Faults:

I made the mistake of buying this car as a totaled vehicle. My parents own an auto body shop, so fixing it wasn't the problem. For a long time I blamed a lot of the engine problems on the probability the car frame got tweaked in the accident. Now I don't.

Power steering pump.

Alternator.

I go through batteries fast.

Starter.

Head gaskets.

Window issues.

Tachometer issues.

Tires wear quickly.

Replaced breakers, rotors and calipers,

Replaced a strut.

Replaced the door handles 4 times or tried to self fix.

The door locks won't work.

One window won't roll down, replaced/fixed power window mechanism.

Antenna stuck in the upright position.

Replaced thermostat twice.

Replaced the intake gasket.

Air conditioning went out twice (not fun in the summer with leather seats and shorts).

I'm praying to make it to 200,000 miles.

I've put A LOT of money into this car when I should have just bought a new one.

General Comments:

It's a beautiful car, handles well, and looks great.

It used to have awesome power and acceleration but didn't handle well in the snow (driver error, maybe?). It's roomy for a two door and the back seat sits great. The doors are awfully heavy, though.

I'm bittersweet toward Pontiacs. I don't want to own another one, but for the price it's a hard temptation.

Faults:

My father owned it first. Within one year he had something replaced, but I'm not too sure what it was - loud squealing noise upon acceleration.

Gas tank leaked, could only fill half way.

2/4 power windows were not functional.

In the last 2 months of owning the car, upon startup at times it would tick. My father and his mechanic friend both told me the head gasket would blow any day from then.. another 3100 victim of head gasket failure. (Possibly dexcool was put in from previous owner?)

Alternator replaced, but the same issue was in place shortly after - car's lights would dim, and upon acceleration it wouldn't pick up quickly, then once lights would power up, it would increase speed.

General Comments:

I'm not complaining. The issues mentioned above were mostly due to age and poor maintenance on behalf of the previous owner. (was filthy inside to say the least when I bought it).

In my opinion the 3100 is reliable. With proper maintenance, it gets good mpg. It is quick enough, it's not the 3800, but it's a great V6.

This version of the engine was placed in many GM models I believe from 95 - 00. Like I said, the head gasket was going but I wouldn't shy away from the engine solely due to this fact... the 3100 gets some negative views on the gasket issues, but I think with proper maintenance it is a wonderful engine. I bought mine at 217000 km and it lasted around to 260, so higher mileage shouldn't be too much of a concern for this engine with maintenance.

The car is a perfect size. Roomy and efficient. Sporty.

Faults:

Turn signal has not work right since I bought the car.

Most of the interior pieces have broken or fell off.

Air and heat has not worked, since about 135K.

Brake pads and rotors been replaced about three times since I had the car, at the rear.

Over heating.

132K Check engine light starts to come on anytime I am at highway speed, or in heavy stop and go traffic for a long period of time.

Transmission seem to get stuck in park, which why the car is sitting now.

Can't lock or unlock, my doors or trunk with my keys.

Driver's door handle is broken.

Have a loud ticking sound, as if there is no oil in the engine, which there is.

General Comments:

Nice look car, hate to get rid of it, but don't see putting any more money into it.

Came with the factor install 12 disc CD changer, which is nice when you're a long trip.