesnt even need to have an engine in it for the stuff they check on a saftey. ;)
It never hurts to pay a mechanic a few $ to give the car a full check over, it could save you thousands down the road.

Other then that it looks nice, the price seems a bit on the high side for my area, but prices vary by area and that one has really low km's on it. For comparison around here that same car with a factory sunroof, leather, and everyother option available but with 80k km's could be had for under $12k. I would see if you can get them to knock off $500-$1000 from the price (never hurts to try)

Remember your the buyer, so if they try and push you into it, refuse to lower the price, or anything else you dont like dont be afraid to tell them to shove it, grand ams are very common cars so you will find another.

Good luck!

Chris.

[Pete Ray]

Thats not a good deal there are GM lease backs right now for 12995.00 with 40,000 kilo's.
They go up by 1000.00 for every less 10,000 kilo's. The lowest kilo's I found was 24,000
These cars are 2005.

[Vhrus]

Originally posted by Pete Ray
Thats not a good deal there are GM lease backs right now for 12995.00 with 40,000 kilo's.
They go up by 1000.00 for every less 10,000 kilo's. The lowest kilo's I found was 24,000
These cars are 2005.
GT's?

[Pete Ray]

Yes this was in Saskatoon at Wheaton Chev/Olds.
Another dealership Saskatoon Motor Products had a 2005 GT in red with 48,000 kilo's for 14995.00.

I missed a 2003 today by 10 minutes at Cars Are Us. They were asking 16995.00 but it was loaded, leather seats, sc/t hood and in absolute showroom shape with 23,000 kilo's.
I haven't seen 2005's this mint and waited around for an hour but the fellow ahead of me made the deal.
Sounds high for a 2003 but it was perfect.

Take Care, Pete

[Vhrus]

Damn lucky Saskatoonians!