Faults:

Replaced both front wheel bearings, one due to wear, the other because a dragging brake caliper overheated the entire assembly.

Replaced disc brakes all around, and pads a couple times.

Replaced tie rod ends twice.

Replaced catalytic converter.

Replaced thermostat.

General Comments:

Fuel economy has been remarkable (30+MPG) on the interstate, and never below 24 even around town.

Needs good tires on the rear or it gets unstable in the rain.

I've done the scheduled maintenance and its rewarded me by needing very few repairs.

Faults:

I am having trouble getting my key out of the ignition. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem without taking it to a mechanic?

General Comments:

Over all I really have no problem with my car. It rides nice, I'm very comfortable in it.

Faults:

Strange winding noise.

General Comments:

Does anyone know where you add power steering fluid on this car?

My husband's Toyota T100 was making a similar noise and needed power steering fluid. We cannot find where to add this on the Grand Prix.

Faults:

Intake manifold gasket replaced today at 76,000 miles, no recall on this, and thousands of people have had this problem. Also with 76,000 miles on it, today the mechanic calls me when he's done with the $600.00 intake manifold gasket and tells me the catalytic converter is stopped up, informs me that its covered under GM 8yr 80k mile warranty. Also replaced the fuel pressure regulator today at the tune of $90.00, and wasn't charged any labor.

General Comments:

I love the car, wish it would hold together for me, it rides great, has good power, and plenty of room.

Faults:

Just after I got the car, it started making a noise in the front end engine, but it usually went away after the car warmed up.

Check engine light EGR valve.

Key usually got stuck in the ignition.

Sometimes I feel the transmission jerking a little bit between the first shifts.

Recently the noise in the front end became louder and more regular.

Mechanic said that I will need a NEW MOTOR, which is the cause of the noise in the front end.

General Comments:

As I said I have a Grand Prix 2001. I bought it used last September (2005).

Just after I got the car, it started making a noise in the front end, but it usually went away after the car warmed up. It also had the check engine light on, and very rarely I feel the transmission jerking a little bit between the first shifts.

But then recently, the noise in the front end became louder and more regular.

I have an after market warranty, Lubrico, so I took the car to the shop to get it fixed, and to check the check engine light.

The mechanic said that the check engine light is on because I need a new EGR valve. He said he could not feel the transmission jerking, and the big one: he said that I will need a NEW MOTOR; that is the cause of the noise in the front end.

My car currently has 162.000 km (about 100.000 miles), and I would like to know if that is a common problem of Pontiac?

Is that noise in the front end usually the cause to get a new motor?

Before the noise in the front end, my car never had a problem in the engine, never failed to start or die on me, or nothing like that, and that is what worries me, because just due to the noise in the front end, I will need a new motor.

Lubrico will only pay a maximum of 2500.00, and the mechanic gave me two options:

To get a new motor I have to pay 1080.00 extra, and have 3 years warranty on the motor.

Get a used motor, and I will have to pay 370.00 and get only 90 days warranty.

Which one should I get?

Do you guys think I should take the car to another shop to get a second opinion? Or is that noise in the front end a characteristic of engine failure?

Should I trust the mechanic Lubrico warranty sent me to?

Thank you, I appreciate your help.

PS I apologize for my many questions, but I am an girl and do not understand much about car mechanics.