Just Acquired a 04 GTP

**orange57** · 06-27-2013

Hey guys,

I just acquired a 2004 GTP with 111K on the clock. I want to know what I should take a look at and inspect. I haven't driven, other than from the tow truck to the driveway. It starts right up, sounds like it may have a slight exhaust leak, and it sounded like it almost wanted to die right after firing it up. Although that may also be due to there being almost no fuel in the tank. Trans shifted into gear smooth.

All in all it's in pretty good shape. Paint is good, but the interior needs a thorogh cleaning. I'm no novice to the GP, as I've worked on my dad's 2000 plenty of times. And am a big fan of the 3800V6. My first car, a 1989 Oldsmobile 98 had the Series 1, and that think was a tank. Sold the car with 220K on the clock. I still miss it.

Any advice, or if you could point me to a general overview thread of things to look out for it would be much appreicated.

Thank you,

matt

**Scottydoggs** · 06-27-2013

next used car you think about buying. have it inspected by a shop, they will charge for this, but anything that is found wrong means money off for you.

lots a good info to be found here. one way or another your get it all squared away and running good.

**orange57** · 06-27-2013

Scotty,

Thanks for the tip. I'm the type that does all my own wrenching and troubleshooting

Last thing I took a car in for was to mate the Nav system to the car in my STS. Which, looks like I may have to take the GP to the dealer to get the key fob programmed. Bummer

The one thing I like about the 3800 and the Grand Prix is you can find parts relatively cheap. For instance, at 210K miles on my Olds I had to replace the transmission. Got a used one for $75 and was back on the road. Looking on CL and other various sites like Ebay I will have this thing back to tip condition quickly and hopefully with not much out of pocket. Providing me good cheap, and hopefully reliable transportation.

Thanks again,

matt

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 06-27-2013

Clean TB and MAF, get new OEM plugs and wires and it'll run great.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-27-2013

im the same way, trust me, but the lift and pro's words go a lot further then what your saying to a seller. my regal went to a shop, inspected, for free by the dealers shop, i was allowed in the shop and under the car, the guy showed me everything he could find wrong.

not that i couldn't find all these things myself, but who takes ramps jacks and tools to buy a car, and how many people will just let you start wrenching or poking around on their car?

in the end i payed 1/2 off the asking price due to the repairs it needed. shop rates it needed 2 grand in work. they wanted 1600, i paid 800.

fixed all that stuff myself for way less then that. at least my car reflects its book value now lol.

**97gtpjoe** · 06-27-2013

I live in Chandler AZ come on down anytime , I use to have an 05 compg now I have a 97 GTP .

**orange57** · 06-27-2013

I'm also in Chandler, where about are you at?

**NegativeOne13** · 06-27-2013

Right on man, congrats on the pickup.

Like stated spark plugs, wires, clean throttle body, refresh the tranny fluid and filter ( do not flush), LIM gaskets to aluminum and coolant elbows to aluminum, and oil changes. You will get tons of life out of it.