Faults:
Starter at 85,000 kms.
Ignition wires at 86,000 kms.
Fuel Gauge stopped working correctly at approx 100,000 kms.
Exhaust repaired at 110,000 kms.
Alternator at 120,000 kms.
Front rotors badly warped and replaced at 129,000 kms.
Idler Pulley seized and fell off car at 134,000 kms.
Car no longer heats correctly, runs very cold when driving or very hot when idling and is making a loud growling sound (believed to be water pump)
Odometer sometimes displays random numbers and shapes.
A/C equipped, but has never worked on car.
Trunk leaks profusely from a source yet to be located.
Blower motor resister needs to be replaced, heater fan only works on 3 and 4 settings.
General Comments:
Overall I find this car to be unreliable and frustrating.
The exterior is rusting badly around the gas cap, and the front wheel wells and new problems seem to crop up each day.
The headlights are not very bright, even with a good set of bright bulbs.
The plastic portions on the interior (center console, dash, door paneling) seem to creak and groan too much.
In a more positive light, with the 4 speed automatic trans. and a K&N air filter it is a fairly peppy car for a 4 cyl.
The interior is relatively comfortable, however, on long drives (2+ hours) the front seats can become a little painful.
The fabric inside the car seems to be holding up well and has no rips or tears.
Car handles quite well in snowy weather with a good set of winter tires.
The engine, although a little cramped, is fairly easy to work on.
When the car is running properly it is a pleasure to drive, however, the range of problems I have experienced in only 18 months of ownership has soured me on the experience. I don't feel as though I will purchase another Pontiac and will probably sell this one as soon as possible.
23rd Apr 2006, 13:07
These are common problems occurring in a car after 100K on it. Did you think it was going to work forever with no problems? Also, you make me wonder if you ever did preventative maintenance as described in the manual. Rotors are normally changed on a car after 50K and one rotor turn whether they need it or not. To not change them is unsafe.