I bought GPs for both daughters, '01 GT for DD #1 and a '98 GT for DD #2, just added an 02 GTP to the fleet for ME.
GM added the rear wheel well liners in 01 so rear shock tower rust is less likely. Average life of the trans is 150-ish, factor that in. The LIM gaskets go bad on all the 3.8's, regardless of miles, so if the PO didn't make the repair, budget $200 for parts for that job.
Body style runs 97-03, then 04-08.
Tons of cars out there in that price range. I paid $3500 for my very clean '02 coupe with 98k miles, tons of mods, and trans rebuilt with receipts at 85k miles. Spent another $2k on new tires, struts, bearings, axles, stereo, etc., but car looks brand new. I'm like you, I DIY most everything.
Only advice, stay away from the SE's with the 3.1 or 3.4 engine, very common for head gaskets to go in addition to LIM.
*DD= Darling Daughter.
