Faults:

First I'd like to say the "running costs" and "reliability" would be 10s if we were just talking about the 3800/4T65-E drive train, which is superb. Now I'd also like to point out I bought this directly off the auction block in August 2010 for $11,450 and it already had 53K in 2.5 years, which means it was run hard in a short time (I believe was used as a wholesaler's car). This example was fully loaded with everything including leather/heated seats and a moonroof, but was missing traction control, the HUD on the windshield, nav, and the supercharger (which was dropped for MY08).

This is what I have had to do:

Rear sway bar links both wheels / 50 + 50 labor.

Front shocks/springs both wheels / 500 all.

Front tie rods both wheels / 400 all.

Front control arms both wheels / 200 + 250? labor.

Power steering rack replacement at my cost (due to breaking in drive) / 500 all.

Master cylinder due to leaky seals (told GM doesn't sell just the seals) / 500 all.

Standard maintenance I have done:

New spark plugs/wires at 80K / 100 for all.

Drained the devil's Kool Aid, DEXCOOL, replaced with Prestone / 60 for pro.

Changed transmission fluid / 100 for pro.

Switched to Mobil 1 oil (which does nothing for the 3800 per se, but I baby my cars) / 55 a 5K change.

Cleaned throttle body (beware! This has an electronic throttle and has to be cleaned with a partner) / 5 for a can of cleaner, did it myself.

Changed rear tail and turn signal bulbs (a real bitch) / $2.50 a bulb, did it myself.

Putting new head lights in due to fogging and slight damage (cost $80 on sale / will do my own work).

General Comments:

Here is the thing, in 2010 where are you going to find a newer mid size car with standard/reliable V6 and luxury features for $11,450 at the auction or at retail? I did research and couldn't come up with a better one that wasn't an MY01 at the time at that price. This model sports the 3800/4T65-E combination, and the 3800 is the sixth best motor of the 20th Century per Wards. The rest of the car is crap and I have no doubt it will continue to nickel and dime me. However the 3800 will start and will run for many years and miles to come; this motor in Series II guise has clocked 500K. I doubt I will come anywhere close, but she will do 150K easy and I can count on her to start when I need her too.

Given the realities of my climate and my limited budget at the time, I do not regret the purchase, but I am neutral on the overall outcome as there is good and bad. 80% highway she does 26 MPG and 40% highway she does 22.x MPG on average. I think EPA was 19/30 at the time, so reasonable power, mileage and reliability from a V6 MPFI, but not the 300 BHP of today's DI gas motors (but none of their problems either). You will see plenty of clapped out G-body LeSabres, Park Aves, Lucernes, and Grand Prix for years to come because of the 3800. Just know what you are getting yourself into folks.

A great beater, especially for the shadetree mechanic, but a lousy new car purchase.