I have to take one of my cars off the road, which one should I keep?

Question

I own a 96 grand prix with 109,000 miles on it and a 97 saturn with 197,000miles on it. The grand prix runs great but needs the drivers side elcetric window fixed and also needs a new gas tank. The saturn runs great, but check engine soon light is on and it shakes sometimes when I am at a traffic light.
What car would be the better to keep. I can not afford both on the road. Also how easy is it to change a gas tank for the grand prix and fix the window?

Answer 1

U can buy a gas tank at a scrap yard very inexpensively! The window should run about $150 or less. Keep the gran prix...sportier & has less miles. Also, with the check engine light on in the saturn, u never know what may be wrong...at least with the gran prix u already know what u have to do.

Answer 2

If they both have the original automatic transmissions, I think I'd keep the Pontiac even though it's transmission could go out at any time too. The Pontiac is a little heavier and safer car, with the GM 3800 engine that will last as long as you keep the engine oil changed on schedule. They do need a new intake manifold gasket sometimes, but that's not that expensive of a job. The window is a $250 job worth having done somewhere because it's the driver's side window. Try thumping the inner door panel in the center while holding the window up button to see if you can jar the motor back into operation like my brother's car did. There are gas tank sealers that work well if it's a rust problem. Replace the spark plug wires on the Pontiac if they've never been changed to make sure you don't burn out the ignition module and coil packs (a common problem on your engine).

Answer 3

Both cars were considered good (i.e., reliable) by Consumer Reports in their 2002 Buying Guide. The Grand Prix probably has more life left in it, considering the mileage, and the fact that it doesn't have any engine problems.

I would suggest taking both to a mechanic (GM dealer or independent) and getting an estimate on the repairs, both materials and labor. (If you're going to fix things yourself, just the materials.) Also consider the cost of the insurance per year, and the mileage each car gets. All things being equal or close to equal, I'd go for the Grand Prix just on the basis of mileage.