Are Pontiac Grand prix junk cars?

Question

Im on the verge of buying my first car. We have found one we like it is a 1996 pontiac grand prix its dark green on the outside and very nice on the inside as well. it is for 2,000 and has 135,000 miles. people say they are shitty cars so i just need peopls opnions. or past experiences with them?

Answer 1

I would avoid it if it is a GTP (supercharged V6) as it is very expensive to repair if mistreated. While overall nothing special back in 1996, it is decent for a $2000 car. Toyota's and Honda's are always the best bets, but this one should have dual airbags, ABS, and side impact protection (which an older car may not). So it should be a safe car.

If it was maintained and well cared for, you should be ok. The engine and transmission would be my biggest concerns. If it runs smoothly (while the car is not running, take off the engine oil cap and look inside with a flashlight, should you see anything floating on top of the oil, be it clear colored water or bluish green antifreeze, stay away as head gasket is bad) and the tranmission shifts well (if it is easily reached, check the transmission fluid - if it looks burnt and stinks, again stay away)and shows no sign of slipping, I would say do it for $2000. Just keep a few hundred in savings for repairs.

And come to a full stop when changing from reverse to drive and vice versa, else that transmission will be lying on the road.

Answer 2

I think they are beautiful cars. My son has a 2005. But as far as im concerned the quality is sub-par. It's like having a supermodel with low self esteem. US car companies build there cars to break down on purpose. That's why we had to bail them out. Toyota and Honda new what was up and took advantage of it. A Pontiac should not cost as much to maintain as a Benz or BMW. Buy a Toyota from 1992 to 2000. You will get 200,000 miles and wont spend 1/4 the time in a shop a Pontiac the same years range. Its not junk. Its not junk, Its to expensive to maintain.

Answer 3

I've owned GM cars for years. They are good cars as long as you care for them properly.

My back and forth to work car is a 1995 Pontiac Grand AM V6. A very similar car to the Grand Prix, the next model down, and shares many components. I bought this car new in 1995. It has nearly 140,000 miles on it. It's been a good car. No major part failures. Doesn't burn any oil. No leaks. Still drives like new. No rust. Everything still works. Still a pretty good for a 12 year old car. I guess I got my money's worth.

I would buy another.

Answer 4

I have a 2005 GTP and love it. I use it as a daily driver, I take it back forth to my folks (3 hours@70 mph each way) several times a year in the heat and cold, and it's been on a week's vacation through NY state. It's had zero problems, runs well, is quiet, shifts smoothly, handles weel, and has decent power. I would be a little leery of buying anything with that kind of mileage on it though. Regardless of how nice the car is, things are going to start wearing out.

Answer 5

get a 2002 you will love it 32 plus mpg with a 3800 ..the gt is what you want we love ours an it saved my old ladys life..got sideswiped by a truck on 70 west car did not move stayed in her lane very strong car...fixed now 8 grand later ..by white allen chevrolet now you can never tell it still runs great...but it has less than 40 thousand on it..my friend has a 4 door 2002 it has 200,000 on it an it still runs great stay away from imports they will eat you alive in parts

Answer 6

I used to work in a junk yard Door = around 150 (Not skin, but the whole door) Fender = around 100 based on the condition of the fender Suggest get a new fender if the condition is not good since it is a safety item You can NEGOTIATE prices

Answer 7

No. My husband likes pontiacs.

135,000 miles is a lot, though.

Try try try to get something that has less than 75,000 miles for 2,000 dollars.

Answer 8

These cars are OK if well cared for. If it has been mistreated it will most likely self-destruct in the near future.

Answer 9

I have had good luck with mine but BF says his was junk...just depends on the individual car.

Answer 10

i had a 83. it was a good car. so all the other years should be good