1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 3.1

Summary:

I want another Monte exactly like this one

Faults:

Pink radiator fluid ate the head gaskets. Had pink removed and went to green.

Radio knobs broke off.

Gas tank/ fuel tank leak. Replaced tank.

Oil pan gaskets leak.

Driver's door problems with hinges, was told that the door is heavy.

Now the struts on the rear are not replaceable because of rusted metal in the trunk area.

Front struts or some problem there is making me find a new car. A cost fix not worth the value.

Broken console lid.

Rust under fuel door and rear bumper panel.

Basically, the best car I ever owned. I hate to get rid of it.

General Comments:

Love the comfort with fabric seats.

Love the big trunk.

The doors are so big that it's hard to find a parking spot with space to open it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2016

1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Summary:

It is exceptionally nice!

Faults:

The car got hit two weeks after I got it so the steering is off by half an inch or so. got into a second accident a year ago and had to replace the brake and fuel lines other than that nothing. And I broke the center counsel.

General Comments:

The car is amazing,it is fast and acceleration is amazing I have beat v8 firebirds before in a race. The interior is nice and is in great shape. And the sound system is better then my friends Camaro and it is a stock system. And the zero-60 is not bad at 7.2 seconds and quater mile in 14 seconds so not bad for a 3800. And I highly rec-amend them for a every day driver and something to play with!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2006

29th Jul 2006, 13:50

I just purchased one today for a good price with 80,000 miles. Everything was mint on this and had every option except the moon roof. When I drove it I felt great. Lots of power, comfort and enough coziness to feel secure.

I'll be picking it up on Monday and give more comments as I own it. Looking forward to it.

I'm just glad it has that 3.8 Series II engine and great transmission. One of GM's better combos.

View 3 more comments

1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.8L V6

Summary:

I love my Monte, but it is killing my back!

Faults:

The alternator went at about 80,000km.

The floor rug is wearing thin unexpectedly and large bald spots are opening up.

There seems to be a problem with the thermostat; the engine is running at a lower than expected temperature. The replacement doesn't match (I believe Chevrolet made the change) and it does not correct the supposed problem.

General Comments:

There is too little headroom with the leather seats. Being 188cm (6'3") tall I notice this more so than others would, but still, my friend's 1991 Camry has more headroom than my Monte. I have the power seat adjusted all the way down and tilted to the point that 1 more nudge will make the seat rise. Even after making these adjustments, I must recline the seat to keep my head from hitting the roof, and usually must view traffic lights through the sunroof. This interior is quite short and not designed for anyone average height or taller. I have been considering trying to move the seat track back (probably not possible) or purchasing a new drivers seat from a performance company.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2004

14th May 2004, 09:41

This article I am commenting on was written by me. I believe it is important to note the model year is 1999, not 1998 (the year it was manufactured).

By the way, there have been no changes to the vehicle as it is still being stored!

4th Aug 2004, 14:14

My 2004 Monte Carlo SS S/C (leather int) is also KILLING my back. I have to go in for medical testing now, and am on pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication, and I am pretty sure that the seat with the lumbar adj. aggravates my condition. Try getting the seat redone. They put a lot of hard padding in there. Or maybe get a more comfortable car! Good luck.

25th Aug 2004, 23:49

Thanks for your comments, but my seats do not have a lumbar support. I had regretted this until reading about your troubles. I have been driving it again for about a month now and am starting to feel the strain. They also seem to protrude on the sides so that my shoulders are constantly under pressure and I fear eventually my shoulders will be further ahead than my chest!

10th Jul 2005, 22:55

I also own a 98 Monte Carlo, Z34 and I find it interesting that I also had to replace my alternator at around the same time. However, at the time that I am writing this, my Monte Carlo is now operating on its 4th alternator, when I bought it with 54k miles it still had the original. I'm starting to think that GM maybe should have done a recall or something.

9th May 2006, 16:10

I purchased my 1998 Z34 Monte Carlo 2 years ago, and also had to have the alternator changed at 81,000 miles.

Other than that, I have no complaints. The car is fast and furious, a little stiff in the suspension, but handles quite well for a car this size.

The fuel pump in the gas tank whines when tank is near empty, suggesting a costly replacement in the near future.

I love this car and hope to be driving it for many more happy miles.