89 Pontiac Grand Prix SE

I am looking for a car to buy but not sure what i am going to buy yet.

So is there any known problems with the 89 Pontiac Grand prix SE?

I looked at the car but have not talked to the person that owns it yet so All i know is the year and the body style (2 door), and it is a automatic.

 

I just got done talking to the guy.

IT has 220,000 miles on the body a 1994 engine with 110,000on it (3rd engine) 3.1L engine, (2nd trans) 1993 trans not sure on the miles for that. has a tick noise in the engine, he said the lifter is colapsed. if i buy this i plan on fixing that

 

It depends on your budget and what you are trying to do. If you need a car, say to replace one that got totaled in a wreck, then you may be under a time crunch. If you can wait and do research, you may be better off. I, personally, think used is better to go than new. Consumer reports does publish reliability rating of cars by year (the used car guide I think it's called). Wouldn't hurt to check the library (http://www.oregoncity.lib.or.us/) for back issues. I think I found it for you at 629.282 USE 1994. Or do a keyword search for "used car".

On the budget part, I looked around on ebay for 1988-1997 Pontiac Grand Prix's. Similar type cars on eBay Motors went from $255-$5,495 with the KBB Suggested Retail Value Range of $1,400-$5,350. That should tell you if the price is fair.

If you wanted to do a project car that may work for you. A few of that year had a "turbo" setup. These had analog gauges. It'd be one thing to buy a body and drop in an engine with a turbo setup. A used turbo engines go for $400 on ebay for that car. You may find similar at your local junk yards.

If you are looking for a daily driver, that's a bit different. The car has some miles on it on both the engine and the transmission. In parts, Autozone sells a Surefire brand engine (3 year warranty) for $1919. If you had to replace the engine (assuming the worst) that's what you are looking at plus labor. Of course, if you pick up the car for $500, drop in a new engine for $2200, get the tranny rebuilt for $500, you've got a decent ride for $3200.

Have you thought about taking it to a mechanic to where he can put it on a lift and let you look underneath? If the owner won't let you take for an inspection by a mechanic of your choice, that'd throw a red flag for me right there.

 

I would personally stay away unless you're looking for a project and you're given the car, 2 trannies and 3 engines? Don't know what your budget is but if you llok halfway hard you can pick up a low mileage car very cheaply. Hell Buick Centuries are older peoples cars and can be picked up for 1,000 to 2.000 for a 75,999 mile 5 or 7 year old car.

 

i have not thought of taking it to a mechanic. But after thinking about it for some time i am prob going to wait it out and see if sometihing else comes up. my buget is low and getting a car right away is no big deal.

 

What did he want for this car?

 

$400

This would of been my car if i had to choose one right away.

 

To me, the body condition is one of the most important parts of a cheap used car. I am willing to pour money into the mechanics end if the floorboards and running board and frame and suspension mounting areas are all good.