1997 Chevrolet Lumina LS 3.1L V6
Summary:
A car I don't regret purchasing
Faults:
Water pump.
Alternator.
Front passenger window switch.
Starter.
Valve cover leak (minor).
Radiator drain plug leak (after I serviced the radiator).
Ball joint damaged (purchased this way).
Fuel sending unit (fuel tank floater/was damaged prior to purchase; repaired as condition of purchase).
General Comments:
I managed to drive this car 2 hours (highway) from Hartford to Bergen County, NJ using just a quarter tank. Of course if you are a lead foot and don't take good care of this car, your results won't be as good.
This car came with the optional dual climate control, power driver seat, 3:28 gear axle. They all work great!
The vehicle was well cared for by the previous owner since it had very little miles for its year, and minimal wear and tear both to the interior parts and exterior paint.
Very roomy, reliable, engine/trans responds well, minimal wind noise, Easy to work on, inexpensive to repair (I do my own repairs).
As soon as I purchased the car I performed preventative maintenance, had the car aligned, replaced brakes, and recently had to replace a leaky radiator drain plug (due to my ignorance), detailed the car and scotch guarded the interior, and recharged the A/C.
Only common issue with this car that I have is an engine tick when the engine is started (goes away when the car is at operating temperature), which I will look at when the weather gets warmer. I've read that this issue doesn't affect engine life.
Custom items I've installed are aftermarket combo alarm/remote starter system (professionally installed), Sony MP3/CD car stereo (I installed) but kept the stock speakers (they sound great), and rubber mats (to aid in easy cleaning).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th February, 2009
5th Apr 2009, 07:22
That 'tick' is common on the 3.1. I've had 2 GM's (my Lumina and and an Olds Cutlass) that had it and there isn't much one can do. It's annoying but not anything abnormal. As you mentioned it goes away after warm up.