Faults:
The car itself runs great. I've had to make a few repairs recently, but nothing really serious has gone wrong with the car.
The belt tensioner was melted for reasons unknown (I'm guessing belt slippage) but the spring was worn out and needed a replacement badly.
There was a power steering fluid leak that would have cost me $300 to fix, but after tightening the lines the leak stopped. If you have this problem just go through and make sure all of the lines are securely connected and all of the screw clamps are secure. Also topping off the fluid with a power steering fluid+stop leak helped stop the leak.
Gas mileage was poor when I got the car, but simply replacing the fuel filter helped a lot (get about +75 more miles out of a full tank) But be warned, don't take your car to a repair shop for this. The part costs $10 and takes 10 minutes to install (most of the time fighting the rusted bolts). A repair shop wanted to charge me $50 for this. Simple 2 easily accessable bolts. Screw off, screw on.
I'll be replacing the brake pads when I get $40 but only because there getting worn out and one of them is squeaking quite a bit.
The only semi-major repair I've had to make with this car is replacing the ECM (engines management computer). Only cost $240 for the part and installation and it fixed many of the problems the car was having. This repair is to be expected because the car is nearly 14 years old and has over 115000 miles.
One of the spark plug wires was fried and needed to be replaced, but again, expected from a car almost 14 years old.
General Comments:
The car is beautiful, the engine runs great, and the interior is very clean.
I have an aftermarket CD player so I can't say much about the stock unit. The speakers are still the stock ones, but seem to take the abuse I give them quite well and none of them have blown out.
The fabric of the interior is in excellent condition. I see no tears or burn marks and it isn't mushed down or wrinkled.
As for the engine itself I'm having no problems with it. Runs great and the throttle response is quite well for a 1990 model. The 3.1L V6 seems to be just about right for this car.
The transmission is having no problems at all. Doesn't seem to be slipping and the shifts are firm as if I just got it new.
If anyone out there is just looking for a car to get them from point A to point B then this is a great car. I personally use this to drive to and from school.
22nd Feb 2006, 07:39
I also have a problem with the door handles on my grand prix they stick all the time.