Faults:
I had to replace a ball joint.
A swing arm.
Also various braking components.
A year and a half later a component that helps that brake pedal work (I cannot recall the actual part) needed repair.
I replaced the belts.
Replaced the ignition switch after the original ignition key broke in half inside.
Also the seal for the back window has always leaked since the purchase.
A shimmy occurs when going faster then 70mph.
General Comments:
My father bought the car for me for my graduation. It had Michigan rust problems and almost no brakes, but after putting $400 into it the car ran just like it was new.
It was purchased for $500, but well worth the money. Cars 6 years old seem to have more miles then my car did when we bought it.
Altogether this car has been amazing. Total cost of repairs have been estimated in the $1000 range, but it beats a car payment.
The car has never let me down, it even got me down to Kentucky, a 700 mile journey, without stopping, except for gas, with no problem.
I want this car to last me as long as it can. The fuel economy is better then anything I've been interested in buying as a replacement. I estimated over 40 mpg in my trip from Michigan to Kentucky.
It's an ugly, gray beast, but the ride is very smooth. I never want to replace it or sell it.
This car has been the best car I've ever owned, even with the repairs.
We've owed a 1979 Thunderbird, 2002 Trailblazer, 1989 Grand Marquis, S-10s, and Somonas, and currently a 2004 Vibe. This car has outlasted them all performance wise (except the Vibe, which we traded the Trailblazer in for).
Pontiac did wrong by discontinuing this vehicle.
2nd Aug 2014, 14:32
What purpose does a rear spoiler serve on a front wheel drive car?
Anyways, you already have automatic pop-up front spoilers (the headlight covers).