How long will my Pontiac last?

Question

I own a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix with 175,000 miles on it. I have always maintained it well. If I continue to maintain it well, how long could a car like that last before any major problems to the engine or transmission or other mega high-priced issues?

Answer 1

I've been an ASE and GM master tech for 40 years. And I have seen GM cars, that have been maintained properly, have almost 400,000 to 500,000 miles on them, with nothing more than having the timing chain replaced. The timing chain being the weakest part of the engine. Yours is in need of one now, if it hasn't already been replaced. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Pontiacs built earlier than 95' are pretty reliable engine and transmission wise but the cooling systems like to wear out. Those cars are usually good for 250,000 - 300,000 miles if you take care of them really well. Here's some advice from personal experience with Pontiacs.

I have owned two Pontiacs, a 1989 Bonneville which had about 180,000 miles on it when I sold it to buy my current Bonneville, a 92' with about 90,000 on it right now. The only parts I've had to replace on those vehicles were: alternator and heater core (the 89') alternator, water pump and A/C compressor (the 92'). Alternators usually have a life span of about 10 years and are very easy to replace yourself. Its extremely rare for a heater core to wear out anyway.

My husband owns an 88' Grand Am with about 140,000 miles and he has replaced the same cooling system parts. Once you replace the A/C compressor and the water pump theres not much left to replace on that system other than hoses and fittings.

Also, watch out for sensors going out. A faulty oxygen sensor can leave you stuck in the middle of the road. It happened to me on tuesday. Sensors usually cost between $20 and $50 depending on the type and they're pretty easy to replace yourself. Those things wear out over time.

I would recommend buying a Haynes repair manual (usually $20 or less) if you don't already have one. They're very useful for learning how to do simple repairs. Labor costs can add up fast when you take it to a shop.

If you don't run the car hard (i.e. aggressive driving) and keep her well maintained you'll be fine for a few more years.

Answer 3

As long as you treat it well it will last longer. I had a 1995 with the turbo charged engine, the oil pump went out on that and the transmission went out once, I had the one where you could lock both wheels in when you started to get stuck. I maintained it well, but things happen.

Answer 4

**** it lasted 175,000 Miles? That's great well keep up the good work on maintaining it. It will last for a long time I hope.

Answer 5

Keep up the maintenance and it could last a few more years. I had a Toyota Camry 1986 and just got rid of it 2 years ago. Only thing wrong was the muffler. Just wanted a different car

Answer 6

My sister in law owns one and has 300,000 miles on it. She's done a few minor repairs to be sure. But has been a very dependable car as she drives about 60 miles to and from work every day.

Answer 7

The car is on borrowed time in my opinion. Anything could go at any time. If you don't mind paying for the repairs it will need, then I would say keep it around. No monthly payment is a good thing!

Answer 8

you take care of it the way you say you do. i have seen cars and trucks with over 500.000 miles on them. the main thing is to keep up with the preventive maintenance. oil changes grease the front end tune up. it will last a long time.

Answer 9

it will last at 2010

Answer 10

I would say forever in your heart, but it could last a couple years if you keep up with basics of oil,filter and regular check ups.