would you buy a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am w/ 125,000 miles that had been owned by a mechanic? I will be paying 4700 after tradein
Optional Information: Year : 2003 Make : Pontiac Model : Grand Am GT Engine : 3.4L V6
Are you paying 4700 cash or making payments? What are you trading in? Thanks
I would be making payments (around $140 for 48mo 5%interest). I have not included tax, title, dealers fees. I am trading in a 1996 Ford Ranger with multiple problems... but they are going to give me $1500 for it.
Is grand am in perfect condition? Have intake gaskets been replaced, if so do you know what what mileage? If you not sure about the intake gaskets I would make sure they have been replaced within the last 40k because they are common to fail. Also, what is your zip code? Thanks
The grand am seems to be in perfect condition (I plan to take it to a place like goodyear to have it checked out before buying). I am not sure if the intake gaskets have been replaced. However, it seems like the car was previously owned by a mechanic associated with the ford dealership I am working with so I may be able to ask the previous owner directly! I have also heard of fuel pumps and water pumps going out, and issues with breaks, any other questions to ask before I sign? If I have the vehicle inspected by a trained mechanic will they be able to tell me anything about the condition of the gaskets, water pump, or fuel pump my zip code is 47401
it can be found online at http://www.bloomingtonford.com/2003-Pontiac-Grand-Am-GT-Bloomington-IN/vd/10672335
It is a fair deal but I would make sure intake gaskets have been replaced. If it runs good, runs smooth, no check engine lights, no leaks, then I wouldnt worry. Your paying high end price for vehicle but from a dealership thats just how it goes. If you have 4k cash I'd recommend buying from a private party but if you need the financing thats a harder option. Let me know if you have any questions at all and only rate when satisfied. thanks.
Thanks for all your help Dan, I was able to talk them down to $4,000 + tax and fees. I should hear back from the previous owner today. Can you please tell me what happens when the intake gasket goes bad (would it leave me stranded), could I fix it myself? (I can change the oil, tires ect) but havent ever repaired anything associated with the engine). It looks like most of the repair bill for the gaskets is in labor, what is a good price to pay for a mechanic per hour of labor from an independant shop?ThanksLevi
When the intake goes bad the coolant will mix with the oil and get milky, its about $1000 to have it replaced at a shop. Around $80 a hour labor is a fair price to me. Let me know if you have any questions, thanks.
Final volley of questions. Answer these and I will give you an excellent rating and feel like I got my money's worth. What about fixing the gasket myself if the gasket goes, how easy is it to fix with basic mechanical skills. Is there a way to tell that the gasket is about to go before it does. And finally, what actually happens to the car when the oil and coolant mix (failure of other parts, smoke, leaking) ie how will I know when the fluids have mixed... do I have to just keep checking the color of the fluid? Thanks so much Dan, you have been a great help so far.
The only way to tell if gasket is going is if your going through coolant or oil looks milky and both would already mean its starting to fail. When the oil and coolant mix you usaully will not notice until checking the oil and it will look milky. THe intake gasket is doeable, I've done them a few times...Its not fun but could be alot worse. Here are replacement instructions from manual.
http://db.tt/1Sp7r8T
http://db.tt/NW4Jrx9
Experience: Independent Shop Experience, 2 Year Automotive Diploma, & Access to Information Database
Thanks for your help Dan... I will ask more questions if I have them before my membership runs out.Levi
If you run into any related questions you can reply to this answer at any time without any additional fee's. Sorry about delay in responding, I'm in the middle of a headgasket job on same engine. I'm not having the time of my life lol.
Hi Dan,I am getting pretty annoyed with JustAnswer. they keep sending me emails to rate you, but I have already rated you as excellent. Also I bought the grand am, and I found service records in the glove box that show the intake gaskets, fuel pump and water pump have all been replaced in the last 35000 miles.