Faults:
Numerous squeaks and rattles since day 1
Intake manifold gasket at 35,000km, engine running hot, losing coolant.
Car completely repainted at 35,000km, missing paint, clear coat peeling.
Head and gasket replaced at 38,000km, losing coolant.
Thermostat replaced at 40,000km. No heat.
Thermostat replaced again at 43,000km, engine overheating.
Intake manifold gasket replaced again at 45,000km, losing coolant again.
Thermostat replaced again at 52,000km, engine overheating again.
General Comments:
The car has great styling, lots of get up and go, a blast to drive.
Runs OK on regular, but really performs better and also get far better gas mileage on super no lead.
For long trips, an added seat cushion is needed as the seats are very uncomfortable.
I paid over $33,000 for it, not including taxes, fully loaded, only thing missing is the GTP motor. I called GM to see about a buy back to which I was told "this is the best car we make and we have had no recalls on it" I said, "funny I have had 2 now for it".
Every time I take this car in for more service the service tech says."not his car again" They are as fed up with my car as I am.
My first car which was a Vega was more reliable than this overpriced piece of JUNK! And to add to my validation of this piece of junk, my boss has a 98 GP, GT to which he also had to replace the head and intake manifold gasket.
Another friend of mine had a 97 to which he has had to do the same work to his. I ONLY WISH I HAD DONE MY HOMEWORK BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS CAR.
24th Aug 2004, 21:24
It sounds like you've got it in for Pontiac for some reason, or you need to find another shop to repair and diagnose your car. After ten years in the service business, I have yet to see one head gasket failure with a 3.8. The gasket kits aren't even stocked anywhere, including the dealers. It just doesn't happen.