1993 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.8 from North America
Summary:
A very reliable and low cost to maintain vehicle; a bargain that I would not hesitate to buy again
Faults:
Front windshield leaked during the first 6 months of ownership.
The Disk (CD) player had to be replaced 4 times during the first 2 years. It would tend to over heat. It has worked well ever since.
The transmission was overhauled at 285,000 km.
The head gasket was replaced at about 185,000 km.
The radiator had to be replaced at about 160,000 km and then again around 240,000 km.
No one has ever been able to correct the cooling fluid spillage that happens now and then around the opening of the filling cap on the plastic reserve tank. But this does not render the vehicle inoperable.
General Comments:
I'm seriously considering replacing parts as they break and to keep this plastic and aluminum body car for another 5 years or 500,000 km.
I would like to be able to find another car as reliable and cheap to operate as this mini van has been.
This has been a great family car. We travelled many 6,000 km trips (2 times 3,000 km) with 4 kids and 2 adults. It has been a superb experience.
At 315,000 km, the car still operates on the following original parts: muffler, motor, water pump, suspension system and body.
My most important problem is to make sure that the mechanics that work on this car take it seriously. I oversee all of their work and make sure that things are always done with great care. I'm a mechanical engineer.
The dealer has tried to convince me to change this car for a newer model. I feel that it will be difficult to find another car as reliable as this one. Therefore, I feel as though I should keep on taking good care of this one. As an engineer, I know that things don't last forever especially engines and running parts. Yet, I feel that this car can still deliver good performance. All I hope for is that GM will keep parts available for it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th August, 2001
11th Jul 2001, 14:11
I have just recently (7-1-01) sold my 1993 Transport. It was a very reliable car. It had its problems though. I had to replace the alternator 3 times, the water pump once and the front brake hoses. I always made sure to change the oil every 3000 miles and keep up with all of the maintenance that was required. It had 10,000 miles on it when I bought it in late 93. There was 128,000 on it when I sold it. We bought a new 2001 Montana to replace it.