1987 Pontiac 6000 LE 2.8 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
Dependable and stubborn underdog
Faults:
Previous owner had puttied head gasket leak.
General corrosion due to road salt.
Severely damaged hood due to previous owner hitting a deer.
Weld at front of muffler has broken, causing pipe to rattle hard.
Severe engine knock at startup.
Headlight switch mooring broken off.
Also a short in head light switch.
Power windows work at random intervals.
Power locks ineffective.
Windshield washer switch broken.
General Comments:
My girlfriend calls it the 'rolling couch' due to it's bench front seat. Although, I don't have a power couch in my living room.
Very perky for a 17 year old car.
Heavy duty brakes were installed at some period. I recommend strong brakes. Especially in non-ABS vehicles.
Due to head gasket leak that I can't afford to repair, oil leaks onto the serpentine belt. This leads to a general splatter all over the motor, and unfortunately, onto the right front disk brake. This can make stopping interesting in wet weather or after a period of hard driving. I run 30 weight oil to help keep the motor from leaking so much.
Previous owner had installed a new thermostat that sticks like crazy in stop and go traffic. Radiator fan also doesn't work, which doesn't help the problem. I'm considering hardwiring a new fan to a toggle switch and removing the thermostat all together. It won't warm up so well, but there are work arounds to that problem as well.
I love this car, for all it's problems. It has great handling in slippery conditions and can keep up with the big dogs rolling down the freeways these days. She provides a very smooth drive, and comfortable seating for 4.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st January, 2005
26th Jan 2005, 09:41
This car sounds like more of a dead dog than an underdog.